American Presidents Museum teams with Boy Scouts for Merit Badge program

In the continuing tradition of President Gerald Ford who earned the rank Eagle Scout during his scouting years, the American Presidents Museum is working with Boy Scouts of America to allow young Scouts to earn a prestigious badge, the Citzenship of the Nation. The National Center for Presidential Studies and American Presidents Museum is teaming up to offer the merit badge program to area Boy Scout through a program that will take the Scouts through American history, the branches and roles of the Government, the documents that built the foundation of our nation, and what it means to be a good citizen. It is a required element for Scouts desiring to earn the distinction of Eagle Scout. The program is a full-day activity and is scheduled for Saturday, May 12th at the museum located on the third floor of the Majestic building located at 2849 Gretna Road, Branson. Individual Scouts as well as entire Scout troops are invited to participate. The program will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a midmorning break that will include a snack and a break for lunch. "Scouting teaches boys the fundamentals of many necessary skills and attributes to help them on their way to becoming responsible adult members of society," said Stormy Lynn Snow, CEO and founder of the education center. "None are as important as Citizenship of the Nation. One of the primary functions of our educational center is teaching American history, and instilling pride in our nation in all who come through our doors. Offering this merit badge program is an excellent way for our center to reach out to the community, and to the Boy Scouts of America, and show what a wonderful resource we are." An awards ceremony will be held in which the Scouts will be presented with the Citizenship of the Nation merit badge, as well as a certificate of completion from the center, Snow said. The program will include several special visitors to aid in the various components required, role-playing, and a guided tour of the museum with focus on the Documents of Freedom, and various activities revolving around the eight requirements. The cost for participation is $3 per Scout, and complimentary admission for leaders and group chaperones. For more information on the museum and this event, visit the museum's website and calendar pages at www.americanpresidentsmuseum.com or call the museum at 417-334-8683. E-mail inquiries may be sent to  Advance reservations are required. The museum director asks that those with connections to Scouting and Scout groups pass this information on to them.   Contact: Stormy Lynn Snow 417-334-8683