Energetic experience: WPS helps Scouts improve skills at electricity merit badge clinic

It’s easy to take for granted the simple act of turning on the lights. For a group of local Scouts, that everyday act turned into something electric with help from Wisconsin Public Service (WPS).

WPS employees shared expert lessons and helped a group of 20 Scouts learn new skills during the company’s electricity merit badge clinic Feb. 14 in Wausau. WPS hosts the clinic each year to help Scouts learn more about electricity and how it powers homes and businesses in their communities.

“This clinic is a great opportunity to help the Scouts learn how we deliver safe, reliable electricity that powers their favorite things, from computers to refrigerators to their favorite restaurant,” said Dave Schneider, senior service manager — WPS. “It allows them to earn a merit badge quickly, while learning important skills that can help them well into the future.”

A WPS employee watches as a small group of Scouts test small electric circuits while sitting at a long table.

Creating connections with energy experts

During the clinic, the Scouts took part in multiple sessions that helped them practice science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. Schneider began the event by helping the Scouts explain common electrical terms such as volt, watt and ampere before starting their hands-on learning.

In one interactive session, Scouts worked with WPS employees to create and test different types of electric circuits. In another session, WPS employees helped teach Scouts how to read their home’s electric meter, and how to use electricity safely and efficiently. Each Scout also showed what they learned by creating and testing working electromagnets and switches with help from WPS workers.

“The Scouts were really excited to show off how well their electromagnets and circuits worked,” said Brad Berglund, customer service manager — WPS. “It’s a pleasure to see how much more the Scouts know about electricity by the end of the clinic. It’s what makes it my favorite volunteer event each year.”

The clinic also helped Scouts learn how to keep themselves and others safe around electricity. The Wausau Fire Department closed out the event by teaching the Scouts how they can safely respond if an emergency involving electricity happens.

A small group of Scouts connects simulated electric circuits together on tabletop displays in a conference room.

A WPS employee teaches Scouts how to read an electric meter during a presentation on energy efficiency in a conference room.

A group of Scouts sitting at a conference table assemble small electric circuits powered by batteries.

Supporting Scouts and student learning

This is the 72^nd year WPS has hosted an electricity merit badge clinic for Scouts. The tradition began in 1952 to support local Scouts and help them advance through the program. It is the longest-running educational program that WPS offers to local students.

“It’s rewarding to contribute to the long-standing legacy of this clinic that has supported generations of Scouts in Wisconsin,” said Leah Van Zile, WPS local affairs leader. “By teaching important skills and sparking interest in energy careers, we’re continuing our mission to build stronger, brighter communities.”

Scouts from Almond, Schofield, Tomahawk and Wausau, as well as Ironwood, Michigan, attended this year’s electricity merit badge clinic.