The energy industry is full of connections — but there’s one that continues to stand out for both Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) volunteers and future leaders across northern Wisconsin.
WPS energy experts continued their decades of support for local Scouts by hosting the company’s 71st electricity merit badge clinic on Feb. 8 in Wausau. A group of 15 Scouts from north central Wisconsin took part in hands-on learning and energy training during this year’s clinic.
The event helped the Scouts better understand the systems and equipment needed to reliably power everything from computers to homes to entire communities.
“Electricity is so important in all of our lives,” said Leah Van Zile, local affairs leader — WPS. “We use electricity every day, so it’s neat for the Scouts to learn how it works, how electricity is conducted through the wires, and how to make a simple circuit.”
A legacy of helping Scouts succeed
The connection between WPS and Scouts across northeast and north central Wisconsin runs deep. The electricity merit badge clinic is the company’s longest-running educational effort, helping generations of Scouts since it began in 1952. Each year, the clinic gives Scouts a fun, interactive way to improve their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills while advancing in Scouting.
Completing the clinic checklist
WPS volunteers worked with each Scout to help them meet several requirements to earn the electricity merit badge. By the end, Scouts were able to:
- Demonstrate their knowledge of common electrical terms.
- Explain how to measure and manage their home’s energy use.
- Discuss careers working with electricity.
WPS volunteers worked with the Scouts to complete hands-on requirements as well. Volunteers reviewed simple electromagnets and circuits created by the Scouts at home. The Scouts then tested their devices, and received help from the WPS volunteers to fix any errors.
“It’s really rewarding to help the Scouts learn more about electricity and get interested in how we serve our communities every day,” said Dave Schneider, senior service manager — WPS, who has been an adult leader with Scouting America for 18 years. “Our volunteers have a lot of fun connecting with the Scouts to not only help them earn a merit badge, but also develop important skills they can use in school and at home.”
WPS also partnered with the Wausau Fire Department during the clinic to teach Scouts how to keep themselves and others safe during emergencies involving electricity.