AUBURN — Dozens of Boy Scouts attended “Merit Badge College” in April and May. They met once a week to work on two merit badges that they chose from 12 subjects such as music, public speaking and citizenship in the community. The scouts came from troops in Auburn, Bethel, Lewiston, Lisbon, Rumford, Sabattus, South Paris and Turner.

“This is such a good opportunity for boys to learn and work with good role models,” said Sue Cooper, Troop 195 committee chairwoman, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Merit badge counselors are approved and subject to background checks through the Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

The goals of the Boy Scouts of America are the development of good character, good citizenship and good fitness, both physical and mental. There are more than 120 badges that Boy Scouts can earn as a way to achieve these goals. To learn more about scouting or find a local scout troop, go to www.beascout.org.