The time is used to work on merit badges, award badges, and occasionally hear guest speakers. About once a month there is a camp-out at either nearby Camp Perry or South Padre Island. Gerber also organizes field trips, such as taking Scouts to the Cameron County Courthouse in Brownsville to witness a criminal trial, which helps them fulfill their law badge requirements. For those who think of the Boy Scouts as just camp fires and knot tying, Gerber said the program has expanded in recent years to include more varied interests. There are now 119 different badges available.
Scouts still pursue traditional badges, such as first aid and archery.
But, there are now badges in such areas as graphic arts, theater and truck transportation. The Boy Scouts turns 90 next year, and what keeps it interesting is its variety, Gerber said. We ve always had the image of helping little old ladies across the street, but were so much more than that. There are thousands of grown adults who would tell you they found their careers through earning merit badges. When a boy participates in this program, certain values are transmitted at a very important stage in his life, that will hopefully stay with him a lifetime, he said.