Springs Preserve hosts second ScoutQuest for valley Boy Scouts

Courtesy Springs Preserve

ScoutQuest is being held Friday and Saturday at Springs Preserve.

By Cara McCoy

Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 | 2:15 p.m.

Boy Scouts and their families are descending on Springs Preserve in a quest -- a ScoutQuest -- for merit badges and scouting spirit.

ScoutQuest, which began Friday and continues Saturday, gives Southern Nevada Scouts the opportunity to earn merit badges, participate in activities and tour Springs Preserve. Admission is $2.50 for Scouts in uniform. Family members and friends accompanying Scouts receive $2 off the regular price of admission, which is $9.95 for adults and $4.95 for children.

Twenty-two merit badge classes are being offered throughout the two-day event, ranging from archaeology to veterinary medicine. Registration for the classes closed Wednesday.

"Saturday's exhibits are open to everybody, it's not just for Scouts," said Catherine Muir, who is organizing the merit badge classes. Springs Preserve staffers and outside counselors are teaching the courses, which cost $15 to enroll in. No walk-in admissions are being accepted for the classes.

Muir said about 20 different exhibits on various topics will be open for viewing.

The first ScoutQuest was held earlier this year, in January. A third iteration, planned for September 2011, is already in the works, Muir said.

Springs Preserve is at 333 S. Valley View Blvd., across from the Meadows Mall.