Girl Scout troops from across Northern Illinois descended on Braidwood Feb. 1 for a Girl Scout merit badge fair promoting STEM education and careers in nuclear. Braidwood Station employees hosted a series of educational booths so nearly 100 girls could earn their nuclear merit badge during the event held at Exelon's Services & Training Center on Essex Road.
Girl scouts from many local communities had the opportunity to learn about atoms, radiation, how nuclear power is produced and the environmental benefits of nuclear energy in an event focused on promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) topics. The girls also dressed in nuclear plant worker clothing and visited the control room simulator during the day-long merit badge fair.
Troop leaders reacted positively to the day-long educational event and asked that Braidwood employees organize another due to high demand for attendance by other scout troops. Many troop leaders and girls were surprised to learn that Illinois has six nuclear power plants producing carbon-free energy which is becoming increasingly important by the day as we look to combat climate change.
Thank you to the nearly 20 Braidwood Station volunteers who organized and taught sessions during the event, as well as the girls who attended and learned about the benefits of nuclear energy.
