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On the weekend of November 5-7, 2004 nineteen of the scouts from Troop 17 went to Lake Anna Nuclear Power Plant (a facility of Dominion Power Company of Virginia) as a part of the requirements of the Atomic Energy merit badge. Other troops also participated in the weekend activity. The scouts camped out at a recreational facility adjacent to the power plant and most meals were provided by Dominion Power. The scouts cooked their own breakfast on Saturday morning.
Pictures (click on thumbnails to enlarge)
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Shown are the scouts gathering around a stove for breakfast on Saturday morning. The ground was a bit soggy and the overnight temperature was in the 30's, but the boys had a great time. |
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Scouts and parents all enjoyed their hot chocolate for breakfast to keep away the cold |
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Scouts enjoying some fun outside before going inside for the activities for the merit badge |
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Here, Troop 17 scouts got hands on practice learning how to use a detector that tracks radioactivity |
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A slide show teaching about atomic energy and special scientists was interesting and educational |
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The exterior of the Lake Anna Nuclear Power Plant. Scouts weren't allowed to see much of the actual operations inside for security and safety reasons |
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This is the simulator room where operators are trained. It shows what the control rooms look like |
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This suit protects workers at the plant from radiation exposure |
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During free time, scouts played with the glass tube. The electric charges in the tube were attracted to their hands on the outside of the tubes |
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Preparing to take the test for the merit badge. Scouts had to make a passing grade to get the badge |
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Troop 17 Scouts very intent on doing well on the merit badge test. All scouts from Troop 17 passed! |
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Scouts enjoyed their time in the simulator. They had a chance to problem solve |
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At times the simulator problem solving created red warning lights--thankfully, this was just pretend |