This past weekend, Troop 122 attended the Merchant Marine Academy Camporee at Kings Point, NY on Long Island.  There were several troops there - mostly from Monmouth County and the surrounding area. 

The Merchant Marine Academy is a service school much like military academies at West Point (Army) or Annapolis (Navy) albeit smaller.  For those scouts and parents who are considering a service academy, you might want to keep this in mind.  The campus is small but fully capable.  For us, it is local.  And one big thing is that in addition to giving a college degree and commission as an officer in the US military, you also are prepared for a maritime career which would benefit you well after your military obligation is up.