Local scouts enjoy educational adventures on Vulcan's Boy Scouts Day

October 6, 2008 - Boy Scouts from the greater LaGrange area got a taste of quarry life on Saturday when Vulcan Materials Company hosted the first annual Boy Scout Day. Scouts arrived at the McCook Quarry in two groups, at 8 a.m. and 12:20 p.m., to embark upon all sorts of quarry adventures and hands-on learning experiences. The eventful day gave Scouts a chance to mingle with members of the Vulcan team and learn how the McCook Quarry directly impacts the community.

"This was a great opportunity to enrich our Scouts' knowledge of how mining helps build a better community," said Chris Isit of the Des Plaines Valley Council and Boy Scouts of America. "Our scouts will leave today with a greater understanding of how highways like the Dan Ryan Expressway are possible because of what goes on at a quarry."



In a day enriched with all sorts of learning opportunities, the Scouts eagerly embraced each lesson administered from Vulcan's field experts. Human Resources & Safety manager Rex Lindsey led the Scouts on a chartered bus tour of the quarry where they witnessed firsthand how natural resources are mined. The Scouts also hit the classroom for Geology 101, in which Area Manager Jeff May explained the basics of geology, how limestone is formed and where it can be found. Following the lesson, the Scouts got their hands dirty in a full-fledged fossil hunt.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to provide an exciting learning experience and interact with such a bright group of boys," said May. "Vulcan encourages curiosity and an appreciation for science and we are impressed with the Scouts' dedication to learning and the community."

Scouts will gather at their next scheduled meeting to discuss what they learned at the quarry and display the rocks they discovered in the fossil pit. Upon demonstration of knowledge gained in their behind-the-scenes look at the McCook Quarry's operations, the Scouts will then be awarded with a Geology Activity Pin.

To see more photos of the event, please click here