Members of Girl Scout Brownies Troop 51378 recently visited with Sharpsburg-area District Judge Matthew Rudzki as part of efforts to earn their Democracy for Brownies badge.

The troop is based out of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Etna.

Its Scouts are second and third graders from O’Hara, Shaler and the surrounding areas.

They learned about the three branches of government as part of their Democracy badge.

Scouts toured the judge’s office and courtroom March 11.

Rudzki fielded some questions about the judicial system, and each Scout took a turn banging the gavel.

“It’s always such a pleasure to host young folks in the court for discussions about the judiciary and democracy,” the judge said. “They’re two topics which I am passionate about and am grateful for future generations, their engagement in government and their inquisitiveness.”

Assistant troop leader Darcy Osby said the girls had a lot of fun learning and thanked the judge for his participation.

“He was really great with the girls, really patient and answered their questions well,” Osby said.

Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.