Boys' Town Pre-Visit

The Boys' Town near Rome is essentially a town governed by Italian orphans. Children who have a rough life or a lack of family are brought into the town and taught responsibilty and social skills. It was created by Msgr. Carroll-Abbing, who came up with the idea of the boys running the community. The boys have jobs, are elected into the government, and get paid in a fake currency called the Scudo. If a child earns enough Scudo, he can treat himself to some soda or candy. It is basically a bonus for good deeds. Boys can stay in the town until they turn eighteen. However, after they leave the town they are always told to return if they need any help in the real world.