ST. CLOUD-The leadership on Central Minnesota Council, Boy Scouts of America Sunday held their annual volunteer recognition dinner at Territory Golf Club in St. Cloud.
Scout Executive David Trehey stated in a news release, "During this event we have the honor of
presenting several awards to volunteers, who are the backbone of our organization and make Scouting happen in our communities."
One of the awards presented was the Parker Award presented to Kim Erickson, Baxter, for her dedicated service to Parker Scout Camp. Since her son, Austin, 15, joined Cub Scouts in first grade she has been volunteering her time and talents at Parker.
Whether spending time in the dining hall preparing food, scrubbing pots and pans, helping run programs or grabbing a rake, Erickson's contributions at Parker help make Scouting possible at Parker.
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Each year the Council recognizes an organization for telling the story of Scouting with the Good News Award, this year Benton County News was recognized.
Joe Bastian, 18, Foley, an Eagle Scout with Troop 10 was recognized for his accomplishment with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Bastian was honored as the High School Big Brother of the Year for the State of Minnesota.
Rev. Ben Kociemba presented a group of Cub Scouts with their Catholic religious awards. One of the 12 points of the Scout Law is a Scout is Reverent and earning a religious award for a Scout is one of the ways a Scout can live up to this point.
George Schnepf, Sartell, was recognized by the National Eagle Scout Association as an Outstanding Eagle Scout for his service to the Cold Spring community by organizing the iRock Run 5k benefitting a different local non profit every year. He is a long time board member for Central Minnesota Council and has served on the executive committee as treasurer and president.
The final awards presented were the three Silver Beavers, the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. This award is given to Scouters who are nominated by other volunteers and not to those who seek the award.
The recipients were James Pearson of Brainerd, Gordon Hesse of Cold Spring and Mike Peters of Avon.
Pearson's scouting career began as a Cub Scout earning the Arrow of Light. Later in Troop 420 of Deephaven, he earned the Eagle rank in 1974. Pearson has held many positions in the Pine Tree District, including District Chair, and currently Committee Chair for Pack 74.
His committee members stated, "He is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his positions. His service as the communications leader on the district committee helps to ensure the members of the district receive timely and effective information from the district and council."
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Hesse is a valued volunteer, having been a den leader in Pack 15 and Scoutmaster in Troop 15 of Cold Spring.
Peters knows his way around the council, as a Den Leader and Committee Chair of Pack 31 in Avon, on Ripley staff, helping the Scenic District Eagle Board, Troop 31 Scoutmaster, council ambassador for The Bechtel Summit Jamboree Site and Assistant Scoutmaster for the 2013 Jamboree.
Peters currently serves on the Scenic District and Troop 31 committees, the Order of the Arrow, the Diocesan Catholic Committee on scouting and NYLT staff.
Go to www.BSACMC.org to learn more about scouting in Central Minnesota.
