SCOUTING COMMITTEE
William Douglas Sr.
The Scouting Committee met at Department Headquarters on Saturday August 12, 2023, in Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania. We had a “Round Table” discussion and reviewed all of the current Scouting Award Forms and made additions and changes to bring them more in line with the new “Scouts BSA” terminology and procedures.
Chairman Bill gave his report concerning his attendance to the National Scouts BSA Council meeting and the 2023 National Jamboree this past summer. He discussed the changes that the Scouts BSA is having to incorporate into the new parts of the Scouting program.
We reviewed the issue of Scout Troops and Cub Packs leaving the sponsorship program of the United Methodist Church and transferring to Legion, Auxiliary Units and SAL Squadrons. All of the Committee members that have been involved indicated that so far all of the transfers of sponsorship have gone well and co-operation between all parties involved has been great. A “Thanks” goes out to the Legion Family Members that have stepped up to support this transition program and your support is greatly appreciated by all the Scout Councils within the Department.
Commander Lavelle and Adjutant “Woody” stopped by and offered some words of wisdom and guidance for Committee. Chairman Bill took the opportunity to offer “Thanks” to our great Department Staff for all their support this year given to the Committee. It is greatly appreciated believe me. Commander Lavelle thanked the Committee and is looking forward to a great year.
A discussion developed among the Committee members concerning the fact that the Committee needs to improve communications between the Committee and the local Scout Councils serving our Department. We have decided to approach each Council to provide us with a list of each “Legion Family” sponsored Troops and Packs. With this list it is felt we can better and more directly improve communications about our program, especially with our newly redesigned
“Scouting Brochure”. Hopefully this will improve their participation in our program by Legion Family sponsored Troops and Packs. It was noted that there was very little submissions from one Section and hopefully this will improve that condition.
The meeting was adjourned with the usual formalities at approximately 1600 hours and wished
that all had safe journey home.
2024 SCOUTING AWARD WINNERS
OUTSTANDING SCOUTS USA UNIT AWARD
Troop 160 – sponsored by Post 366 – Philadelphia, District 5E
Troop 245 – sponsored by Post 245 – State College, District 23W
Troop 51 – sponsored by Post 933 – Hatfield, District 9E
OUTSTANDING CUB SCOUT UNIT AWARD - no submissions
OUTSTANDING VENTURE UNIT, EXPLORER UNIT, OR SEA SCOUT HONOR UNIT
– no submissions
CUB SCOUT OF THE YEAR
Walter H. Christ, IV, Sidman, PA
DEPT. OF PA SCOUTER OF THE YEAR
Henry “Hank” Skoczen, Hatfield, PA - recommended by Post 933, Hatfield, PA – District 9E
Walt MacBride, Cheltenham, PA – recommended by Post 366 – Philadelphia, District 5E
Matthew John Coll, Pleasant Gap, PA – recommended by Post 867, Pleasant Gap, District 23W
Gregory Novak, Sidman, PA – recommended by Post 573, Dunlo, District 20W
Jonathan Hess, York, PA – recommended by Post 791, York, District 22C
LEGIONNAIRE SCOUTER OF THE YEAR
Wayne Simon, Harrison City, PA – recommended by Post 945 – HQ Holding Post
WOOD BADGE SCHOLARSHIP
Paul Sprague, DuBois, PA – recommended by Post 17, DuBois, PA – District 23W
Harry Hanna, Littlestown, PA – recommended by Post 321, Littlestown, PA – District 22C
EAGLE SCOUT OF THE YEAR AND NATIONAL EAGLE SCOUT WINNER
Lauren Tyree, Lincoln University, PA
