About
The Dan Beard Council Alumni Association (DBCAA) is the local chapter of the National Scouting America Alumni Association. Whether you’re an active Scouter, considering coming back to the campfire, or simply believe in the mission of Scouting, you’re invited to join! Dan Beard Alumni, like you, are passionate voices that strengthen the program, promote alumni accomplishments, and celebrate the Scouting spirit and traditions.
Mission
The mission of the Dan Beard Council Alumni Association (DBCAA) is to foster a community of Scouting America alumni that promotes the values, skills, and experiences gained through Scouting, while empowering and inspiring them to make a positive impact on Scouting and in their communities. Through collaboration, resource-sharing, and networking, we aim to strengthen the Dan Beard alumni community and advance Scouting America’s mission of preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes.
Vision
The vision of Dan Beard Council Alumni Association (DBCAA) is to be a resource for inspiration and support for Scouting America alumni, fostering a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and personal growth.
Scouting America Alumni Association
The purpose of the Scouting America Alumni Association is to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan to foster lifelong relationships for alumni and encourage their gifts of time, talent, and philanthropy to Scouting. The association facilitates volunteer service to achieve established goals related to vibrant alumni membership programs, events, communications, awards, scholarships, council service, web stores, and revenue generation.
Join the Dan Beard Alumni Association
Joining the Dan Beard Council Alumni Association (DBCAA) is simple. Just submit the form below and you’re in!
Please note: There are no fees or dues to join to the DBCAA, although donations to to any of the current DBC Giving Appeals are always appreciated. Our primary communication channel is our email newsletter list. Subscribers to this list receive periodic newsletters and announcements of upcoming activities a couple times a month. Your contact information will not be sold or redistributed and you can opt-out at any time.
Scouting Journeys
Adventure, growth, and exploration are some of the core themes in Scouting. Those who have been involved in Scouting have no doubt experienced one or all of those, which has impacted their lives.
Dan Beard Council (DBC) and Dan Beard Alumni Association wants to discover and share these stories and the transformative journeys that have occurred for people through their involvement in Scouting. You are invited to read the stories submitted by others below and hopefully be inspired to submit your Scouting Journey to share as well.
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Scouting, through its diverse range of activities, has been instrumental in imparting essential life skills. Having worked at a camp for six years, I have gained invaluable experiences that have shaped my work ethic and instilled a sense of responsibility. The demanding nature of camp work not only honed my ability to adapt and thrive in challenging environments but also taught me the importance of teamwork and cooperation. Interacting with a diverse array of people, including fellow staff, leaders, and camp attendees, allowed me to cultivate strong interpersonal skills, fostering the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from various backgrounds. Beyond its immediate impact on personal growth, Scouting has played a significant role in shaping my career trajectory. The pursuit of merit badges, initially considered by me as mere requirements, ultimately evolved into meaningful experiences that directly influenced my professional development. The process of earning these badges expanded my knowledge and expertise in various fields, transforming classroom learning into tangible real-world applications. Consequently, the skills acquired through merit badge work became instrumental in securing my current and past employment opportunities, providing me with a competitive edge in the job market. Just as importantly, it gave me contact with adults in these fields giving me an early experience in the professional world before many of my peers. One of the most remarkable aspects of Scouting lies in its ability to forge enduring friendships. The shared experiences and challenges that Scouting offers create a unique bond between individuals that often transcends time and distance. Through Scouting, I have had the privilege of connecting with like-minded individuals who share my values and aspirations. These lifelong friendships have provided a reliable support network, encouraging personal growth and fostering a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the Scouting community. The relationships I have built range from people I talk to every day, to some who I only see a few times a decade, but we still get along as if we have kept in touch daily. Earning the rank of Eagle instills a strong sense of organization and project management. Through participation in various Scouting activities, I have learned the importance of meticulous planning and effective execution. From organizing camp events to leading community service projects, Scouting has honed my ability to identify goals, create comprehensive plans, and see projects through to their successful completion. These invaluable skills have extended beyond Scouting, enabling me to excel in academic, professional, and personal endeavors, empowering me to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and purpose. Leadership positions as a youth and young adult also showed me that we can all work towards these goals, and how to embrace everyone’s strengths to create a greater whole. While Eagle is an individual award, there are dozens of people who help a Scout get there. This skill is an important part of successful project management because the leader who tries to do it all alone will often fail or burn out. The most profound lesson I have learned through Scouting is that personal growth is an ongoing journey without a defined endpoint. As Scouts, we strive to achieve our highest potential, continually setting new goals and surmounting new challenges. Reaching the pinnacle of Scouting, whether it be earning the Eagle Scout, Quartermaster or Summit rank serves as a reminder that success is not an endpoint but an opportunity to give back to the community and inspire others. While it is not a rank, membership in the Order of the Arrow taught me that “those who chose you need you”. I have taken that to heart, and offered years more leadership beyond my youth participation. Scouting has played an indispensable role in shaping my personal and professional development. Through its emphasis on life skills, cooperative abilities, career preparation, lifelong friendships, project planning, and a commitment to giving back, Scouting has provided me with the necessary tools to thrive in various aspects of life. It has also taught me that I can and should have fun as much as possible when working toward something.Craig Vollmar | August 3rd, 2023
“Once a Scout, always a Scout.”
“Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”
My Scouting journey began several decades ago when I joined as a Tiger Cub, worked my way through Cub Scouts and Webelos, earned the Arrow of Light award, crossed over into Boy Scouts (now known as Scouts BSA), and earned the Eagle Scout rank. There were many other memorable parts of my Scouting experience along the way, but I wanted to highlight a few key items that really impacted my life.
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I was fortunate to have my father involved with me during much of my Scouting journey. He served in leadership roles such as Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Scoutmaster. During this time he not only taught the things needed to be successful in Scouting, but also so many other life lessons and skills through the shared Scouting experience. Although I was very active in Scouting as a youth and young adult, life changed (as it often does) and I was away from the program for twenty years until my five year old daughter wanted to join Cub Scouts as a Lion after having seen my box full of old memorabilia, especially the Pinewood Derby cars! It was super exciting to rejoin the program and start again by serving as a Den Leader for my daughter’s Den so that I can now pass all of my Scouting and life knowledge onto her through the shared interest and activities of Scouting.
Nearly all of the ranks in Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA involve a service project which helps teach the values of helpfulness, selflessness, and service. My extensive participation in the Order of the Arrow (OA) – “The Brotherhood of Cheerful Service” – further instilled the importance of service to others, “giving back” (financially or otherwise), and volunteering to help in whatever way needed. Helping others and offering my time and skills to benefit others is something that I actively try to do as much as possible and encourage others to do so as well. Many people won’t ask for help, even if needed, so being able to identify those opportunities and offer assistance is a particularly gratifying experience.
Serving in various leadership positions throughout my Scouting journey as both a youth and adult, planning and executing an Eagle Scout project, and service on the OA Executive Committee have all helped me learn and refine my leadership, organization, and project management skills. My Vigil Honor name is “Majaweichten Nimat” which means, “Organized Brother,” so I must have been doing something right! In all seriousness, these are important skills that not only helped me earn my Scouting ranks and awards, but I used them to complete college and have relied on them everyday in my professional career to be productive, effective, productive, and successful.
Scouting has been a large part of my life and has helped shape my personality in many ways. I am proud to be a Scout and an Eagle Scout and an adult volunteer again serving a local Unit, the District, and the Council in various positions. I am very supportive of the updated Scouting program and excited that my daughter now has the opportunity to earn Eagle Scout as well.
Share Your Scouting Journey
Alumni Awards and Recognition
Several alumni awards are available at both the local and national levels. Please review the details for each award regarding nomination processes, due dates, and presentation events.
Alumni Award
The Alumni Award is a recognition program to encourage participation and work in Council alumni relations programs and activities including the DBC Alumni Association, DBC Camp Staff Alumni Association, DBC Eagle Scout Association, Order of the Arrow, and DBC Silver Beaver Alumni Association. Areas of work include alumni identification/promotion, alumni engagement, personal participation, and education.
Eligibility
- Presented to Scouting alumni who promote continued engagement with Scouting America.
- Registered adult Scouters may submit a completed application for approval by the Dan Beard Alumni Association committee. Approved applications are forwarded to the National Alumni Relations Committee.
- Those approved will be sent a certificate that can be used to purchase the Scouting Alumni Award Knot and/or lapel pin from the local Scout Shop.
Scouting America Alumni Award Recipients in Dan Beard Council
- David Dougherty
- Charlie Garrison
- Wayne Kalkwarf
- Ted Langdon
- Matt Scherocman
- Doug Siebenburgen
- Robert Taylor
- Connor Thompson
- Craig Vollmar
Veteran Award
The Veteran Award is an adult recognition. However, tenure earned as a youth may be included in the total number of years registered.
After five years of registered service in Scouting America , an adult may, upon application, receive the designation of “Veteran,” provided the person agrees to live up to the Scouting obligations; to keep local Scouting authorities in the community in which residing informed as to availability for service; and further, to be as active in the promotion of the cause of Scouting as circumstances and conditions permit. Service in Scouting organizations other than the Boy Scouts of America does not count toward veteran recognition. An individual must currently be a paid registered member of Scouting America to receive an award. An adult designated veteran shall pay the regular registration fee if desiring to continue to retain active connection with the movement.
Scouters desiring recognition as veterans must have maintained an active registered relationship for the required number of years, paying the annual registration fee.
Eligibility
- Must be an adult.
- Must have provided at least five years of registered service in Scouting America as a youth and/or adult.
- Must currently be a paid registered member of Scouting America to receive an award. The records of the national office (if applicable) and local council shall determine eligibility.
- The periods of service claimed for veteran recognition need not be continuous.
- Must agrees to live up to the Scouting obligations; to keep local Scouting authorities in the community in which residing informed as to availability for service; and to be as active in the promotion of the cause of Scouting as circumstances and conditions permit.
Application Process
- Download the Veteran Award application form and fill it out with all required information.
- Once the application form has been completed, it should be submitted to the Dan Beard Alumni Association either electronically or send to:
Dan Beard Alumni Association
Attention: Veteran Award
10078 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Submission Deadline: None/Ongoing Award OPTIONAL: Use the form at the bottom of this page to submit your Veteran Award so that you can be recognized for your service on this page as well.
Tell Us About Your Veteran Award
North Star Award
The North Star Award is a high-level award for non-registered volunteers who have made a significant contribution to Scouting. The award is presented by Dan Beard Council (DBC) on the behalf of the Scouting America National Court of Honor.
This award is on same level as the Silver Beaver Award which recognizes registered Scouters for their distinguished service. The North Star award does not supplement or replace the Silver Beaver Award as its purpose is to recognize non-Scouters.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be a non-registered Scouting supporters that have performed distinguished service to youth in Scouting.
- An individual who was previously registered with the Scouting America but is currently not registered is eligible to receive this award.
- Any contributions made as a registered Scouter cannot and must not be considered. Only those contributions made as a non-Scouter may be considered for the North Star Award.
- Nominations cannot be for posthumous awards.
- Please note that some honorees may be highlighted in Scouting magazine.
Nomination Process
Download the North Star Award nomination form and fill it out with all the required information.
Once the nomination form has been completed it should be submitted electronically to the DBC Alumni Association Committee at least 60 days prior to the intended presentation date.
Submission Deadline: None/Ongoing Award
Submission deadline for presentation at the 2025 Council Recognition Event is April 30, 2025.
Alumnus of the Year
The Scouting America Alumnus of the Year Award is the Scouting America Alumni Association’s highest recognition. This award was established to recognize alumni of the Scouting America who, over a sustained period, have used the skills and values they learned through their association with scouting to make significant and long-lasting contributions to the scouting alumni movement, to scouting in general, and their communities. This is not meant to be another Man of the Year, Good Citizen, or general Philanthropist award. There are three levels of this award – national, territories, and council – that may be granted for alumni service.
Council Alumnus of the Year Award
The Council Alumnus of the Year Award is given for exceptional service to the alumni movement on a council-wide basis. Each council may annually select one nominee for this award. The council must notify the national office of their selection, allowing accurate record keeping and current website information. The national office will forward a Certificate to be signed locally for a formal presentation at a public event. Specific requirements are listed on the application form.
Territories Alumnus of the Year Award
The Territories Alumnus of the Year Award is given for remarkable service to the Alumni movement above the Council level. A total of four awards are presented annually. To arrive at four awards the National Service Territory (NST) will be grouped together into four different groupings to select one Territories Alumnus of the Year. These grouping are: Territories 1, 2, 3. Territories 4, 5, 6, 9. Territories 7, 8, 14, 15, 16. Territories 10, 11, 12, 13. Specific requirements are listed on the application form.
National Alumnus of the Year Award
The National Alumnus of the Year Award is given for exemplary service to the alumni movement on a national level. One award is presented annually. Requirements can be found on the application form.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be a Scouting America alumnus – which means he or she has been positively and personally impacted by the Scouting America in some way.
- A maximum of one recipient may be awarded per council per year.
- The nomination is not to be submitted posthumously.
- Nominations are submitted to the Dan Beard Alumni Association committee for consideration.
- Approved nominations are forwarded to the to the Scouting America Alumni Association Committee for consideration. Those approved will be returned with a personalized certificate and be added to the list of Alumnus of the Year recipients.
Primary Consideration (80%) is given to those that:
- Remind Scouting alumni to maintain a lifetime relationship with Scouting, which enables Scouting to remain healthy for future generations.
- Scouting promotion, contributing significantly to the promotion and/or advancement of the Scouting America alumni program and activities at a Council level over a sustained period of time through word and/or deed.
- Bring Scouting Alumni back to the Campfire.
Secondary Consideration (20%) is given to those that:
- Career and/or avocation, such as achieving high honor or distinction in their chosen profession.
- Community service, including contributions to Scouting or other community efforts or organizations.
Dan Beard Council Alumnus of the Year
Congratulations to Craig Vollmar on receiving the Boy Scouts of America Council Alumnus of the Year Award, the Scouting America Alumni Association’s highest recognition! This award honors Scouting America alumni who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to their local communities through their efforts with Scouting Alumni programs. Craig’s dedication to improving Alumni communications by reworking the Council’s websites, email promotions, and marketing strategy have had an amazing impact on alumni connections. This is in addition to Craig servicing Scouting in many other ways and roles. We are proud to recognize him for his outstanding contributions to Scouting.
Dan Beard Council serves over 12,000 Scouts and Scouters throughout 12 counties in Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DBC operations are completely funded by the Friends of Scouting annual giving campaign, corporate sponsorships, the popcorn sale and activity revenue. Funding is used for program delivery in the form of camp operations, the Scout Achievement Center, professional and support staff, and the many Scouting events held throughout the council each year. Donations to to any of the current DBC Giving Appeals are always appreciated.
License Plates
Adorn your vehicle with plates showing your support for Scouting. These plates cost extra, but a portion of the proceeds is distributed to Scouting America Councils throughout the respective states.
Note: Scouting plates are not available in Kentucky at this time.
Contact the Dan Beard Alumni Association
Sends email message to the Dan Beard Alumni Association (alumni.danbeard@gmail.com).
