Dan Beard ESA Scoutmaster Award
The Dan Beard Eagle Scout Association (ESA) recognizes Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters who have provided opportunity, experience, leadership, and guidance in advancing our youth to Eagle Scouts. The Dan Beard ESA Scoutmaster Award was created to recognize the influence that these Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters have shown in being mentors and role models to the youth of the Dan Beard Council (DBC).
Eligibility
- Nominee need not be an Eagle Scout.
- Be currently registered as a Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster*, or have been a Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster*, with registration that ended no more than three years ago (i.e., March 31st two years ago to present).
- Was the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster* of a troop when one or more youth achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in DBC.
- Provided for the development of youth leadership within the troop.
- Projected a positive image of Scouting in the community.
*Nomination for an Assistant Scoutmaster must be submitted by the Scoutmaster.
Selection
The Dan Beard ESA Scoutmaster Award recipient(s) will be selected by the Dan Beard ESA Committee from the nominations submitted during the CURRENT year only. The award(s) will be presented at an appropriate event that will be communicated separately.
Nomination Process
- Submit nomination using the online form before the submission deadline date.
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2024
Scoutmaster Award Recipients 2023 – Awarded on 6/02/2024
Ronald L. Bacu
Derek Easton
Derek embodies the core principles of the Patrol Method within Troop 221, firmly believing in empowering Scouts to lead themselves and their peers. As a dedicated advocate for boy-led troops, Derek ensures that every meeting and program event begins with Scout leadership and decision-making, with adults providing support and resources based on the Scouts’ direction. His commitment to fostering self-reliance among Scouts is evident in his coaching approach, employing the Socratic method to encourage independent learning and goal setting within the Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC).
Under Derek’s guidance, Troop 221 boasts a robust program, including monthly camping trips, summer camps, and annual high adventure expeditions to destinations like Mt. Hood Oregon and Philmont. His proficiency in Scouting skills, honed through his military experience, enables him to effectively train Scouts in various facets of Scouting through friendly, conversational sessions that ignite curiosity and motivation. Derek’s leadership style serves as a model for his Scouts, inspiring them to embrace learning and advancement with confidence, knowing they have his unwavering support.
Derek’s dedication to Troop 221 and its Scouts has not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition as Wyoming Citizen of the Year in 2022 for his positive influence on youth. The Troop’s involvement in community events like the Wyoming Fall Festival and local Eagle service projects underscores Derek’s commitment to connecting with the community and instilling a sense of responsibility and service in his Scouts, contributing to their impressive advancement rate, with 16 Eagle Scouts achieved during his tenure.
Craig Kinsman
One of Craig’s notable strengths lies in his personalized approach to helping Scouts set and achieve age-appropriate goals for personal development and rank advancement. Through thoughtful preparation and conversational SM conferences, he builds mutual respect and trust with each Scout, ensuring they feel supported and motivated to pursue the Eagle Rank. This dedication to individual coaching and relationship building has contributed significantly to Troop 482’s exceptional track record, with a quarter of its members achieving Eagle Rank, far surpassing local and national averages.
Troop 482’s reputation for excellence extends beyond Eagle Rank achievements, with a strong focus on community service projects and collaboration with local organizations like Friendship United Methodist Church. Craig’s involvement in community activities, such as Fourth of July parades, further highlights his dedication to both scouting and community engagement. His methods for personalized coaching and goal setting serve as a best-in-class standard, deserving recognition and replication within the scouting community.
Ledon McClellan
Ledon McClellan has been the cornerstone of Troop 772 for over 27 years, dedicating himself to the youth of Woodlawn and Lincoln Heights communities. From his roles as Cubmaster to Scoutmaster and Merit badge Counselor, he has kept Scouting alive through his unwavering commitment. His leadership extends beyond titles, setting high standards and leading by example, instilling pride and proficiency in his Scouts through meticulous training, such as proper flag ceremonies.
As a role model, Ledon fosters an environment where Scouting, advancement, and achievement thrive. Despite being a small Troop, Troop 772 boasts an impressive 27 Eagle Scouts, a testament to Ledon’s dedication and the familial atmosphere he cultivates. Through regular socialization and community engagement, Ledon ensures that every member feels supported and valued, contributing to the Troop’s success.
Ledon’s guidance inspires his Scouts to believe in themselves and strive for excellence, resulting in transformative experiences and a deep sense of pride within Troop 772. His leadership and the Troop’s accomplishments stand as a testament to his deserving recognition for his outstanding contributions to Scouting.
Dan Saxby
Michael Wages
Mike Wages has been a pivotal figure in Troop 51’s resurgence since assuming the role of Scoutmaster in 2018. Under his leadership, the troop underwent significant revitalization, marked by 18 Eagle Scouts. His emphasis on core scouting processes, like the Patrol Method and leadership skills training, fostered unity and growth within the troop.
Beyond Troop 51, Mike’s impact extends to the broader scouting community. He spearheaded the formation of a Scouts BSA troop for girls and assumed roles in various scouting programs, including serving as a Unit Commissioner and a counselor for multiple badges. His dedication to scouting’s principles is evident in his commitment to training and mentorship, exemplified by his numerous accolades and active involvement in council-level committees and events.
Mike’s influence transcends scouting, as he actively engages in community initiatives and supports local organizations like the school band and Winterguard. His efforts to strengthen relationships between the troop and community entities like Caesar’s Creek State Park demonstrate his holistic approach to leadership and community involvement. Additionally, his active participation in church activities underscores his commitment to service beyond scouting.
Scoutmaster Award Recipients 2022 – Awarded on 10/12/2023
Wayne Stevenson
The left shirt pocket flap of Wayne’s uniform is covered with Eagle Scout Mentor pins. With his support, nine Scouts have obtained the Eagle Rank. He has even received Mentor pins from Scouts that belong to other Troops.
To Wayne, the most important thing is that Scouting should be fun. If it is not fun, it is not being done right.
Wayne encourages Scouts to be leaders. He urges the Scouts to attend National Youth Leadership Training and adults to attend Wood Badge.
Community is important to Wayne. He has excellent relationships with multiple community groups. As a result of these contacts, these groups have been very supportive of several Eagle projects.
Jim Hunter
During his tenure as Scoutmaster with both Troop 803 and formerly Troop 96, Jim helped more than sixty-five Scouts earn Eagle, while also mentoring countless others to become better citizens. He has supported each Scout in learning leadership skills through opportunities in the troop, in letting youth leaders run the troop, and in encouraging Scouts to attend National Youth Leadership Training.
Many of his former Scouts stay in contact with Jim after becoming adults. When he announced his retirement as Scoutmaster, over forty former Scouts and their families attended a surprise party for him.
In his application, Jim’s nominator stated: “I hope I can be just a fraction of the Scoutmaster, leader, and mentor that Jim has been.” A true legacy to the Scouting movement.
Steve Scott
For eleven years, Steve has been active as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, and Merit Badge Counselor. He regularly meets with Scouts for Scoutmaster Conferences, participates as an adviser at the patrol leaders’ councils, and is always at Crossovers to welcome new Scouts into the troop.
Steve is involved in volunteer work and community service, assisting four local Catholic Churches with building and grounds projects.
Steve works to instill the core values of Scouting in all his Scouts and strongly supports the ethics and ideals behind Scouting.
Dan Beard ESA Scoutmaster Award Recipients
2023
- Ron Bacu – Troop 1974
- Derek Easton – Troop 221
- Craig Kinsman – Troop 482
- LeDon McClellan – Troop 772
- Dan Saxby – Troop 674
- Michael Wages – Troop 51
2022
- Jim Hunter – Troop 802
- Steve Scott – Troop 701
- Wayne Stevenson – Troop 456
2020/2021
- Michael Rechel – Troop 107
- Mark Barth – Troop 239
- Gary Banfield – Troop 502
- Thomas Hale – Troop 354
- Daniel Ogilve – Troop 850
- Eric Saddler – Troop 974
- James Carrol – Troop 640
2019
- Steve Baumgardner – Troop 500
- Jerry Valentour – Troop 293
2018
- Mark Duff – Troop 452
- Gene O’Rourke – Troop 112
- Joe Schneider – Troop 420D
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