A heartfelt celebration recognizing outstanding volunteer leaders across Arizona for their dedication, training, faith, and service to youth in Scouting during the 2024–2025 program year
At the heart of every successful Scout unit is a dedicated leader—someone who shows up, steps up, and leads by example. At the 2025 Baden Powell Fellowship on Saturday, May 3, 2025, held at Camelback Church of Christ, Scouting Arizona, Grand Canyon Council was proud to honor those individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment to Scouting continue to shape the lives of youth across Arizona.
We are pleased to recognize the following individuals for their noteworthy service:
Unit Leader Award of Merit
This prestigious award honors Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Crew Advisors, and Skippers who deliver high-quality Scouting experiences, promote advancement, develop strong relationships with chartered partners, and represent Scouting positively in their communities.
2024–2025 Recipients: Trisha Bergman, Alexander Estrella, Timothy Francis, Joseph Hester, Lee Fowler, Wesley Fuller, Robert Allan Gibbs, Stephen Metcalf, Charlie Odengaard, Karina Ortega, Jerrod Scott, Brian Smith, Chris Stewart, Ryan Takeuchi, Doug Ullrich, Stephen Vaaler, Jonathan Watson, Andrew Weflen, Timothy Whitney, Sr., and Edward “Jason” Youn.
Scouter’s Key Award
Recognizing tenure, training, and leadership performance, the Scouter’s Key is available to leaders who serve in key unit roles across all programs.
Recipients: Lee Fowler (Cubmaster), Scott Gaddis (Committee Chair), Robert Gibbs, Bryan D. Hinton, Joel Larson, Gil Lau (Committee Chair), Jerrod Scott (Cubmaster), Graham Twaddell (Cubmaster), and Jonathan Watson (Cubmaster).
Scouter’s Training Awards
These awards recognize leaders for completing training and service requirements across various roles. Separate awards are available for Cub Leaders, Den Leaders, Scouts BSA Leaders, and Venturing Leaders.
2024 Cub Leader Award Recipients: Michael Bartlett, Mark Day, Lee Fowler, Scott Goldenhensh, Brian Heth, Darcy Heth, Andy Meacham, Philip Moody, Jerrod Scott, Aaron Tunell, and Jonathan Watson.
2024 Den Leader Award Recipients: Michael Bartlett, Randy Black, William Carter, David Chavez, Greg Fraker, Scott Goldenhensh, Jarom Harris, Kevin Kahl, Christopher Kennedy, Michele Kennedy, Amber Medina, Allona Metcalf, Andy Meacham, Lenny Mille, Cory Mishkin, Joshua Nowles, Terri Naddy, Ernie Prukner, Kristina Rodriguez, Chris Rooney, Ruth Rooney, Stephanie Russell, Mike Trask, Jeremy Truett, Glen Walker, Jennifer Watson, Dan White, and Fredric White.
2024 Scouts BSA Leader Award Recipients: Vincent Andreshak, Wiltz Bethancourt, Steve Coburn, Mark Davis, Mark Day, Timothy Francis, Joe Fulton, Jamie Hanzlik, Chris Hornberg, Ryan Hutton, Kevin Kahl, Joel Larson, Dave Marquardt, Daniel McAuliffe, Andy Meacham, Hector Median, Michael Mollica, Tina Mollica, Kory Reeves, Mindy Richins, Stephanie Russell, Cliff Running, Aaron Tunell, Dedra Wadsworth, Greg Walt, and Anthoney Xavier.
2024 Venturing Leader Award Recipient: Mindy Richins
Religious Emblems
Bronze Pelican Award
This Catholic Scouting award honors adult leaders for exceptional service to youth in Catholic units.
2025 Recipients: Joshua Mike (Pack 555/Troop 565, St. Timothy, Mesa), Bea Knauff (Troop 565, St. Timothy, Mesa), and Cheyanne Bosn (Troop 432, St. Rose, Anthem)
2024 Recipients: Karina Ortega (Troop 522, St. Mary Magdalene), Leslie Udave (Troop 565, St. Timothy), and Rick Garrison (State Secretary, Knights of Columbus).
St. George Medal
Awarded at the diocesan level for outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in Scouting.
2024 Recipient: Jeffrey Nemecek (Pack and Troop 105, St. Jerome).
2025 Recipient: Chris Bosn (Troop 432, St. Rose, Anthem; former Crew 2009 leader).
Silver Flame Award
Recognizes over 25 years of service to Catholic Scouting.
2024 Recipient: David Gironda
Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor
The highest honor in the Order of the Arrow, given for exceptional service to Scouting beyond one’s position.
2025 Vigil Honor Recipients: Nathan Bleasdale, Colton Carlson, Devin Clark, Raymond Kimball, Blake Kite, Dominic Kite, Colin McLellan, Marcus Martinez, Ramon Martinez, Mayzie Richins, Mindy Richins, Eleanor Rhodes, Stan Scofield, Noah Shafer, and Jackson Unger.
Thank You! We extend our deepest thanks to all our volunteers recognized at this year’s Baden Powell Fellowship. Your example uplifts the next generation of leaders in Arizona Scouting and beyond. A special thank you to Collin Reed, Marketing Director, for capturing the memories of this inspiring evening through his photography.
Learn more about Unit Leader Awards and how to apply for Training and Tenure Recognition at: https://support.scoutingaz.org/main/unit-leader-awards/
