Old Friendships, Making New Friends, and the Lasting Values of Scouting Were the Focus of Our December 3 Alumni Gathering
On December 3, 2025, 15 Scouting alumni gathered to renew friendships and make some new ones. The evening highlighted the Association’s mission of “welcoming alums back to the campfire” to rekindle friendships and share memories. Each person had their own life-changing story on the impact of Scouting. Some coursed back more than 30 years. Two of the attendees even discovered that they both had attended a 1990’s Council Camporee at the National Guard facility on McDowell Rd, an event that had been organized and led by yet another attendee. One shared his memory of tents blowing about and up in the air because they had not been staked down. A life lesson learned on being prepared.
Dr. Mike Fredrick, a former Wood Badge course director, used the gathering as an opportunity to bring some of his staff members together again to share memories and stories. Dedra Wadsworth, course director for our next Wood Badge course, used the opportunity to collect insights on hosting the course at Camp Geronimo, a new venue for Wood Badge.
Brian Moran, our new Development Director, introduced himself and shared his story of how he was “nudged” by his son’s Scoutmaster to take a more active role in the Troop, which led to simple camping adventures, backpacking, and more aggressive activities, all of which he enjoyed. Had it not been for that nudging, he would have stayed at the back of the room working his phone. Brian also told us how he liked meeting like these with volunteers learning about what’s on the minds of our alumni and volunteers. They provide him with “valuable insight and energy to grow support for our current and future Scouts.”
I always enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories and ideas. Last night gets a gold star … [as I met] … Mike Baxley who gave me several good ideas and contacts for improving the rifle range canopy at the Heard Pueblo.
Dan Drake, Alumni Association Chair, thanked Mike Baxley, our Association Events Coordinator, for hosting this and the 8/21 gathering; and Gumby Peterson and Michael Stretton III for helping to get a NESA gathering going. Dr. Mike Fredrick has a Wood Badge gathering in the works, too. Dan also announced that there will be a gathering 1/21/26 in Flagstaff at the High Country Motor Lodge. Dan invited those who have enjoyed our gatherings to invite Scouting friends to join them at future events, and to continue supporting the Movement.
Once again, we learned that Scouting friendships and memories last a lifetime. We will always keep the campfire burning for those who wish to return.
