On January 21, 2026, twenty-one Scouting alumni gathered in Flagstaff to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. The evening reflected the Alumni Association’s mission of welcoming alums back to the campfire—rekindling friendships, sharing memories, and celebrating the life-changing impact of Scouting. Each attendee brought a unique story, some reaching back more than 50 years and spanning states far beyond Arizona.
Among the group were three Eagle Scouts from two different councils in Illinois. Tom Peterson, who earned his Eagle in the western suburbs of Chicago, traveled from Dewey to attend. Two others earned their Eagles through the Northeast Illinois Council—one in 1960 and another in 1980. Though meeting for the first time, they quickly bonded over shared memories of Scouting in the Midwest.
While most attendees were from Flagstaff, others traveled from Prescott, Dewey, and even Phoenix to be part of the gathering. The youngest alumnus was Ellyn Peterson, who earned her Eagle in the Grand Canyon Council in 2025. At least four attendees were not currently registered in Scouting, making a diverse and meaningful mix of experiences and perspectives.
Mike Baxley, Alumni Events Coordinator, kicked off the program by welcoming everyone and thanking Ryan Takeuchi for hosting the event at the High-Country Motor Lodge. He then introduced Dan Drake, Alumni Association Chair, who shared the Association’s primary goal: reconnecting alumni and fostering new friendships. Dan encouraged attendees to consider simple ways to give back—such as serving on Eagle boards of review or volunteering at a Cub Scout Day Camp—reminding everyone that many current leaders would welcome an extra helping hand. He also invited alumni to bring fellow Scouting friends to future gatherings and continue supporting the movement.
Mike next introduced Brian Moran, the council’s new Development Director. Brian shared how a gentle nudge from his son’s Scoutmaster led him from the back of the room to active involvement in Scouting—camping, backpacking, and embracing new adventures. He noted how gatherings like this provide valuable insight and energy, helping him better understand and support current and future Scouts.
John Medcalf explained why he made the trip from Phoenix to attend:
“We are all part of one council. It’s important that we connect all parts of our council, and this is a perfect way to do that. It means a lot that I get to meet alumni from Flagstaff—and they get to meet me.”
Once again, the evening proved that Scouting friendships and memories truly last a lifetime. The campfire will always be burning for those who wish to return. 🔥
