Scouting Arizona, Grand Canyon Council are proud to recognize two outstanding volunteers whose dedication, leadership, and lifelong commitment to youth have made a lasting impact on our council and communities. This year, we are honored to present the Distinguished Service Star to David Charron and the Meritorious Service Star to Tom Collins—two exemplary Scouters whose service reflects the very best of Scouting values!
Distinguished Service Star
Scouting Arizona, Grand Canyon Council created the Distinguished Service Star in 2016, the highest council-board approved Council honor. This distinguished award is reserved for volunteers with at least 15 years of truly distinguished service to Scouting over a lifetime at the unit, council or overall service to our youth, our Scout leaders, our Council Committees and our communities. The Distinguished Service Star is typically, but not always, awarded after an individual has received the Silver Beaver Award.
This year we are honored to award a long time Scouter who has served throughout the council for many years, David Charron.
"I feel a purpose when helping others succeed. I like watching an individual grow from the trying Scout… to the leader in various skills which Scouting offers. I make a difference in doing what I do. I learned early on that people want to help, but don’t know how. I enjoy helping educate them, so they can step up and assist where needed with confidence. Working with youth, I look for the “AWE” moment where either the scout realizes they can, or they solve an issue in a way that I would never have thought. "
David Charron, Distinguished Service Star Recipient
David has been an active scout leader for the past 18 years. He lives in Glendale and has held several positions within Troop 828 including Scoutmaster for 12 years. His significant service to youth includes serving on the Council Training Committee for various districts and for the Council for the past 16 years. Training courses include IOLS/BALOO Instructor Leader Specific, Leave No Trace Awareness workshops, Mentoring, Merit Badge Counselor, Train the Trainer fundamentals and Trainer’s Edge. In addition, David served as Camp Geronimo Commissioner during COVID in 2020.
David has received his Scouter’s Key at both the unit and district level. He has also received Scouter’s Training Awards, Unit Award of Merit, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, and Wood badge, plus his third bead. Service to his community includes Knights of Columbus where he volunteers his time in the Bingo snack bar, Easter Egg Hunts, Basketball Free Throw contests, and food banks in addition to being a youth soccer, roller hockey, and ice hockey coach.
Quoting David, “I feel a purpose when helping others succeed. I like watching an individual grow from the trying Scout… to the leader in various skills which Scouting offers. I make a difference in doing what I do. I learned early on that people want to help, but don’t know how. I enjoy helping educate them, so they can step up and assist where needed with confidence. Working with youth, I look for the “AWE” moment where either the scout realizes they can, or they solve an issue in a way that I would never have thought. “
Congratulations, David!
Meritorious Service Star
Scouting Arizona, Grand Canyon Council created the Meritorious Service Star in 2016. It is one of the highest council-board approved awards for a volunteer who renders outstanding “over and above” service across multiple areas; at the unit, at the council, and overall service as a Scouter. This award is reserved for volunteers with at least 5 years of service who exemplify outstanding and varied service within our council. The Meritorious Service Star is typically, but not always, awarded after an individual has received the Award of Merit.
This year our Council leadership wishes to honor and celebrate Tom Collins.
“Seeing a shy young person grow into a confident, caring leader is what motivates me to stay involved. I believe every child deserves that opportunity.”
Tom Collins, Meritorious Service Star Recipient
Tom Collins is an Eagle Scout, Arrow of Light recipient, and Baden-Powell Fellow who lives in north Phoenix. Scouting has been a central part of his life for many years. He currently serves as the Council Chair of the Unit Specialist Team, Council International Representative, a member of the Council Board, an Assistant Scoutmaster for two troops, and the Advancement Chair for one of them.
Tom has previously served as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, District Chair, and Council Chair of the Unit Coaching Team, and he is an alumnus of Alpha Phi Omega. Watching his two sons grow through the program remains one of his proudest experiences, along with personal milestones such as earning the High Adventure Triple Crown with his oldest son, becoming a Brother in the Order of the Arrow, and attending the Philmont Leadership Challenge.
Throughout his Scouting journey, Tom has been honored with the Award of Merit, Scouter’s Key, Unit Leader Award of Merit, Scouter’s Training Award, District Award of Merit, Cubmaster Award, and Cub Scout Den Leader Award. Even though his children have grown out of Scouting for the time being, Tom continues to serve as he believes deeply in the impact of Scouting.
As Tom states, “Seeing a shy young person grow into a confident, caring leader is what motivates me to stay involved. I believe every child deserves that opportunity.”
This summer, Tom will be serving on staff at the National Jamboree, supporting the next generation of Scouts on their journey.
Congratulations, Tom!
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