Scouting America National Wood Badge Nc-27-1

05/17/2025

The Summit Wood Badge course has been lucky to have so many amazing staff and volunteers since its inception in 2020. Our next course has been tentatively penciled in for 2027 - stay tuned for more information!

03/04/2025

Congratulations to staff alumni Josh Kirby, Dolly Olson, and Mike Matzinger! Thankful for the contributions of these incredible Scouters!

ANNOUNCEMENT: 2025 SILVER ANTELOPE RECIPIENTS

The National Court of Honor Committee is pleased to announce the Silver Antelope Class of 2025.

The Silver Antelope Award, created in 1942, is the Council Service Territory level distinguished award of the Boy Scouts of America, acting through the National Court of Honor. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters of exceptional character in their territory, and this award recognizes their distinguished service to youth.

Recognition of the Silver Antelope Class of 2025 will be made during Scouting America’s National Annual Meeting Luncheon on Wednesday, May 14th in Orlando, Florida.

CST 1

Matthew C. Patten - Central Point, OR (Pacific Crest)

Marlys M. Olson - Salem, OR (Cascade Pacific)

Terrel W. Miller - Layton, UT (Crossroads of the West)

CST 3

Clint E. Takesh*ta - Dublin, CA (Pacific Skyline)

Jo Ann Jung Mo - Monrovia, CA (Western Los Angeles County)

CST 4

Michael C. Lewis - Rapid City, SD (Black Hills Area)

Loren B. Meinke - Brainerd, MN (Central Minnesota)

CST 5

Mark A. Pluff - Waterloo, IL (Greater St. Louis Area)

Joseph Black - Denver, CO (Greater Colorado)

Ronald F. Colletti - Wildwood, MO (Greater St. Louis Area)

CST 6

Jeremiah J. Arnold - Fox Point, WI (Three Harbors)

Donald P. Harris - Huntley, IL (Pathway to Adventure)

CST 7

Michael Files - Austin, TX (Capitol Area)

Dr. Brian Dockendorf - Shreveport, LA (Norwela)

Gary Brian Chassells - Corpus Christi, TX (South Texas)

CST 8

David M. Hamilton - Paris, TX (Circle Ten)

Paul R. Moore - Edmond, OK (Last Frontier)

CST 9

Sherri Garner Brumbaugh - Findlay, OH (Black Swamp Area)

Mary Catherine Arehart - Spring Arbor, MI (Michigan Crossroads)

CST 10

John Arico - Bedford, NH (Daniel Webster)

George J. Bacalles - Corning, NY (Great Falls)

CST 12

Christopher W. Castillo - Newark, DE (Baltimore Area)

Arden D. Dougan - Alexandria, VA (National Capital Area)

Joshua A. Kirby - State College, PA (Juniata Valley)

CST 13

Wayne E. Gross - Canadensis, PA (Minsi Trails)

CST 14

Jennifer H. Chapin - Peachtree Corner, GA (Atlanta Area)

Carter J. Wood - Hoschton, GA (Northeast Georgia)

Christopher J. Manning - Knoxville, TN (Great Smoky Mountain)

Karen Bengtson - Mt. Juliet, TN (Middle Tennessee)

CST 15

Michael D. Matzinger - High Point, NC (Old North State)

CST 16

Thomas C. Hochhausler - Tampa, FL (Greater Tampa Bay Area)

Please join us in congratulating these volunteers for this well-deserved honor!

Yours in Scouting,

Brian P. Williams
Chair, National Court of Honor

Shane Calendine
SVP, Program

02/19/2025

02/18/2025

Tragedy can be isolating. Tragedy can be lonely. Sometimes when coping with something traumatic, it is easy to forget that there are others are out there to support you.

But Scouting doesn’t forget.

Peter Basler was one of the Orange troop, troop guides (Bobwhite patrol) for SBR-25-1. He also happens to come from Burbank, California. He saw first-hand the devastation of the fires there. Those fires that managed to spread to over 40,000 acres, destroy over 12,000 structures, force evacuation to close to 200,000 residents and cost over $14.8 billion in damages.

The following is what happened as a result.

____________________________________________________________

During our SBR 25-1 Wood Badge course, a meaningful and symbolic gesture took place as all participants came together to sign three special flags to express their love and support to local Southern California Scout councils affected by the terrible wildfires.

After the course, the flags embarked on a journey from West Virginia to Los Angeles, carried by Troop Guide Peter Basler who was tasked with delivering the flags and sharing our SBR 25-1 goodwill and Scout spirit.

Delivered to Verdugo Hills Council, to Western Los Angeles County Council and to Greater Los Angeles Area Council, each flag was received with gratitude and pride because the recipients knew that the flags not only symbolized the deep connections forged at our Wood Badge course but also served as a reminder of the ongoing support and friendship that the Scouting community from all over the country offers, especially in times of hardship.

Special thanks to Course Director Jeff Mauldin whose idea made this all happen, Troop Guide David Beachem who created the beautiful flags, and Troop Guide Peter Basler who delivered the flags to each council.

This simple gesture was a powerful way to spread the love of Scouting, showing that no matter the distance, the Scout spirit transcends all.

02/01/2025

Last chance to place your order for SBR-25-1 swag! The store closes tonight!

01/27/2025

The staff and participants of Wood Badge SBR-25-1

01/25/2025

And that’s a wrap. SBR-25-1 has concluded.

01/24/2025

Kjell Lindgren, astronaut and Eagle Scout, gave an inspiring talk about his journey as well as both self and team care. He stated that one of his philosophies was “How can I be a blessing and an encouragement to my team mates?”

He thanked all the participants for taking the time to invest in themselves via their Wood Badge training. He also talked about participants going back with their new Wood Badge knowledge and tools and supporting their teams at home and investing in others. It was a real honor to hear his words.

01/23/2025

The troops!

01/23/2025

Morning greetings from Wood Badge at the Summit!

01/23/2025

Chief Scout Executive, President, and CEO Roger Krone takes a few minutes off from being a participant in Wood Badge, to discuss the future of Scouting!