03/28/2026
Scouting Arizona, Grand Canyon Council Alumni Step Up to Serve
By Tarryn Hutchison / March 24, 2026
March 24, 2026
Article, Blog
Dedicated Alumni “repeat attenders” gathered March 18, 2026 at Zipps Sports Grill in Tempe.
These returning attendees have built strong connections through past Alumni social gatherings—sharing memories, rekindling friendships, and strengthening their ties to Scouting. This time, however, they came ready to take action.
The group committed to several impactful initiatives, including serving a meal to volunteers at Camp Geronimo, sharing their experience with newer unit leaders at the upcoming Baden-Powell College, and exploring improvements to the Heard Scout Pueblo range.
Dan Drake, Alumni and NESA Chair, shared that seven Alumni volunteers have committed to traveling to Camp Geronimo on May 9 to prepare lunch for 50–80 volunteers. These volunteers will be hard at work preparing for camp for the upcoming season—checking plumbing, setting up tents, and getting ready to welcome more than 2,000 campers.
Dan also highlighted that eight additional Alumni will serve at Baden-Powell College on April 11 as moderators and panelists. They will lead sessions titled “Tips from the Trail: What You Wish Someone Told You When You First Volunteered as a Unit Leader.” Separate panels will be offered for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA leaders. Among the panelists is Mike Rooney, a Cub Scouting expert and former NESA Chair who helped shape the national program for early Cub Scout ranks.
Dan shared with the group:
“The Alumni Association is hitting its stride. Our members are proving the Alumni Association’s value to the Council and unit leaders. We are eager to help others and share our experiences. Hopefully, Scouters won’t hesitate to seek out Alumni for support in their Scouting plans.”
Dan Drake, Alumni and NESA Chair
Attendees turned their attention to the Heard Scout Pueblo range, focusing on potential upgrades to the shade structure. Repeat attender Larry Gingrich, a past Assistant Council Commissioner and retired Army engineer who also helped organize the All-Council Camp-o-ree at the National Guard Armory on McDowell Road, joined Gary Jordan, the rangemaster at the Heard Scout Pueblo, in exploring ideas for reworking the shade cover. Mike Baxley, Alumni Activities Chair, contributed valuable insight based on his experience with construction and permitting. Larry also volunteered to lead the Camp Geronimo lunch effort, with support from Gary, and the two began coordinating details during the gathering.
Gumby Petersen, NESA lead and part of the Dave Alexander Scout Shop team, attended alongside Janice Edwards, manager of the Scout Shop. Together, they discussed ways to promote Alumni Association membership to visitors shopping for uniforms and Scouting supplies.
Upcoming Alumni Gatherings
Additional Alumni gatherings are scheduled throughout the year, including June 9 at State 48 Brewery, August 26 at Dirty Drummer, and December 2 at Tombstone Brewery—two locations that also hosted successful events in 2025.
While these gatherings are often held at casual venues, attendees are welcome to enjoy whatever they prefer—whether that’s wings and pizza or simply a soda or water. These locations provide a relaxed environment at no cost to the group. To learn more about upcoming events, visit scoutingaz.org/alumni. If you’re not yet registered as an Alumni member, now is the perfect time to join. It’s free and the best way to stay connected with Alumni activities.
