We had an incredible time at Boumi Shriners Temple, honoring all the incredible volunteers the Baltimore Area Council has to offer!
Deborah “Debi” Hayes is a devoted mother, committed Scouter, and community leader with over three decades of service to the Scouting program. Beginning her journey in the 1990s, Debi’s active involvement in Cub Scout Day Camp administration and program teams showcased her passion for creating impactful experiences for young Scouts.
Throughout her Scouting career, Debi held various leadership roles, including District Trainer, Roundtable Staff member, and Committee Chair for Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops. Her dedication extended to district and council levels, where she served as District Registrar and Vice Chair of Administration, streamlining processes and enhancing communication strategies.
In 2021, Debi assumed the role of District Chair for the newly formed River Hawk District, playing a pivotal role in the successful integration of two districts within the Baltimore Area Council. Her leadership during this transitional period was instrumental in ensuring a seamless transition for Scouts and leaders alike.
Outside of Scouting, Debi remains actively engaged in her community and church, serving in various capacities within the Children’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, and Bible Study groups. As a Certified Public Accountant and Program Manager for CDW-G, she brings her exceptional organizational skills and dedication to excellence to her professional endeavors.
Debi’s tireless commitment to Scouting, coupled with her exemplary leadership and service, has left a lasting impact on thousands of Scouts, parents, and volunteers. Her selection for the Silver Beaver Award is a testament to her invaluable contributions to the Scouting movement, embodying the spirit of service and dedication.
Dave Linthicum is a dedicated Scouter with over 40 years of service to Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation and the Baltimore Area Council. Renowned for his meticulous cartography skills, Dave has produced nine editions of the Broad Creek map since 1985, each meticulously crafted to aid in navigation and orienteering. His contributions extend beyond mapmaking; Dave’s expertise in camp history enriches the Scouts’ experience, with detailed historical context provided on the map’s back and through informational booklets available at the camp trading post.
As a volunteer on the Conservation Committee for over four decades, Dave’s commitment to maintaining over 20 miles of hiking trails is unparalleled. Spending numerous weekends alone or with volunteer crews, his efforts ensure safe and clear pathways for Scouts to explore. Dave’s dedication extends to running the annual Scout Orienteering Day, a successful event now in its 45th year, drawing over 500 Scouts annually.
Despite his profound impact, Dave remains humble and prefers working behind the scenes, exemplifying selfless service to Scouting. His enduring dedication, marked by countless hours of volunteer work and professional expertise, has left an indelible mark on Broad Creek and the Scouting community. Dave Linthicum’s exceptional contributions to Scouting make him a deserving candidate for the prestigious Silver Beaver award.
Evelyn Mogren’s journey in Scouting began over 25 years ago when she became a Den Leader for Cub Scouts Pack 649, marking the start of her remarkable dedication to youth development and leadership within the Baltimore Area Council.
Throughout her Scouting career, Evelyn has left a profound impact through her engaging teaching methods and devotion to passing on her passion for carving and whittling. Evelyn’s approachable and engaging teaching style shine when she shares her expertise in areas like chemistry and plant biology, making learning both fun and informative. Evelyn’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in all her interactions, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included within the Scouting community.
Evelyn continued her impact on Baltimore Area Scouts through her instrumental role in the founding of Troop 75G and serving as its founding Scoutmaster. Her involvement extended beyond troop activities, as she recruited and trained adults for various Scouting programs and initiatives.
Outside of Scouting, Evelyn’s commitment to service extends to her church community, where she has taught Sunday school, Summer Bible School, and participated in mission trips. Her expertise in water treatment and environmentalism proved invaluable during a mission trip to Guatemala, highlighting her diverse contributions to community welfare.
Evelyn’s impact extends far beyond the individuals she directly interacts with, reaching hundreds, if not thousands, of youth through her mentorship, teaching, and leadership. Her unwavering dedication to Scouting, coupled with her commitment to fostering growth and inclusivity, makes her a truly deserving candidate for the Silver Beaver award.
Ray is a stalwart figure in the scouting community, dedicating decades of service to the Nentico Lodge and the broader scouting program in Baltimore Area Council. His journey in scouting has seen him hold various pivotal roles, leaving an indelible mark on countless young scouts.
From serving as the Dulaney Chapter Adviser to his tenure as the Nentico Lodge Treasurer and later as the Lodge Adviser, Ray’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in the growth and success of the lodge. Currently serving as the Nentico Lodge Membership Chair since 2020, Ray continues to contribute significantly to the scouting community.
Ray’s commitment extends beyond administrative roles. He has been a mentor and supporter to numerous scouts, including providing guidance to youth leaders like Cory during his time as the Dulaney Chapter Chief. Ray’s leadership style, characterized by quiet strength and unwavering dedication, has inspired and empowered scouts to grow and succeed in their positions.
As a Camp Master at Broad Creek Scout Reservation and the NCAP Chairman for the Baltimore Area Council, Ray ensures top-notch camp experiences for scouts while upholding the highest standards of safety and accreditation.
Ray’s impact transcends his official roles. He is known for his tireless dedication to the Order of the Arrow (OA) program, where he has served in various advisory capacities, fostering growth and leadership among youth leaders. His mentorship and support have been pivotal in shaping the leadership journey of Lodge members.
Ray’s legacy of service and mentorship continues to inspire countless scouts, leaving an enduring imprint on the scouting community. His unwavering dedication and selfless commitment make him a truly deserving recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.
Joseph Varacalle is a dedicated and influential scout leader whose remarkable service has left a lasting impact on the scouting community over the past two decades. As a vital figure in Cub Pack, Scout Troop, and Venturing Crew 355 in Essex, Maryland, Joe has been instrumental in shaping the lives of hundreds of young men and women.
Joe’s commitment to scouting goes beyond the ordinary tasks, as he ensures that essential responsibilities like Youth Protection, Re-Charter, and Online Advancement are executed meticulously, contributing significantly to the growth and success of scouting at various institutions, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Essex and Parkville Troop 26 and Pack 26 chartered to Saint Ursula Catholic Church.
A graduate of Calvert Hall College High School and Loyola University Maryland, Joseph’s professional expertise as the Director of Enterprise PMO for the State of Maryland Department of Information Technology (DOIT) has complemented his scouting roles seamlessly. His leadership as an Eagle Scout coach, New Member Coordinator, and instructor for various merit badges and training programs reflects his deep commitment to youth development and mentorship.
Joe’s impact extends to technology training in support of scouting, where he has taught classes on utilizing the internet for scouting and Scoutbook. He is revered as a repository of scouting knowledge and has played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth transition of scouting activities to virtual platforms during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joe’s selfless dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to scouting exemplify the true spirit of the organization. His significant contributions make him a deserving candidate for the Silver Beaver Award, in recognition of his exceptional service and dedication to the scouting community.
Dr. H. Russell Wright, has served the Baltimore Scouting Community for over 35 years, showcasing his unwavering commitment to Scouting and youth development. Russ’s dedication has enriched the Fort McHenry Scouting community, consistently servicing is a voice of vast experience and wisdom, while also keeping the safety of our Scouts at the forefront of all he does.
Originally from Missouri, Dr. Russ’s journey in Scouting began with Troop 2, where he earned Eagle in 1958. Russell completed medical school and served in the army as a Green Beret during the Vietnam War, ultimately rising to the rank of Colonel. Upon returning, Dr. Wright resumed his involvement as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Texas and continued this role upon returning to the Baltimore Area with Troop 5.
Russell’s contributions extended beyond troop activities as he served in various capacities within Dulaney District, Hopkins District, and ultimately Fort McHenry District. Notably, his role as a unit commissioner and Assistant District Commissioner underscored his commitment to supporting scouting programs at the district and council levels.
Russell’s service to scouting is characterized by hands-on involvement and a commitment to youth and volunteer development. His participation as a volunteer physician at National Scout Jamborees since 1997 exemplifies his dedication to scouting on a national scale. Additionally, his involvement in Wood Badge training events and Brownsea Youth Leadership Training underscores his commitment to mentorship and skill development among scouts and adult leaders alike.
Beyond scouting, Russell’s impact resonates within his community and profession. He is a devoted husband and father, Usher and Lector at the Church of the Redeemer, and the member of the American Legion, the Saint Andrew Society of Baltimore, and the Masons. Russell embodies the values of service and leadership and his invaluable contributions to scouting make him a deserving recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.
Steve’s Scouting journey began in Southern Pennsylvania where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in May, 1980, and enjoyed multiple summers at his troop’s “home camp” of Camp Tuckahoe.
In 1990, Steve joined the family company of J.F. Rohrbaugh Co. (JFR), a manufacturer of wooden pallets and crates. Steve and his team quickly developed a strategic plan to guide the company into the 21st century. In 2014, with Steve as President & CEO, JFR acquired West Side Wood Products, a just-in-time producer of wood packaging. In 2015, the company created JFR Holdings as the holding company, acquiring Bruce Jones Contractors In 2017, which specializes in wall panels and turn-key framing serving southern PA, Baltimore, and Washington.
Steve re-engaged with Scouting in 2012 when his son, Bode, joined Pack 395 in Finksburg, MD. Steve was promptly recruited as a leader in the pack, and with his passion for the program, every boy in his son’s den earned Arrow of Light and the “heavy shoulder award.” While serving as Troop 395 Committee Chair, Steve implemented a Troop strategic plan focused on creating a blueprint for long-term continuity and success of the program through youth and adult leader transitions.
In 2019, Steve was recruited to the Baltimore Area Council Executive Board, and in 2021 became an officer as Vice President of Strategic Planning. With Steve’s business acumen and passion for strategic planning, he led the council’s efforts in creating and adhering to the BAC 2022-2024 Strategic Plan.
Steve and his wife, Amy split their time between their home in Finksburg, Maryland and Park City, Utah, where they enjoy snowboarding, mountain biking and all things outdoors with their two teenager children, Bode and Erin
Described by some as a “force multiplier,” Dave strives to be a servant leader for all with whom he works. He encourages, mentors, recruits, and re-engages volunteers, enabling each to be successful in their various volunteer roles. As a member of the River Hawk District transition team, he supported the unification of the Anne Arundel County Scouting movement. Dave’s ability to connect, share ideas, and develop a rapport with individuals assisted in the process of converting two legacy districts into one unified district. During Dave’s service as a District Commissioner for one of the legacy districts, he implemented an active onboarding process, characterized by trust, hands-on experience, shared purpose, individual empowerment and focused on continued personal learning and development. Dave is an example of being the change that he wants to see by helping others be extraordinary in effectuating change.
The Boy Scouts of America Council Alumnus of the Year Award is the Scouting Alumni Association’s highest council recognition. The award was established to recognize alumni of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) who, over a sustained period of time, have used the skills and values they learned through their association with Scouting to make significant and long-lasting contributions to their local communities through their careers, avocations, and Scouting.
The District Achievement Award was implemented in 2023 to recognize those districts who achieve established benchmarks to deliver a quality Scouting program in their District. This year we are pleased to recognize the Carroll and National Pike Districts for achieving this standard.
Standards for the 2024 District Achievement Award are:
1. Achieve overall growth in total youth membership, including Cub Scout membership.
2. Start 2 new Cub Scout Packs
3. Have all 13 Key District positions filled with an active and engaged volunteer.
4. Achieve a growth in Cub Scout Day Camp attendance and/or increase in Cub Scout Resident Camp attendance over 2023.
5. Have at least 75% of registered District Committee members/Commissioner Staff support the 2024 Council Annual Appeal.
6. Recruit and register two new Unit Commissioners or average a better than 3-1 commissioner ratio.
The Chartered Partner of the Year Award has been designed to recognize the incredible value of the relationship between the Baltimore Area Council and our Chartered Partners.
The Baltimore Area Council is proud to present the Inaugural Chartered Partner of the Year Award to the Department of Maryland American Legion.
The American Legion charters 32 Units in the Baltimore Area Council
The Baltimore Area Council is extremely grateful to the sponsors who helped to make the 100th Anniversary Volunteer Recognition Banquet such an incredible success.
Rick Barton
Thomas Blanchard
Dan Dinkin
Pam Fleagle
Joseph Greenbeck
Megan Hutchins
Paul Kramer
Dan Lentz
Kenn Miller
Tom O’Dwyer
Steve Rose
Michael Sullivan
Day of event photos were taken by photographer Vincent Chaigne with What the Duck Media.
Silver Beaver headshot photos were taken by photographer, Carl Drew.