2023-2024 District Awards Winners

With great pride and excitement, we come together to celebrate the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers within the Baden-Powell District. From the heartfelt guidance of parents to the steadfast leadership of registered volunteers, each individual plays a crucial role in shaping the Scouting journey for our youth.

As we reflect on the countless Pinewood Derbies, Camporees, hikes, and unit meetings, it’s evident that behind every successful endeavor lies the unwavering support of our Scouters. Their tireless dedication ensures that every youth experiences the wonder and growth that Scouting offers.

Award recipients will be honored at the upcoming Baden-Powell District Awards & Recognition Dinner on May 5th.

Location: North Penn VFW Post 676, 2519 Jenkintown Rd, Glenside, PA
Date: May 5th, 2024
Time: Gather at 4 p.m., Dinner at 5 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person
Attire: This is a non-uniform event
Guests: Family members and friends are encouraged to attend.

To secure your place at this special occasion, please register by April 30th using the following link: REGISTER HERE.

List of 2023-2024 Baden-Powell District Award Winners

District Award of Merit (DAM) (Adults)

The District Award of Merit is the highest award that is given to a Scouter at the district level and it recognizes adults for service to youth in the District. The award will be awarded to up to two (2) recipients who have rendered noteworthy service to youth in Scouting at a District level. The recipient must be a registered Scouter and rendered outstanding service beyond the expectations of that Scouting position. Recipients may only receive this award once and it can’t be awarded posthumously.

Joe Buesgen (Oreland Troop 1)
Dave Stokes (Troop 541G/542)


13th Hussars Regiment Award (Adults)

This award is bestowed upon Unit Committee Members dedicated to advancing Scouting within their respective Units, acknowledging their significant time and effort. Eligibility requires a minimum of two years’ experience in their roles.

Susan Barna (Troop 177)
Jen Bombardier (Pack 164)
Jen Crea (Pack 164)
Stephanie Dobbins (Troop 542)
Carrie Dow (Troop 98)
Bob Gushue (Pack 408)
John Held (Pack 405)
William Kugler (Troop 12)
Melanie Pawlowski (Pack 88)
Stuart Rosenberg (Troop 12)
Paul Schlosser (Oreland Troop 1)
Art Siegel (Troop 542)
Nicole Starke (Troop 177)
Val Trepanier (Pack 164)
Maura Viola (Pack 405)


Charles Biedlingmaier Award (Adults)

This distinction is awarded to an adult leader who has delivered outstanding service to Scouting at the District level and who was not involved in Scouting during their youth. To qualify, a candidate must have contributed a minimum of three years of service. The award is limited to one recipient, highlighting the exceptional nature of the contribution recognized.

Jenn Fountain (Troop 541G/Pack 408)


Community Leader Award (Adults)

This award is presented to (1) outstanding non-Scouter who supports scouting within the Baden-Powell District. The recipient of this award can be an individual or an institution.

Upper Dublin School District


Ev Binns Award (Scouts BSA) (Adults)

Presented to a maximum of five (5) adults who have provided exceptional leadership as Scoutmasters, Assistants, and Committee Members to the Scouts BSA Program. Each recipient must have a minimum of 5 years of service.

Frank Barger (Troop 177)
Mike Cooper (Troop 177)
Tom Horn (Troop 98)
Ivan Scott (Troop 216)
Kathleen Scott (Troop 216)


Gary Bonfante Memorial Outstanding Commissioner Award (Adults)

The District Commissioner selects a Unit or Roundtable Commissioner for this award in recognition of their exceptional service to the District. Limited to one recipient per year, this distinction is a one-time honor, underscoring its exclusivity and prestige.

Laura Zale


William (Billy) Gebhardt Award (Adults)

Presented to one (1) Scout Leader with a minimum of 3 years of service who most demonstrates excellence in the promotion of advancement of Scouts on the Trail to Eagle.

Tai-Ming Chang (Troop 98)


Evelyn Hollis Award (Cub Scout Program) (Adults)

Presented to a maximum of five (5) adults who have provided the most exceptional service to the Cub program either as Cubmaster or Assistant, Webelos/AOL leader or Assistant, Den Leader or Assistant or Committee Members. Each recipient must have a minimum of 3 years of experience.

Carrie Kennedy (Pack 164)
Bill McKeown (Pack 6)
Jackie Patterson (Pack 88)
Joe Sena (Pack 405)
Justin Covelli (Pack 173)


Burt Kiphaut Lifetime Achievement Award (Adults)

Presented to one (1) Scouter who has given distinguished, meritorious and continuous service to Scouting in the Baden-Powell District for a period of at least 25 years.

Mort Rosenberg (Troop 12)


Mafeking Siege Award (Adults)

Presented to Scouters in the District for recognition as individuals in Packs, Troops, Teams, Ships and Crews for noteworthy services rendered. Each recipient must have at least two years of experience.

Mark Almeida (Troop 98)
Cory Brookes (Troop 177)
Carrie Davis (Pack 164)
Rich Dow (Troop 98)
John Farrell (Oreland Troop 1)
Sam Hotchkiss (Troop 542)
Chris Hoover (Troop 98)
Justin Kiefski (Troop 98)
Arica Nevraumont (Troop 541G)
Frank Niesen (Pack 408)
Steve Perry (Troop 98)
Clotilde Phelan (Pack 405)
Mike Riesmeyer (Troop 98)
Howard Tyson (Pack 405)
Jianhua “Jane” Zhao (Troop 542)


Joe Minecci District Service Award (Adults)

Presented to a maximum of three (3) recipients who have rendered noteworthy service to the District. Each recipient must have a minimum of 3 years of service.

Marco Bustos (Troop 177)
Tim Petersen (Troop 12)
Dave Stokes (Troop 541G/542)


Venturing Crew Unit Service Award (Adults)

No nominees


Den Chief Award (Youth)

Presented to Den Chiefs who have attended 75% of their Den meetings. Recipients are eligible for this award each year they hold the position of Den Chief.

Michael Cooper (Troop 177)
Luke Eddis (Troop 177)
Stephen Sena (Oreland Troop 1)
Hannah Smith (Troop 541G)


Lady/Sir Baden-Powell Cub Scout Youth Service Award (Youth)

No nominees


Roy Imsick Scout BSA Youth Service Award (Youth)

Presented to youth, who by deeds and examples, have provided leadership and guidance in Scouts BSA. Each recipient must have achieved at least the rank of Star.

Matt Barna (Troop 177)
Liam Baskin (Troop 177)
Nate Chang (Troop 98)
Gus Curry (Troop 320)
Justin Engler (Troop 177)
Jacob Rosenstock (Oreland Troop 1)
Gregory Siegel (Troop 542)
Michael Wang (Troop 98)
Josh Yulsman (Troop 98)
David Zale (Troop 577)


Brownsea Island Award (Unit)

This Unit level award is presented to one (1) Pack, Troop, or Crew that excels in camping and participates in community and religious activities as well as District Events in order to maintain the principles of Scouting in leadership training, program and service.

Troop 177