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 Baden-Powell Annual Picnic and District Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Baden-Powell Annual Picnic and District Awards Ceremony
Join us Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 5:45 PM to 8:30 PM at Pavilion MH-1, Militia Hill Area, Fort Washington State Park. The District Awards & Recognition Ceremony will begin at 7:20 PM, where we will honor the exceptional contributions of Scouters, youth, and units across the District. If you are coming, please RSVP here so that we may plan accordingly.
If a recipient is unable to attend, their award will be delivered to their unit for local presentation.
List of 2025-2026 Baden-Powell District Award Winners
Adult Awards
Distinguished Awards
District Award of Merit (DAoM) (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 the 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.
Recipient: Nilesh Shah
Distinguished Unit Leader Award (DULA) (Adults)
The Distinguished Unit Leader Award is an award established by the Cradle of Liberty Council to recognize a unit leader who not only performs his/her duties within their unit, but frequently goes above and beyond those duties for the benefit of the youth in their unit.
Recipient: No recipient from Baden-Powell District
Gary Bonfante Memorial Outstanding Commissioner Award (Adults)
This Gary Bonfante Memorial Outstanding Commissioner Award recognizes a District Commissioner, Assistant District Commissioner, Unit Commissioner or Roundtable Commissioner for their exceptional service to the District. Nominations are not accepted for this position; it is awarded solely at the discretion of the District Chair. The award is limited to one recipient per year, and this distinction is a one-time honor.
Learn more about Gary Bonfante
Gary Bonfante was known for his warmth, dedication as a Scouter, and his role as a loving husband and father. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 577 and was deeply involved in events like the Gold Rush, SCOPE/OLYMPIA, and the Pilgrimage & Encampment. His early Scouting activities were in the old Philadelphia Council, where he earned the District Award of Merit. In the Baden-Powell District, he raised his level of involvement by serving as Roundtable Commissioner for six years before becoming District Commissioner, and ultimately, Assistant Council Commissioner. Renowned for his servant-leadership, friendly demeanor, and distinctive attire of Scout shorts and knee socks, Gary exemplified the ideals of Scouting leadership.
Recipient: Not awarded
Recognition, Service & Achievement Awards
Awards are sorted alphabetically, by type.
13th Hussars Regiment Award (Adults)
The 13th Hussars Regiment Award is bestowed upon unit-level Committee members and Charter Organization Representatives dedicated to advancing Scouting within their respective units, recognizing the significant time and effort they contribute to the program. Nominees must listed on a unit roster as a Committee Chair (CC), Committee Member (MC) or Charter Organization Representative (CR), and have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the role. The number of awards granted is determined at the discretion of the District Awards Committee.
Learn more about the 13th Hussars Regiment
Baden-Powell’s service with the 13th Hussars profoundly influenced the development of Scouting. The regiment’s values and practices, along with the lessons he learned from his military career, became key components of the movement he founded. Today, the connection serves as a historical link between Scouting’s roots and its emphasis on leadership, discipline, and outdoor adventure.
Recipients:
- Paul Schlosser – Oreland Troop 1
- Justin Weddington – Pack 0405
Akela Service Award (Adults)
This award honors and recognizes parents, guardians, other caring adults, den leaders, and assistant den leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to a Cub Scout pack or den, significantly enriching the Scouting experience for youth members. There is no tenure requirement for this award. The number of awards granted is determined at the discretion of the District Awards Committee.
Learn more Akela and the Akela Service Award
In Cub Scouting, Akela holds a special place as a symbol of leadership and guidance. The name Akela originates from The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, where Akela is the wise and strong leader of the wolf pack. Within the Cub Scout program, Akela represents not only leaders but also parents and other adults who help guide and support Scouts on their journey. Akela embodies the qualities of mentorship, encouragement, and dedication that are essential to helping youth grow into responsible and capable individuals.
This award is designed to recognize contributions made by individuals who are not officially listed in leadership roles but are nonetheless crucial to the success of the Pack. These are often parents or volunteers who step up early in their involvement with Scouting to take on responsibilities and make a significant impact. Like Akela, these individuals lead through example and action, helping to create a strong foundation for the Pack’s activities and successes. By honoring their efforts, the award reinforces the idea that every contribution, no matter the formal title, plays a vital role in shaping the Scouting experience.
Recipients:
- Brent Geist – Pack 0164
- Bart Nicholson – Pack 0405
- Natalie Nicholson – Pack 0405
- Glenn Stanton – Pack 0405
- Maura Viola – Pack 0405
- Vincent Viola – Pack 0405
- Matt Walker – Pack 0164
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. Nominees must have contributed a minimum of three years of service. The award is limited to one recipient per year.
Learn more about Charles Biedlingmaier
Charles “Charlie” Biedlingmaier had a distinguished Scouting history, serving as Unit Commissioner for over a decade and District Commissioner for more than three years. As an active leader in Troop 3, he also contributed significantly as a District Committee member and Eagle Board member for over 25 years. His role as registrar for SCOPE/OLYMPIA from 1966 to 1985 highlights his commitment to the Scouting community, for which he was honored with the District Award of Merit in 1964.
Recipient: Not awarded
Ev Binns Award (Scouts BSA) (Adults)
The Ev Binns Award recognizes Scouters who have provided exceptional leadership to the Scouts BSA program at the troop level as Scoutmasters (SM), Assistant Scoutmasters (SA), Committee Chairs (CC) or Committee Members (MC). Nominees must have a minimum of five (5) years of service. The number of awards granted is determined at the discretion of the District Awards Committee.
Learn more about Ev Binns
Starting his Scouting involvement in the Tammany District, Ev Binns made significant contributions, particularly after its merger with Wissahickon, leading to the creation of the Baden-Powell District. As Scoutmaster of Troop 216 and a prominent figure in district leadership, Ev was instrumental in founding the annual Klondike Derby in 1971 and serving as the first adult Order of the Arrow advisor for the Baden-Powell Chapter. His impact spanned over three decades, making him a pivotal figure in the district’s success.
Recipients:
- Dan Fein – Troop 0665B
- Joe Petrillis Jr. – Troop 0216G
- Chuck Zwicker – Troop 0542B
Community Leader Award (Adults)
The Community Leader Award is presented to an outstanding individual, institution, or organization that supports Scouting within the Baden-Powell District. The award is limited to one recipient per year.
Examples of recent Community Leader Award winners
Organizations who have been awarded the Community Leader award include the Upper Dublin Public Library, Upper Dublin School District, the Ambler YMCA and Wyndmoor Hose Company No. 1. Individuals who have won the award include Ambler mayor Jeanne Sorg, and former Pennsylvania State Representatives Kate Harper and Todd Stephens.
Recipient: Rev. Thomas D. O’Donald, Epiphany of Our Lord RCC
William (Billy) Gebhardt Award (Adults)
The William (Billy) Gebhardt Award honors a Scouter who exemplifies dedication to guiding Scouts on their Trail to Eagle, championing advancement and personal growth. This award is ideally suited to recognize the contributions of a Unit Advancement Chair, Eagle Scout mentor, or any Scouter committed to supporting the Eagle journey. To be eligible, nominees must have at least three (3) years of service. The award is limited to one recipient per year.
Learn more about William (Billy) Gebhardt
William K. “Billy” Gephardt began his Scouting career as a boy in Troop 140. He regretted not earning the rank of Eagle himself, and as a result was relentless in mentoring Scouts – especially those in danger of getting lost on the Trail to Eagle —to keep them focused on achieving their goal. Many Eagle Scouts in Troop 140 owe their accomplishment in large part to Billy’s dedication. He was extremely involved in the troop, especially in the late 1980s and early 1990s, attending nearly every camping trip and summer camp. He also was active in District activities including camporees and SCOPE/OLYMPIA.
Recipient: Jan McLemore (Troop 0541G/Troop 0542B)
Evelyn Hollis Award (Cub Scout Program) (Adults)
The Evelyn Hollis Award recognizes Scouters who have provided exceptional leadership to the Cub Scout program at the pack level as Cubmasters (CM), Assistant Cubmasters (CA), Den Leaders, Assistant Den Leaders, Committee Chairs (CC) or Committee Members (MC). Nominees must have a minimum of three (3) years of service. The number of awards granted is determined at the discretion of the District Awards Committee.
Learn more about Evelyn Hollis
Evelyn Hollis was a central figure at Pack 107 in Lafayette Hill and the Valley Forge Council office during the 1970s. As the Council Cub Scout Coordinator and District Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner, she managed responsibilities such as District Cub camps, Scout and Pack registrations, and the District dinner committee. Evelyn’s exceptional service earned her the District Award of Merit in 1967 and the Silver Fawn Medal in the early 1970s, an accolade recognizing her significant contributions to the Council, later replaced by the Silver Beaver award in 1974.
Recipients:
- John Held – Pack 0405
- Dave Isgan – Pack 0164
- Mark Noel – Pack 0216
- Ellen Panofsky – Pack 0216
- Melanie Pawlowski – Pack 0088
- Rachel Ratko – Pack 0088
- Clotilde Phelan – Pack 0405
- Stephen Phelan – Pack 0405
- Howard Tyson – Pack 0405
Burt Kiphaut Lifetime Achievement Award (Adults)
The Burt Kiphaut Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a Scouter who has given distinguished, meritorious and continuous service to Scouting in the Baden-Powell District for a period of at least 25 years. The award is limited to one recipient per year, and this distinction is a one-time honor.
Learn more about Burt Kiphaut
Although not a Scout in his youth, Burt Kiphaut became deeply involved in Scouting when his son joined Troop 216. His close partnership with Ev Binns lasted until Ev’s passing in 1995. After his son achieved Eagle Scout, Burt transitioned to several district roles, including District Commissioner, leveraging his analytical skills and management background. Throughout a nearly 50-year Scouting career, he remained active in two troops, the Baden-Powell District, and the Valley Forge Council, attending the Klondike Derby in Delmont even at the age of 91.
Recipient: Chuck Bolger
Mafeking Siege Award (Adults)
The Mafeking Siege Award honors Scouters for their noteworthy contributions to Scouting at the unit level. To be eligible, nominees must have at least two (2) years of service. The number of awards presented each year is determined at the discretion of the District Awards Committee.
Learn more about the Mafeking Siege
While commanding troops during the Siege of Mafeking (1899–1900) in the Second Boer War, Baden-Powell applied many of the reconnaissance, survival, and leadership skills he had honed in the 13th Hussars. The siege brought him international fame and inspired many of the concepts later incorporated into Scouting.
Recipients:
- Stephen Banks – Oreland Troop 1
- Matt Dalberto – Pack 0088
- Travis Fatzinger – Pack 0408
- Kandan Kulandaivel – Troop 0542B
Joe Minecci District Service Award (Adults)
The Joe Minecci District Service Award honors Scouters for their noteworthy contributions to Scouting at the district level. To be eligible, nominees must have at least three (3) years of service. The number of awards presented each year is determined at the discretion of the District Awards Committee.
Learn more about Joe Minecci
Joe Minecci began his Scouting career as a boy, which, in his words, culminated in him being dragged to First Class. He returned to Scouting when his son joined Cubs, and the jobs that he held mirrored his son’s progression through the program. In Troop 12, he served as Committee Member, Committee Chair, Assistant Scoutmaster and finally Scoutmaster. He also gave many years of service to the District as a Unit Commissioner, and eventually as District Commissioner. He could be found every January at the Klondike Derby as the lovable Mayor of Anxiety Point, where he loved teaching knot-tying to Scouts. He was active in SCOPE/Olympia. When Troop 12 was at summer camp, Joe could often be found at the waterfront volunteering his time to help Scouts and Scouters alike with small-boat sailing. Joe often said that the perfect volunteer was someone who was smart enough to do the job… and dumb enough to take it. Outside of Scouting he was a Boating Instructor for the Main Line Power Squadron, and was a coach (and eventually president) of Whitemarsh Little League Baseball.
Recipient: Alexandra Smallberger
Youth Awards
Den Chief Award (Youth)
This award honors Den Chiefs who have made outstanding contributions to their dens. To be eligible, nominees must have attended at least 75% of their den’s meetings. Recipients may earn this award each year they serve as a Den Chief. The number of awards presented each year is determined at the discretion of the District Awards Committee.
Recipients:
- Ashley Cook – Troop 0003G
- Reese Isgan – Troop 0320B
Roy C. Imsick Scouts BSA Youth Service Award (Youth)
This award is presented to Scouts, who by action and example, have provided noteworthy leadership and guidance in Scouts BSA, either at the unit level or otherwise. Each recipient must have achieved at least the rank of Star. The number of awards presented each year is determined at the discretion of the District Awards Committee.
Learn more about Roy C. Imsick
Roy was active in Troops 543 and 177 from the 1940s until his death in 1994. He was also active at the District level, serving as District Chairman. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for his many years of service to the Valley Forge Council. In addition, Roy was heavily involved with Delmont Lodge, hoding various positions there.
Roy was indicated into the Order of the Arrow in 1926; he was the 773rd member of Unami Lodge. He kept his Vigil in 1935 and served as Unami Chief in 1942. During World War II, Roy served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He attended OA anniversary celebrations at Treasure Island, including the last one in 1988, and Lodge dinners until his death.
Recipients:
- Michael Baumgardner – Troop 0577B
- Natalie Green – Troop 0541G
- Ryan Gringeri – Troop 0117B
- Corinne Hoover – Troop 0541G
- Justin Kong – Troop 0542B
- Andrew Siegel – Troop 0542B
Lady/Sir Baden-Powell Cub Scout Youth Service Award (Youth)
This award is presented to Cub Scouts, who by action and example, have provided noteworthy leadership and guidance in their Cub Scout Pack or Den. Each recipient must have achieved at least the rank of Webelo. The number of awards presented each year is determined at the discretion of the District Awards Committee.
Recipients:
- Christian Shipp – Pack 0117
Unit Awards
Brownsea Island Award (Unit)
The Brownsea Island Award is presented annually to one (1) unit that exemplifies the principles of Scouting through a commitment to safety, leader training, quality programming, and membership growth. The name “Brownsea Island” reflects the spirit of Scouting, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and the development of young people through outdoor and experiential learning. This award recognizes units that demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to fostering a thriving Scouting environment.
Learn more about Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is the birthplace of the global Scouting movement, where Lord Robert Baden-Powell held the first experimental Scout camp in August 1907. Located in Poole Harbour, Dorset, England, the camp brought together 20 boys from different social backgrounds to test ideas on outdoor skills, leadership, teamwork, and character development. The success of this camp inspired Baden-Powell to establish Scouting, with its principles of self-reliance, inclusivity, and outdoor adventure. Today, Brownsea Island is celebrated as a symbol of Scouting’s enduring legacy and serves as a pilgrimage site for Scouts worldwide.
Recipient: Troop 0098B