Award Descriptions

• Be listed on the roster of a unit within the Baden-Powell District, or be on the district roster.
• Be a currently registered Scout or Scouter with Scouts BSA.
• Be position-trained for the role or position specified in the award description.

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.

• Be listed on the roster of a unit within the Baden-Powell District, or be on the district roster.
• Be a currently registered Scout or Scouter with Scouts BSA.
• Be position-trained for the role or position specified in the award description.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Organizations who have been awarded the Community Leader award include the 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.