Boy Scouts of America Celebrate Volunteers and the "Journey to Excellence"

Northwest Suburban Council of the Boy Scouts of America, held its Annual Council Dinner on Sunday, May 15. The Centennial Year celebration, “Journey to Excellence”, was held at The Cotillion in Palatine. In addition to more than 100 Scout volunteer leaders and supporters attending, Patrick McCaskey, Director of Special Operations of the Chicago Bears was the guest speaker for the evening. Mr. McCaskey’s presentation of the Scout Oath reflected his experience as an executive with the Chicago Bears.

The purpose of these Annual events held by Boy Scout councils throughout the US are to recognize those who have made an impact in Scouting and to highlight the ever-growing vision of the organization across all levels.

Over the past year, Scouts celebrated the organization's 100th anniversary, and they hope the success and vision continue to grow and evolve for centuries to come.  For more than 100 years, the BSA has created a foundation of leadership, service, and community for millions of America’s youth.  This year, the BSA is working to continue its proven track record by reaching new youth members, building its volunteer base, reconnecting with Scouting alumni, and increasing public awareness of Scouting’s value to youth and local communities.

At Sunday’s event, Stephen Taylor, NWSC Scout Executive, recognized the adult volunteer leaders who have contributed to the organization’s success.  Mr. Taylor presented a vision of the future of scouting and how it will become the program of choice for both youth and their parents because of the values of Character development, citizenship training, personal fitness, and leadership development it brings through the Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing, Exploring, Learning for Life, and the new yet-to-be-named programs.

“We have seen the fruits of our labors with national recognition, both as Centennial Quality Council an a Distinguished Learning for Life Council – being only one of three Boy Scout Councils in America to earn both distinctions,” Taylor said.

Five adult volunteer leaders were recognized at the dinner, Dr. Neal Frankel of Mount Prospect, Robert Payne of Skokie, Thomas Kresnicka of Arlington Heights, Susan Simmons of Schaumburg, and Palatine’s own, Mike Gutschick.

Mr. Taylor shared, “The real strength of the NWSC is in its great volunteers. It is the singular very reason that the NWSC has been successful in the past. And supporting these efforts is a small, highly dedicated staff.  The synergy of these two elements working together can produce greatness.  For those reasons, we have the collective capacity to dream of greatness, plan for greatness, and actually achieve greatness.  And because we can dream it, plan it, and work on it – we can achieve it – making the dream into the reality.”

“You make the difference!  So “dream no small dreams for they have no magic”… Let us dream big, plan big, work big and accomplish even more in the future…always remembering that this focus is based solely on the youth that we serve and seek to serve in the future.  The youth of America and the youth of our 34 communities are counting on us...”