Two local adults were recently recognized for their support to the Boy Scouts of America, and particularly for their support to local Troop 48.
Dennis Scritchfield, who presently serves as Troop 48 Chartered Organization Representative, has been a registered Scouter for 34 years. Dennis has been presented by the Pennsylvania Dutch Council with the Silver Beaver Award. The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.
Beginning as an assistant den leader, he has been a den leader, assistant scoutmaster and scoutmaster with former Pack #137 and Troop #137. He has been a unit commissioner, adviser for the Order of the Arrow and a member of Troop #48’s Committee. Dennis was a member of the Klondike Derby staff and camporee staff for the former Eastern District. He attended both Philmont and the Maine National High Adventure Base as a crew advisor. In 1989, he was on staff for the National Jamboree.
His training includes Fast Start, Cub Leader Specific, Scoutmaster Fundamentals, Commissioner Basic Training and Train the Trainer. He further took OA Lodge Leader Development, Commissioner Fast Start, Committee Challenge and training for Charter Organization Representatives. He has served in several staff positions for Scoutmaster Fundamentals over the years. He earned the Sea Badge and additionally his Wood Badge Beads in 1988.
For his many years of service, Dennis has earned the Den Leader and Webelos Leader Awards, the Scouters’ Training Award and Scouters’ Key and the Daniel Carter Beard award. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow and was in the position of Ordeal Advisor and Advisor accompanying the Lodge to Conclave. He was awarded Vigil Honor in 1994. For his exceptional service, he was awarded the District Award of Merit in 1994.
Phil Laukhuff, another adult leader with Troop 48, recently received the District Award of Merit. The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level.
Laukhuff was a member of Troop 48 as a youth. From 2009 to present he has been an Assistant Scoutmaster and has attended Camp Bashore nearly all his years as a troop leader. He has served as an adult leader for the Troop High Adventure Trip to Florida Sea Base.
Laukhuff has assisted as an Instructor for Troop Junior Leader Training for many years, participated with the Klondike Winter event at Camp Mac for over 10 years, regularly participated in Patriot Days Encampment (Daniel Boone Homestead, Berks County), and has been an advisor to a Venture Crew dedicated to Aviation. He supports the community by assisting with placing luminaries for the Annual Christmas on Main Street and participates in the annual Memorial Day Pilgrimage sponsored by the Veterans’ Council.
Interested in what scouting has to offer? Contact Scoutmaster Charles Ulrich at 371-5284 or email at ulrichc@outlook.com.
