The 2019 summer camping season has been one of much success and historic moments. Each week this year has had a strong number of Scouts and Scouters in camp, the first girl units attended (and have been LOVING it), and the final family night of the season was an important moment to take pause. During the July 17, 2019 family night, Canyon Camp had the distinct privilege of sharing its appreciation to the family of Don Beck in his memory, Ken and Angie Friedrichs for their strong philanthropic dedication, and Dick Reynolds for his many years of service and mentorship. Each of these individuals have supported Canyon Camp in their own unique ways and have shaped countless individuals for many years at camp. Their legacies will continue to impact thousands of Scouts who come to camp for years to come. Co-Camp Directors Dick Reynolds and Lee Binkley began the traditional dance ceremony by first welcoming the children of Don Beck to the Dance Ring. Donald O. Beck was instrumental in Scouting and his community. As a passionate Scouter, he played a formative role in both Troops 33 (Elizabeth) and 26 (Warren). Don lived at Camp as the camp ranger with his wife and three children for a number of years. Don passed away in July of 2018. He was a servant to all. He was a friend to all. He supported Canyon Camp until the very end. Memorial funds from the Beck family allowed integral remodeling to the camp kitchen. Janine, Paul, and Chris, the three Beck children who lived at camp during his years as ranger, were present to accept a token of appreciation to the entire Beck family in memory of Don. To see the full presentation to the Beck Family, click here.
Immediately following this heartfelt moment, Ken Friedrichs was invited to the dance ring to be recognized. Blackhawk Area Council program director Emily Cross assisted Dick and Lee in recognizing Ken and Angie Friedrichs. In recent years, Ken and Angie have shown their steadfast belief in the program at Canyon Camp by virtue of their strong philanthropic support. The seed funding provided for the zip-line project (completed in 2017) and the dream of a high ropes course was brought to reality thanks to their support. Their generosity stems from involvement Ken had with his time in Troop 101 (Monroe) with his family and the many, many Scouts' lives he touched as Scoutmaster and father figure. It was also announced that Friedrichs will provide significant funding for a much needed storage and maintenance facility at Canyon Camp. It is through this unending generosity and passion that Ken and Angie have been recognized by the national Boy Scouts of America organization for the North Star Award. The North Star Award is a high-level award presented by councils on the behalf of the National Court of Honor for community volunteers who have made a significant contribution to Scouting. This award is equal to the prestigious Silver Beaver Award and the Friedrichs are the first recipients of this award in the Blackhawk Area Council. To see the full presentation to Ken Friedrichs, click here. The final recognition of the evening was in honor of co-camp director Dick Reynolds.
Dick is passionate about the growth and development of young people. He has been a mentor to countless staff members. Over the years, Dick has received nearly 20 Eagle Scout mentor pins and even one father’s pin. More than 55 alumni made gifts in honor of Dick, many due to the mentorship he provided to them during their time on camp staff and the continued relationship after their time serving on staff. He lives and breathes the Canyon Camp mantra of caring for “that little Scout that follows me.” These gifts were given to raise Dick to the next level of James E. West Fellowship Award. The response was so strong that he was raised from Bronze to Silver AND silver to Gold level status.
The West Fellowship funds have been designated to support the Spirit Scholarship Endowment Fund to support academic scholarships for Canyon Camp staff members. To this end, Canyon Camp will award its first Richard J. Reynolds Spirit Scholarship this year, and the earnings from the endowment will be used for scholarships in perpetuity. This moment was very special as we honored Dick Reynolds for his many years of service to Canyon Camp. To see the full presentation to Dick Reynolds, click here.
Thank you to Troop 76 for capturing these historic moments, the many in attendance to recognize these important Canyon Camp servant leaders, and most importantly, to these three individuals. We appreciate all that you do for the young people we serve.
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