Recognizing Five Outstanding Scouters for Their Exceptional Leadership and Dedication to Youth Development in the Scouting Community
Recipients of the Silver Beaver are registered Scouters who have impacted the lives of youth through service at the council level. This includes council leadership and committee engagement and leadership of council events or leadership elevating youth at the statewide level. Training Courses completed or staffed and Scouting Recognition/Honors are fundamental to receiving consideration. Outstanding service of exceptional character to youth outside of Scouting and detailed information on the nominee’s standing in the community is required and evaluated. We are pleased to award 5 individuals as Silver Beaver Award recipients for 2024. Hats off to Alana LaBelle, John McLellan, Jess Rankin, Mindy Richins, and Doug Ullrich for this prestigious recognition!
Alana LaBelle lives
in Tempe and has been involved in Scouting America for 9 years. Her primary Scouting role is Pack 71 Cubmaster. Alana’s significant service to youth in Scouting includes Wood Badge Course Director, Cub Scout Committee member, and Catholic Committee on Scouting member. Alana serves in her community as a soccer coach, a church lector, and Art Masterpiece instructor. Alana has received the following honors: District Award of Merit, Meritorious Service Star, and the Saint George Award. Scouting is meaningful to Alana because Scouting is “adventures for a lifetime” for the whole family!
John McLellan Jr. of Scottsdale, AZ is a lifelong Scout, earning his Eagle rank with Troop 86 in Lumberton, NC. Returning to Scouting with his sons has been deeply fulfilling, allowing him to engage in roles ranging from Den Leader to District Commissioner, recognized for those efforts with the District Award of Merit and Vigil Honor. John is currently serving as the Order of the Arrow Lodge Adviser. John champions youth leadership and service, believing in Scouting’s power to shape the future, one youth at a time.
Jess Rankin serves as the Service Area Commissioner for Unit Coaching, R-BOO-C Camp Director (also known as the “Scaremaster”) and COR for Pack 531 & Troop 531 in North Phoenix. Jess’ favorite leadership roles have been Cubmaster & Scoutmaster. He has received the District Award of Merit twice and the Meritorious Service Star. Jess is passionate about the impact of Scouting on youth, and he hopes that his service will shape the future of our communities and our country.
Mindy Richins lives in Queen Creek and has been involved in Scouting for over 10 years. She has held several primary scouting roles including Venturing Advisor, Troop Committee Chair, OA Chapter Advisor and Philmont Leadership Challenge Faculty. Her most memorable times in Scouting include taking a Venturing Crew on a Philmont Trek in 2019 and serving in her my daughter’s Troop, attending almost every campout over the last 6 years. Scouting is meaningful to Mindy because she has seen firsthand how the programs inspire change and growth in youth and adults alike.
Doug Ullrich lives in Phoenix, Scoutmaster of Troop 747, and Co-Founder of Troop 747 18 years ago. He has received the Meritorious Service Star, District Award of Merit and Unit Leader Award of Merit. Doug loves the Scouting America program. In his words, “It is a joy and a privilege to watch these young kids grow into young adults as they are mentored by the older Scouts in the troop. We have terrific parent support and we are excited about the new girl troop we have launched.”
