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Last updated on Tuesday, May 17, 2016
(BEDFORD) - The Hoosier Trails Council of Boy Scouts of America recognized two Lawrence County residents with the Silver Beaver Award.
Albert Cross of Springville and Darren Norrington of Mitchell were among five recipients at the council's annual gala on April 17.
The Silver Beaver Award is a distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. It is presented to registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through their service to the council.
Albert Cross
Albert Cross became involved in Scouting on October 4, 1967, when a friend invited him to attend the weekly meeting of Troop 43 Springville. With his 11th birthday and the District Fall Camporee coinciding three days later, he embarked on a great and wonderful journey of Scouting adventures that included Camp Wapehani and the early years of Maumee Scout Reservation.
"I have committed myself to Scouting because I feel our mission to teach youth to be able to make a lifetime of good choices is the most important thing we do. Achieving that objective requires instilling in them the values of servant leadership primarily through an outdoors learning environment. I feel that is especially important in small communities such as ours where there have not always been a lot of wholesome activities available for youth to choose from," says Cross.
"I have had several memorable Scouting experiences and I will specifically identify two very special events. The first was seeing my son join Scouts in 2007, followed by my being selected in 2009 to lead the same troop in Springville I had joined way back in 1967. The second occurred in December of 2013 when I was offered the opportunity to be the Scoutmaster for the Hoosier Trails Council National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course for 2014, 2015, and 2016. It is so encouraging to see the caliber of young men and women attending NYLT and know that these are the Scouting volunteers of the future."
When asked what he would say to a family interested in Scouting, Albert said, "My advice to a young family considering joining Scouting would be to jump in feet first and don't look back!"
Darren Norrington
Darren Norrington has served Scouting for 22 years as a Unit Committee Member/Chairman, Cubmaster, Webelos Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, District Committee Member, Unit Commissioner, Merit Badge Counselor, Order of the Arrow Chapter Adviser, Council Properties Committee Member, and Vigil Committee Adviser.
Service to others comes naturally to Darren, as he comes from a family history of serving Mitchell. He has been a support parent with his children's school, a crew leader for Take Pride in America, and a leader with United Way.
His most memorable Scouting experience was the time spent at Maumee Scout Reservation, as a youth with his father, and now as an adult with his two sons. "Both of my parents served as adult volunteers when I was a youth member. My father, Darrell, helped to restart the Orleans Pack when I was able to join, and served as the Cubmaster and later as a Webelos Den Leader.
"He made the transition to the Boy Scout program with me, serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, as well as in other positions. My mother, Delores, served as my Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Den Leader. My parents gave of their time to help make the Scouting program possible for the youth of our community, so I feel a sense of responsibility to do the same," said Norrington.
When asked about Scouting's impact in his life, Darren said, "The values and knowledge that Scouting instilled in me as a youth continue to guide me in my professional career and personal life today. The leadership opportunities available to Scouts today, .whether in a Troop or patrol setting, or while serving in an Order of the Arrow leadership position, will help mold a young man into a stronger leader as an adult.
"Imagine being in an interview, and the primary questions asked are about your experiences in Scouting. This happened to me -- twice. Once when I applied for admission into the Construction Engineering program at Purdue, and once during a job interview. I accepted both offers."
The Hoosier Trails Council is proud to honor both Albert Cross and Darren Norrington with the Silver Beaver Award. Each of these gentlemen has contributed a great amount of time and talent to make Scouting a life-long memory for countless Scouts.
For more information about the Hoosier Trails Council, call (800) 844-6809 or visit HoosierTrailsBSA.org.
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