MIKE O’DONNELL
In our first 2022 Silver Beaver recipient spotlight, we recognize Mike O’Donnell.
An active volunteer in the Mountain Valley District, Mike has been making an impact in Scouting for over 12 years. He has served with distinction at the unit and district levels in multiple roles. He began in Scouting as a Den Leader for Pack 649 in Belgrade and served in this position for one year before he decided to advance to Assistant Cubmaster while at the same time taking on the position of Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 649.
In 2013 he took over the role of Scoutmaster of Troop 649 and just recently retired from that position in 2021.
Mike has also held many district positions including Merit Badge Counselor and District Member at Large. His knowledge and belief in the Scouting program show his immense dedication to the youth of Montana.
Scouts from Troop 649 often comment about Mike’s guidance and motivation towards their achievement of Eagle, attributing that Scoutmaster Mike was the main reason they earned their Eagle Rank. When Mike served as Scoutmaster over 20 Scouts earned the rank of Eagle. Mike has dedicated himself to living the Scout Oath and Law and ensuring that he passed those ideals onto Scouts. His energy, drive and enthusiasm have been an example to all Scouts and leaders. Thank you for your dedication to Scouting Mike!
MIKE WALZ
In our second 2022 Silver Beaver recipient spotlight, we recognize Mike Walz.
Mike is an active volunteer in the Black Otter District who has been making an impact in Montana Scouting for over 22 years. He has served in many positions including Den Leader, Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster and Committee Chair along with several district positions such as District Committee Member, Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner, Merit Badge Counselor and Unit Commissioner.
He currently serves as the Black Otter District Chair.
Mike has also been involved in Scouting at the National level. He directed the 2010 National Jamboree Shooting Sports Program held at AP Hill and helped set up the program at the Summit in its opening year. Mike serves as the Council Shooting Sports Chair and is always willing to help with Council and District shooting events.
Mike’s enthusiasm and dedication to delivering a quality Scouting experience to both youth and adults have made a positive impact not only on Scouting but also on the community. Thank you for your all you do for Scouting Mike!
DOUG WHEELER
In our third 2022 Silver Beaver recipient spotlight, we recognize Doug Wheeler.
Doug is an active volunteer in Prickly Pear District who has been making an impact in Scouting for over 15 years. Doug has served as Den Leader and Committee Member and has held the position of Scoutmaster for Troop 1214 since 2009.
He also contributes to Scouting as a registered Merit Badge Counselor. Doug is instrumental in organizing and developing the largest Merit Badge University at Carroll College that will be held in October of this year. The event’s first year brought together over 450 Scouts from across the council to experience a variety of Merit Badge Classes.
Doug is constantly looking for ways to bring Scouts and the community together. His view is “We should seize every opportunity to have Scouts out in the community doing a good turn.” He shows an unhesitating willingness to jump in and take on any job, large or small with a smile. He leads by example and embodies the Scout Oath and Law each day. Thank you for your dedication to Scouting Doug!
