FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2023
For more information:
Alison Harrison, Marketing and Communications Director
James Parnell, Scout Executive
CAMDEN COUNTY SCOUT LEADER NAMED LIVING LEGEND OF TIDEWATER COUNCIL
Chesapeake, Va. – Four local Boy Scouts of America leaders have been recognized as Living Legends of Tidewater Council. They were honored at a recognition dinner on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, Virginia.
The Living Legends of Tidewater Council award recognizes well-known volunteers who have generously given untold amounts of their time, resources, and talents to support the local Scouting program. The council’s service area encompasses the northeastern North Carolina counties of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans, and the Virginia cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.
These exemplary leaders continue to provide significant leadership, service, and support to Scouting over many years and in many roles. Their contributed contributions serve the needs of local youth Scouts.
Ray Bland, a Camden County Scout leader, has provided quiet servant leadership through his many years and different roles in Scouting.
Ray became a Scout leader in the 1980s, at the invitation of a friend. He has been a member of Troop 158 ever since, serving as assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster. He is now a Chartered Organization Representative.
Ray has been the driving force behind the success of the Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend since its inception more than 20 years ago. He, his committee, and the U.S. Coast Guard Elizabeth City Station staff plan and execute a unique weekend of learning and fun for troops.
He has been the Eagle Scout Coordinator in Albemarle District for several years. He, or one of his aides, meets with each Scout, discusses their service project, and guides them in implementing their plan as needed. He sits on most district Eagle Scout Boards of Review.
Ray has always been happy to teach at Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training sessions, conduct youth stations at camporees, and present at roundtables.
Ray has received the Albemarle District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award from Tidewater Council.
Ray was honored alongside 2023 Living Legends of Tidewater Council Sam Grinvalsky, Dan McFarland, and Tom Williams.
About Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America
Tidewater Council is the 5th oldest Boy Scouts of America council in the United States, established in 1911. Today, the council serves approximately 4,000 youth and 2,000 adult volunteers in the Virginia cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, and the North Carolina counties of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans. Information about Tidewater Council is available by visiting TidewaterBSA.com, emailing james.parnell@scouting.org, or calling 757-497-2688.
About the Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the nation’s foremost youth programs of character development and values-based leadership training. Since its inception in 1910, more than 130 million young men and women have participated in the BSA’s youth programs. More than 35 million adult volunteers have helped carry out the BSA’s mission.
BSA programs serve boys and girls ages five through 20, and their families, with age-appropriate curriculums that develop character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness.
More information about the Boy Scouts of America is available by visiting scouting.org.
###
