Local Boy Scouts Honored with Roy Imsick Youth Service Award

Four young men have been presented with the prestigious Roy Imsick Youth Service Award, given by the Boy Scouts of America’s Baden-Powell District of the Cradle of Liberty Council to youths who have shown distinctive leadership and guidance “by deeds and example” to the Boy Scouts and to the larger community.

Michael Beck of Flourtown Troop 320 and Springfield Township High School has served as Senior Patrol Leader, exhibiting masterful organizational and leadership abilities as well as exemplary knowledge of “Scout Skills”. He is adept at using the BSA’s “EDGE” teaching method – Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable – to help younger scouts master the skills necessary for advancement. In communicating well with his fellow scouts both in person and through informative emails, he is able to coordinate new activities that keep the whole troop interested and involved.

Justin Fernsler of Maple Glen Troop 542 and Upper Dublin High School has held important leadership positions, for which his fellow scouts of all ages have praised him as a balanced, thoughtful role model. As last year’s Quartermaster Leader charged with caring for his 8 to 10 person patrol’s equipment, he emphasized taking proper care of the gear by example and by leading his fellow scouts to do the same. This year, Justin is Eagle Patrol Leader, a challenging position, which requires him to keep his patrol at the top of its game. He has also completed his Eagle service project and is now working on a few remaining requirements for his Eagle Scout rank.

Michael Meyer, Jr., of Maple Glen Troop 542 and a junior at LaSalle College High School, completed his Eagle Scout rank in February. His leadership roles have included Patrol Leader and Service Project Leader, but he is currently the Den Chief for Dresher Cub Scout Pack 405, where he directly helps and guides young Cubs. He has led and participated in camping and backpacking throughout his Scouting career. His “High Adventure” trips include Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico and the Florida Sea Base, and he has volunteered for more than ten Boy Scout and Eagle service projects. In the community Michael has been a coordinator for the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund for pediatric cancer and volunteered for numerous LaSalle projects like helping at-risk youth with homework and working with the homeless.

Charles Zwicker, also of Maple Glen Troop 542 and LaSalle College High School, has served admirably in troop leadership positions. As Troop Scribe he was diligent both in keeping accurate records and encouraging of his fellow scouts to complete their merit badges. As Lightening Patrol Leader for several years Charles won the respect of his peers by being kind, supportive and respectful of others. Now, as Senior Patrol Leader, the most complex leadership position, especially in a troop like 542 with over 100 scouts, he remains calm, supportive, reliable and a source of consistent leadership. At LaSalle, he has maintained a strong academic and is serving as president of the IT Club.

The Baden-Powell District, which includes the residents of and schools within the Colonial, Springfield, Upper Dublin and Wissahickon School Districts, celebrated these young leaders at its annual Recognition Dinner on April 26.