Black Swamp Area Council Honors Distinguished Volunteer Service at 2026 Scouters Conference
Volunteers from across Northwest Ohio gathered at Camp Berry on Saturday for the 2026 Scouters Conference, a full day of collaboration, training, and celebration hosted by the Black Swamp Area Council, Scouting America. The event concluded with the Council Recognition Luncheon and Annual Meeting, highlighting outstanding service to Scouting and the election of council leadership.
Council Leadership Elected
During the Annual Meeting, Dave Thompson of Van Wert was elected to a second term as Council President of the Black Swamp Area Council. Thompson has served in numerous leadership roles within Scouting and continues to guide the council with a strong focus on program quality, volunteer support, and long?term sustainability.
President’s Awards Recognize District Impact
Council President Dave Thompson presented the President’s Award, which recognizes Scouters who have made exceptional contributions to their districts over the past year.
2026 President’s Award Recipients:
- Benjamin Black – Arrowwood District
- Ian Boden – Chinquapin District
- Cheryl Parson – Great Oaks District
- Ryan Snyder – Old Sycamore District
“These individuals exemplify the spirit of Scouting through their leadership, service, and commitment to youth,” Thompson said.
Silver Beaver Award: Highest Honor at the Council Level
The highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the Silver Beaver Award, Scouting America’s highest recognition a council can bestow upon an adult volunteer for distinguished service to youth. Video tributes honoring each Silver Beaver recipient are available at the links below highlighting their lives of service and contributions to Scouting.
2025–2026 Silver Beaver Recipients:
Stan Doty, Council Vice President and Silver Beaver Committee Chair, reflected on the significance of the award:
“The Silver Beaver represents service that goes far beyond the expected. These recipients have devoted countless hours, years, and in some cases decades, to improving the lives of youth through Scouting. Their impact will be felt long after today.”
About the Silver Beaver Recipients
Steve Schroeder is a proud Eagle Scout whose lifelong commitment to Scouting includes over 30 years of service as Treasurer of the Berry Boy Scout Reservation. A retired Vice President and Treasurer of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Steve has also held leadership roles with numerous community and statewide organizations, including the United Way of Hancock County and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. His dedication to financial stewardship, outdoor conservation, and youth development has strengthened both Scouting and the broader community.
Don Spar began his Scouting journey as a youth in Ada and later returned as a Tiger Dad, ultimately serving as Cubmaster of Pack 124 for 10 years and later advancing to Scoutmaster of Troop 124, a role he continues to serve today. Don was instrumental in organizing and celebrating 100 years of Scouting in Ada and has also dedicated decades of service to 4?H, the Hardin County Fair, and agricultural education.
Glenn Barclay, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, has served Scouting for more than four decades in roles including Cubmaster, Committee Chair, Assistant Scoutmaster, and district?level volunteer. Glenn has supported youth through summer camp staff, National Youth Leadership Training, Eagle Boards of Review, and University of Scouting courses, helping multiple Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. He credits Scouting with preparing him for life’s challenges and values the lifelong friendships built through service.
70 Years of Service Recognized
The council also honored an extraordinary milestone by presenting a 70 Year Veteran Service Pin to Roger Frese, recognizing seven decades of dedicated service to Scouting and youth leadership.
“Roger’s commitment represents the very best of Scouting,” said Scout Executive Marc Kogan. “His lifetime of service is an inspiration to all.”
Strengthening Scouting’s Future
The Scouters Conference began earlier in the day with council and district meetings and program?focused breakout sessions, ensuring continued collaboration and excellence in delivering Scouting to youth across Northwest Ohio.
- Steve Schroeder, Don Spar and Glenn Barclay left to right
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- Roger Frese – 70?Year Veteran Pin with council president Dave Thompson, Scout Executive Marc Kogan and Riger Freese (left to right)
More photos from the event can be found at this link
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