The Rease H McDaniel Scout Spirit Award
This award is dedicated to the memory of Rease McDaniel, Troop 322’s first Eagle Scout. Rease joined Troop 322 in September 1977 and was presented the Eagle award on October 11, 1982. Rease was a pleasant, Christian young man to whom the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law were far more than words to be repeated in some ceremony. It has been said of Rease by one who knew him well that “He lived the ideals of Scouting every day of his life”.
In 1981, Rease learned that he had a potentially fatal brain tumor. He was not discouraged by this fact but determined to make the best of whatever time he had remaining on this earth. Rease continued his Scouting activities. He went to Philmont twice and attended the 1985 national Scout Jamboree. Never a one –dimensional individual, Rease was an honor student at Harrison High School and a member of the marching band. He entered the University of Evansville in the fall of 1985. On January 20, 1986, Rease McDaniel left this world to join his Father in Heaven. In life, Rease helped many others along the Scouting trail. His memory continues to provide inspiration to those who knew him.
This award is presented annually at the close of troop summer camp. It is presented to the scout who has best exemplified all of the ideals of Scouting, but especially cheerfulness and willingness to do his share of work and more, during the camp. Scouts holding positions of Patrol Leader or members of the Troop Staff are not eligible. Nominations for the award are made by the adult and senior scout staff, with the selection being made by the senior scout staff.
The Richard Dawes “Keep on Hiking” Award
Richard Dawes was briefly involved in scouting as a youth in the early 1950s. He returned to Scouting in 1978 when his son Carl joined Cub Scouts, eventually serving as Webelos den leader. Richard and Carl participated in their first Christmas tree sales in 1981. Soon thereafter, in the spring of 1982, Richard and Carl joined Troop 322. Richard became an Assistant Scoutmaster and was quite active in those early days. He attended nearly every meeting and went on every campout, not only because he liked to camp, but also because he was the only one who could pull the equipment trailer.
For the next 19 years, Richard maintained his dedication to Troop 322. In 1985, he was one of three adult staff for the Troop’s first Troop-run Summer Camp (Richard was in charge of groceries). Even after Carl graduated from the Troop, Richard remained active as a Troop Committee member and as Committee Chair. He was a central figure in the annual Christmas Tree sale where for many years he was responsible for pricing all of the trees.
Richard’s first Philmont trek was in 1986. Troop 322 had one crew that year and followed a North Country itinerary. After his first trip, Richard knew that he needed to return as often as possible. His next trek was 1988, the first year that Troop 322 sent two crews. He was adviser for the treks in 1989-1995 and 1997-98 (there was no Trek in 1996). In 1999, Richard’s health kept him from being an adviser so he took a “vacation” camping in Carson National Forest so that he could rendezvous with Troop 322’s Philmont crews.
Over the course of these many Treks, Richard became a symbol of Troop 322’s Philmont experience. Any conversation with him soon turned to Philmont and was rich in reminisces and future plans. Richard’s success as a Philmont adviser and hiker was based on positive attitude and skill rather than physical strength. He knew exactly how to pace himself and could anticipate challenges ahead. His attitude and dedication were positively contagious. Many Scouts and not a few of his fellow advisers were inspired to stick it out and complete a trek by Richard’s coaching, cajoling, and sheer love for Philmont. Many of us fell for “It’s just over the next ridge” time after time.
On February 29, 2000 Richard lost his battle with cancer. Some of his last thoughts were of Troop 322 and Philmont – just a week before his death he spoke of establishing this award and providing both recognition and incentive to return to Philmont for a deserving Scout. In August 2000, Richard’s two sons journeyed to Philmont and fulfilled one of his last wishes as they scattered his ashes high on Baldy Mountain . Richard Dawes is now one with the Philmont that he loved so deeply.
The Richard Dawes “Keep on Hiking” Award is presented annually to a Troop 322 Scout who, during the previous year, has completed the Philmont trek, not without a struggle, but by displaying Richard’s tenacious and positive attitude. The award winner is expected to return to Philmont or other appropriate High Adventure the following summer.