Alumni Achievement Award

Phil Blomquist (2008):

In total, Phil served 18 years as ranger of the camp. Phil managed activities in camp year round. He prepared buildings for troops in the winter, plowed roads, and welcomed troops and other organizations for spring and fall activities. In the 18 years that Phil was at Metigoshe, the camp was maintained to perfection. Every building, road, and campsite was in perfect condition even during hard times in the council when money was not available. Phil found a way to gather materials and maintain a high standard. Both directly and indirectly, Phil Blomquist affected the lives of every scout, scouter, volunteer, or visitor to Metigoshe Scout Reservation during his time as ranger. Today, Phil continues to provide valuable historical information regarding staff members and a vital part of the history of the Northern Lights Camp. (Grafton, ND)

Art Heinze (2008):

Art’s dedication and unwavering support of Camp Wilderness has been an inspiration to Scouts, camp staff and unit leaders over many years. Art is always willing to take on difficult projects without hesitation. When not lending a hand in other ways, Art can be found in the dining hall or at campfire entertaining scouts and Scouts with his harmonica. Art is an inspirational person. He is one whose actions are contagious, and we are all better because of him. (Thief River Falls, MN)

Chris Soper (2009):

For over 20 years, Chris has been integral to the operation and support of Camp Wilderness. His contributions started as a scout and later served in several capacities on camp staff. Chris has fervently supported the camp financially. Chris’s name can be found in several areas of camp. There are other places that it should be found, but he did not want it that way. Despite living in Kansas, Chris manages to come up to camp to serve for a full week every summer and he has done so for years, serving as a role model for staff and scouts alike. Chris was presented his award at Camp Wilderness on July 2, 2009. (Lenexa, KS)

Herb Seaver (2010):

Herb Seaver has been in Scouting for over 40 years. Herb has started and supervised many projects at Camp Wilderness. Some of these include the roof of the dining hall pavilion, the rebuilding of the waterfront staircase, remodeling of several cabins and the construction of several campsite shelters. In addition, Herb was very involved in the Silver Beaver cabin project. Camp Wilderness is a better place because of Herb’s efforts.(Larimore, ND)

Moe Logging (2010):

For more than a decade, Moe Logging has supported the progression of new programs throughout camp. The impacts of Moe Logging can be seen from the moment one enters camp. Moe Logging has spent hours over many seasons grading the main cap road prior to summer camp. The Cub Scout sledding hill and the cross country ski trail system were cleared by Moe Logging. Moe Logging cleared the new campfire ring and the new main road to the waterfront and North end of camp. The Log Pavilion logs were cut and transported logs thanks to Moe Logging. Moe Logging has also helped with program log demonstrations during the Wilderness Romp. (Bemidji, MN)

Chad Swenson (2011):

For nearly 35 years, Chad has been impacting the Northern Lights Camps in a positive way. Chad works in all aspects of betterment for the Camps. From being a long time staff member, to pounding nails, to fundraising, Chad has been involved in it all. Chad is a visionary who inspires himself and others to make constant improvements to the camps. Chad is one of the few in the Council who have worked at Heart Butte, Metigoshe and Wilderness. (Fargo, ND)

Fisher Family (2011):

For many years, the fisher family has served the Northern Lights Council Camps in many ways. Jim and Bev Fisher raised three Eagle Scouts, all of whom served on summer camp staff in various positions from Commissioner Aide to Camp Director. All of them left a lasting mark on hundreds of Scouts, Scouters, and visitors to the Northern Lights Camps. The family has supported the Thief River Boy Scout program on many levels from direct troop leadership and participation, to indirect support of district activities and events. Beyond Scouting, the Fisher family has touched the life of their community. The Fisher family and Fisher Electric reach out to the community of Thief River falls in ways too numerous to describe. There are few buildings on the grounds of Camp Wilderness that have not been touched by the Fisher family in some way. Fisher Electric has donated numerous amounts of labor and materials to support projects at camp. (Thief River Falls, MN)

Ron Elliot (2012):

Ron is one of the Northern Light Council’s most active adult scouters. He is the Troop Committee Chairman for Troop 130 (Grand Forks) and is active in the troop’s camping programs. At the District level, Ron is always active in District Program planning and attends nearly all of the scout functions of the District. He is part of the District Training team and has been the Chairman for training sessions at both the District level and the Council level. He has evolved with the District Roundtable training sessions for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. His participation in the District scout recruiting events leads to a vibrant Cub Scout program throughout the District. He has been active in nearly all the coordinated work weekends at Camp Wilderness and enjoys the Fellowship weekends in the late fall. One program that is closest to Ron’s heart is the Council Religious Program. Each year, Ron volunteers to be a Chaplain for Camp Wilderness at both the Butler Outpost Cub Camp and Camp Wilderness Boy Scout camps. Ron is truly a valued asset for the Scouting Program. (Grand Forks, ND)

Norm Vanderpan (2013):

Norm is an ardent supporter of projects and programs at Camp Wilderness. He has been a Cub Master, a District Committee member, a Unit Commissioner in the Lake Agassiz District as well as at camp during the summer camping sessions. He has been a team member for the renovation crews for several cabins at Camp Wilderness which includes the Silver Beaver Lodge. He was also instrumental in the construction of several shelters in the campsites and the construction of the new rifle range. Norm has been a Cub Master, District Committee Camping Committee member, Unit Commissioner, District Roundtable Staff, District Advancement Committee member and a District Contingent Scoutmaster for a Philmont Scout Ranch Trek. Norm has also been recognized with a Webelos Training Award Knot, the Cub and Boy Scout Training Knot and the Silver Beaver Award. (Grand Forks, ND)

Jeff Brown (2014):

Jeff has been involved in Camp Wilderness since he joined Dilworth Troop 652 in the late 1960’s. Jeff is an: Eagle Scout, OA member, member of the council’s Properties Committee and served as chairman of the Alumni Association. “Since his retirement, he has more time to donate to Camp Wilderness. You may find Jeff helping with registration for an event, washing dishes or emptying garbage cans, teaching a DNR firearms safety class or whatever job can use his help. He is quick to spot where help is needed, and quick to pitch in. (Perham, MN)

Simonson Lumber and Hardware (2014):

Simonson of Grand Forks, ND has donated materials to Scout projects since 1977. The initial donations were for patrol boxes, tables and benches for the 1977 National Jamboree. Since that time, they have donated to numerous projects to include: pinewood derby tracks, Cub Day Camp projects, Wood Badge, Eagle projects, Camp Wilderness carpet ball tables, and the list goes on and on. “Thank you to Simonson Lumber and Hardware Company for 37 years of donations. This helped dozens of Scouts to enjoy their Scouting experience. (Grand Forks, ND)

Darryl Wehner (2015):

Darryl became a volunteer Scouting in 1995 when his son went to Camp Wilderness. He has missed very few summer camps, even though his son has grown up and himself become a Scouter. He is always willing to work on numerous projects throughout camp. He has served on the National Jamboree staff numerous times. He served as ASM for Troop 1032. Closer to his home, he has spent countless days at Heart Butte Camp as a trainer and volunteer.  Darryl has built many of the shelters and buildings  at the camp, although his favorite project is the water well and water distribution system.  Were it not for Darryl and other volunteers like him, Heart Butte Scout Camp would only be a memory now. (Dickinson, ND)

Darrell “Krafty” Kraft (2015):

Krafty has been a huge supporter of Scouting throughout the council and has left a lasting impression on many of the camps. He has been a volunteer for Troop 416 as an ASM and SM for over 15 years. He has crafted many beautiful signs for the council’s camps and for National Jamborees.  His dedication to working the council’s camps was never more evident than during the floods, in the Minot area, in 2011. In spite of his own home being overtaken by the flood, Krafty diligently supervised Big 4 Camp and was able to assist with the recovery and rebuilding process.  He is the “go to” guy at Big 4 as the volunteer Ranger. (Minot, ND)

Dan Smith/SmithCo. (2015)

Needs writeup (Fargo, ND)

John Feick (2016)

John Feick was a central figure in the revitalizing of Camp Wilderness. As the council’s Program Director, he led the way to the growth of the camp’s programs, facilities and staffing. His love of fishing was evident in the development  of the camp’s fishing program and the considerable donations he secured. He was persistent and successful in developing a vision for camp and he assisted in growing it into the highly successful capital campaign of the 1990’s.  (Springfield, MO)

Bob Rezac (2017)

Bob has been a long-time promoter and supporter of the camps. For at least ten years he was a volunteer Commissioner at Camp Wilderness during Summer Camp.  He also supported the Winter Camp program by  volunteering as Campmaster for at least ten years.  Over the years at organized weekends and on his own with his family, he has worked on projects to improve camp and maintain cabins and property.  For four years as a Venturing Advisor, he and Crew 696 made multiple trips to Camp Wilderness to clean and wax the VCT floors in all the buildings throughout the camp that had them.  That job alone represented a determination on Bob’s part to preserve the property for  long term use.  Bob proposed and helped to implement the History Trail project,  researched and wrote the stories for each designated historical spot, helped to install and maintain the signpost.  He has spent a significant amount of time obtaining and organizing items for display in the History Center.  His efforts to assist in maintaining and cataloging the ongoing and changing displays at the History Center has been a continuing and noteworthy contribution of time and talent.  Most recently, Bob has proposed the idea of the Alumni Association obtaining funding for their projects by working at the Fargo Dome.  For the past 4 years he has faithfully worked 98% of the 60 events that they have signed up for’ also acting as stand manager and liaison with the Fargo Dome management  to choose events and diligently called Alumni members for staffing.  (It is noteworthy that around $30,000 has been raised through this project with Bob in the leadership role.)  I think you will agree the Bob is a worthy nominee to be a recipient of this award. (Sabin, MN)