Alumni
Achievement Award
If you would
like to nominate someone for the Alumni Achievement Award, download the form,
fill it out and mail it to the committee chair person:
Mike Melby
1920 27th Ave S
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(H) 701-775-9905
Email melby@aero.und.edu
The Association has developed
the Alumni Achievement Award to recognize those for outstanding service and
contributions to the Northern Lights Council Camps over an extended period of
time.
Each year, nominations are
solicited through the Aurora and are available from the Alumni Achievement committee
chair or other officers of The Association. Anyone can make a nomination by
completing the Nomination For Alumni Achievement Award form and sending it to
the Alumni Achievement Award Chair by June 15th of each year.
Previous recipients of the
award are as follows:
Bev
Segerholm (1996):
Bev served as the Council Administrative assistant for summer camp operations
from 1976 to 2001. For several years, she was the main person to develop all
of the promotional materials for the camps. She put in countless hours working
behind the scenes in the council office progressing summer camp operations.
She was a fried to all unit leaders and worked with them to make it possible
for every Scout that wanted to go to camp to have that opportunity.
Ernie
Harlow (1999):
Ernie retired from his full time job and took up a new voluntary career working
on maintaining camp equipment. Ernie served as a Scout leader throughout most
of his life. Much of the quartermaster equipment and tent maintenance performed
over the years was a direct result of Ernie’s efforts. Ernie passed away
on March 26, 2004 at the age of 79.
Ron
Jackson (1999):
Ron’s primary passion was for the camp telephone and communication systems.
Ron maintained the system every spring and would resolve problems as they came
up throughout the year. Ron served on many committees that progressed the efforts
of Camp Wilderness. He inspired many behind-the-scenes people to take initiative
and get involved with the camps.
Phil
Schorn (2000):
Originally from the out-of-council, Phil came to Camp Wilderness as a full-time
Ranger. Phil served as ranger from November 1990 to November 2000. Phil not
only served the position of Ranger maintaining and improving the camp facilities,
but he also served as one who made people feel welcome at camp. Phil’s
natural way of interacting with people made him an ambassador for camp.
Mike
Melby (2001):
Mike has an undying love for service. One of the many roles that Mike has served
over the years is his role in the Fall Fellowship. He organizes and coordinates
the work of hundreds of volunteers on an annual basis. He has also secured many
equipment and dollar donations to the scouting program.
Al
Czeczok (2002):
Al is the Scoutmaster of the Park Rapids troop, and owns a small construction
company that is often called upon for work around camp. Projects such as COPE
course construction, warning siren installation, sledding hill lighting, and
dozens of other projects are the kinds of projects undertaken by Al and his
company. Often these projects are donated to the camp, and projects that are
billed are often done for the cost of fuel for equipment used.
Ron
Schneider (2002):
Throughout the late 80’s, the 90’s and still today, Ron has served
a vital role in setting the vision for the future of the Northern Lights Camps.
His dedication to seeing that the vision was transformed into dollars and into
equipment, facilities and program will be unmatched for years to come.
Wally
Heinle (2002):
Wally served as a volunteer second ranger for Metigoshe Scout Reservation. He
performed the majority of the work in re-modeling the commissary into a dining
hall and spend countless hours doing behind the scenes activities to make the
scouting program better for the scouts. Wally died in 2003 the summer after
receiving the Alumni Achievement Award.
Steve
Shark (2004):
Steve has served scouting for more than 36 years in several councils. His responsibilities
have ranged from Vice District Chairman-Camping to Scoutmaster, to Scouting
for Food Chair. Over his scouting career, Steve served as an advocate for the
Northern Lights Camps by providing equipment essential for a summer camp. Steve
solicited funding from many companies as an active fundraiser for the supplies.
When funding was not available, Steve found a way – sometimes funding
the equipment himself. Steve continues to serve the youth of today.
Tom
Hall (2005):
Tom has been virtually “on Call” for Camp Wilderness. Over the past
30 years, he has helped with literally hundreds of projects ranging from electrical
work, construction, as a notary, and as the camp’s locksmith. Tom has
literally re-keyed the entire camp o more than one occasion and is always willing
to help out with just a simple phone call. Tom has served as a Scoutmaster for
over 28 years and has over thirty-six eagle scouts. Tom always has a positive
attitude and input towards the program.
Leo
Ehrmantraut (2005):
Leo has directed the restoration of Heart Butte Scout Reservation. His efforts
have ranged from installation of metal roof on the main lodge to roofing shelters,
replacing the water distribution system, to replacing the well, installation
of a shower building, fire rings, toilet rebuilding, picnic table restoration
and toilet vaults. He has taken the camp from what was to a vibrant and alive
camp which is used for area scouting events such as Junior Achievement training,
wood badge, camporees, cub scout outings, and conclaves.
Roger
Smart/The American Legion East Grand Forks Post 157 (2006):
Roger Smart and
The American Legion East Grand Forks Post 157 were recognized as receiving the Alumni
Achievement award during the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Camp Wilderness. Roger
Smart has been a part of the Northern Lights Council Camps for many decades and his
countless hours of behind the scenes activities have been the foundation of many
projects of camp including the new Cub Camp facilities. The American Legion of East
Grand Forks has been a silent partner in several projects and programs that directly
affect the Scouts of camp.
Les
Herbranson (2007):
Les is a man with
a variety of helpful skills that he has quietly contributed to Camp Wilderness since
1957. Les has worked on buildings and equipment from one end of camp to the other,
during events such as work weekends, fall fellowships, OA conclaves, Summer Commissioner,
Winter Campmaster, and troop events (213, 214, 232). Les also brought back to life some
video footage of camp from the 1940. In fact given Les's longevity of service, he may have
more hours in as a volunteer, than anyone in the history of camp.
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.
Art
Heinze (2008):
Art's dedication
and unwavering support of Camp Wilderness has been an inspiration to Scouts, camp
staffs 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 scouters with his harmonica.
Art is an inspirational person. He is one whose actions are contagious, and we are all
better because of him.
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 staffs. Chris has fervently
supported the camp financially. Chris? 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 up at Camp Wilderness
on July 2, 2009.
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.
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.
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.
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 who 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 has 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.
 |
Chris
Soper:
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 staffs. 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 up at Camp Wilderness
on July 2, 2009. |
Chris Soper (2009)
|
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 staffs. 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 up at Camp Wilderness
on July 2, 2009. |
Please conatact the webmaster
with any changes or suggestions at nlalumni@northernlightsalumni.com
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Last Updated 10.30.2011
