Irving, Texas (April 5, 2017) — A deep respect for the outdoors has always been at the heart of the Boy Scouts of America. That appreciation for sustainability is reinforced with the announcement of the 2016 William T. Hornaday Silver Medal Scholarship winner funded by the Camp Fire Conservation Fund to honor and encourage year-round dedication to conservation.
Both the BSA and CFCF have been committed to developing stewards of the environment and championing sustainable practices since their origins. In fact, notable conservationists and pioneers of the BSA – Sir Robert Baden-Powell, Ernest Thompson Seton, Dan Beard, and William T. Hornaday – were also founding members of the Camp Fire Club of America.
“We believe partnering with the Camp Fire Club of America is a natural fit as we move toward taking outdoor responsibility to a new level,” said Chief Sustainability Officer John F. Stewart. “The Hornaday program is the best example of the environmental champions and stewards that the BSA produces. Our concept of sustainability complements the Scout Oath and Scout Law, highlighting our commitment to making sure the youth of America are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
Founded in 1897, Camp Fire Club exists to bring together individuals who subscribe to the principles of adventure and fellowship in the great outdoors, and who further the preservation of wildlife habitat and the important role hunters and anglers serve in successful and lasting conservation.
In 1977, the Camp Fire Conservation Fund was created as a separate 501(c) 3 organization to fund worthy conservation and education programs in North America and around the world.
“The Camp Fire Conservation Fund is honored to partner with the Boys Scouts of America to award one winner of the William T. Hornaday Silver Medal Award each year with a scholarship grant to be used for higher educational purposes,” said Fund President Avery Stirratt.
Beginning in 1914 by Dr. William T. Hornaday, the BSA’s William T. Hornaday Awards recognize Scouts that have made significant contributions to conservation and environmental improvement. The Silver Medal is the most distinguished Scouting award for exceptional conservation service.
To honor select recipients of the William T. Hornaday Silver Medal award, the CFCF launched the William T. Hornaday Silver Medal Scholarship. The scholarship recipient is chosen by Camp Fire from the Silver Medal winners for a calendar year. Additional scholarships will be granted annually for a Silver Medal recipient. The CFCF has selected Eagle Scout Bennett David of Asheville, North Carolina as the scholarship winner. This Scout will receive a $10,000 scholarship and an invitation to visit Camp Fire Club in Chappaqua, NY. David is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow and has earned 14 Eagle Palm Awards and 135 merit badges. David’s conservation work in his community has also earned him the Roosevelt-Ashe Outstanding Youth in Conservation Award for a seven southeastern state region.
The William T. Hornaday Awards and Scholarship dually encourage an increased public awareness and participation in natural resource conservation efforts. Understanding and practicing sound stewardship of natural resources and environmental protection strengthens Scouting’s emphasis on respecting the outdoors. The BSA and CFCA challenge youth to take the initiative to be stewards of the environment and leave the world a better place. To learn more about the William T. Hornaday Awards and how Scouts can earn them, visit http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/HornadayAwards.aspx.
About the Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of more than 2.3 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 21 and nearly 1 million volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.