Steve Gousie, Chair of Friends of Reading Scouting (FoRS), has been named a recipient of the Spirit of Adventure Council 2024 Silver Beaver Award. The Silver Beaver Award is a distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America, given at the council level. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council, they are nominated by their local Scout council and approved by the National Court of Honor.
Steve started his Scouting life in Cub Scouts in Lincoln, Rhode Island, eventually making Arrow of Light. His affiliation with Scouting was renewed when his son, Alex, started with Pack 735 Reading. His son later joined Troop 702 Reading and Steve joined the Committee.
Within a year, Steve was Committee Chair of the Troop, a position he would hold for seven years. After his son earned Eagle, Steve stepped into the role of Unit Commissioner for Reading. In 2023, Flintlock District recognized him with the District Award of Merit.
Steve is a member of Good Samaritan Lodge (Masons) in Reading where he leads drives for the Reading Food Pantry. Steve also serves as Assistant Treasurer of the Lodge. In 2022, Steve was awarded the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award.
In 2023, Steve served as Subcamp Charlie’s Chief at MassJam. Working with a volunteer staff of forty-five people, the team provided a safe and entertaining living environment for over thirteen hundred youth and over five hundred adults from all over New England. A believer that every Scout deserves a trained Scouter, Steve has served as a Troop Guide and currently serves in the role of Senior Patrol Leader at the Spirit of Adventure Council’s Woodbadge course.
Steve has been instrumental in creating and guiding the leadership of FoRS, providing mentorship, training and support for all of Reading’s Cub and Scout troops.
The Friends of Reading Scouting is a group of parent volunteers and trained Scout Leaders committed to providing high quality Scouting for families and youth. You can find more information, find a Pack or Troop to join or support local Scouting at our website, www.readingscouting.org.
