It is with great pleasure that the Virginia Headwaters Council is announcing the selection of Chris Axford as a recipient for the Silver Beaver Award in 2025.

In his nomination, it was stated that he is clearly not a “one and done” sort of Scouter.  He has been both an Assistant Scoutmaster and a Scoutmaster for one of our female units.  He is a member of several Council level committees and has been a swim instructor as well as Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor.  He is also an Aquatics Merit Badge Instructor.  He has been the lead advisor for trips to Sea Base and to Philmont.  In his “spare time”, he has also served as our Camp Shenandoah Aquatics Director when needed.  Community service has included many years as a Little League Coach and Basketball Coach at the local YMCA.

The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Scouting program. Upon nomination by their local Scout council, and with the approval of the National Court of Honor, only registered adult leaders are eligible recipients of this award.  Those leaders must have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not seek it.

The Virginia Headwaters Council is only allowed to present two Silver Beaver awards this year.  The number is based on the number of Scouting units within the Council. It will be awarded at our council’s recognition dinner taking place on March 1st, 2025.