Coming Together as a Family at Top Hands 2015

The 2015 Top Hands closing ceremony gathered Scouting professionals from across the Scouting nation for a memorable dinner in true Scouting fashion – around the familiar glow of the campfire.

Scouting’s professional leadership including Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock and incoming Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh, along with Eagle Scout climber Matt Moniz and National OA Chief Alex Call, shared a night of storytelling and fond memories, and what it means to be a part of the Scouting family.

Paying tribute to the outdoor Scouting brand , Scouts representing programs from Cub Scouts to Venturing, and even Explorers, huddled around a campsite in the conference ballroom to kick off the night with tales of Scouting adventures.

The Scouting Symbol Making A Difference to National OA Chief

Among the Scouts, National OA Chief Alex Call described his favorite part of Scouting represented by his sash – the Order of the Arrow. As Alex explained, the OA is an honor society for Scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law. And for Alex, the sash symbolizes a compass in his life.

After earning his Eagle Scout rank, Alex shared how the OA provided direction to his Scouting experience unlike any other program had done before. Now, he’s charged with serving other Scouts on their journeys. Alex beamed, “this sash has taken me on an adventure like no other.”

How Matt Moniz Discovered His Passion Through Scouting

Also rallied around the bonfire, Eagle Scout climber Matt Moniz shared his Scouting adventures and explained how those experiences inspired him to reach heights uncharted by most.

Beginning his Scouting journey in Boulder, Color., with Troop 171, Matt discovered his passion for mountaineering and first climbed to Mount Everest base camp at age nine. Since then, Matt has taken the climbing game by storm – summiting all 50 U.S. state high points and holds the record as the youngest person to summit Mount Elbrus, Mount Aconcagua, and Makalu. And that’s just a short list of his lengthy list of accomplishments. Matt also earned Eagle Scout at 14.

Now, he has his sights set on climbing Everest. Check out the video clip below to hear more about his incredible climbing expeditions and how he led relief operations at Everest after an avalanche devastated the base camp.

A familiar face approached the camp side scene, with a special message and honor to bestow. Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock squeezed between the crew of Scouts, imparting important lessons he learned from his Scouting journey while also sharing fond memories of leadership, friendship, and teamwork that led him to become the BSA’s 12th CSE.

Chief Brock concluded his story by inviting Matt Moniz’s family to the stage and praised Matt’s heroic and live-saving efforts. Wayne shared Matt’s account of Everest, highlighting how Matt contributed to saving several lives through his relief efforts. Among the passages read, Wayne explained how Matt personally put himself at risk to shield and save a wounded climber from an avalanche blast. Then, Wayne announced a surprise for Matt.

“Now Matt, I know that you had no idea this was going to happen tonight,” said Brock. “You thought we invited you here to speak. But we invited you here because we wanted to honor you. Honor your courage, honor the example you set for all Scouts around this world. And therefore, as my last act on behalf of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, we want to give you the Live-Saving Honor Award with Cross Palms.”

After a thunderous applause erupted across the ballroom, Wayne bid farewell and best wishes to the incoming Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh, announced his retirement as the 12th CSE.

Focusing on the Scouting Family: 13th Chief Scout Executive

As Wayne Brock exited the stage, the 13th Chief Scout Executive, Mike Surbaugh addressed the crowd by saying, “Tonight we have a campfire. Tonight we come together as a family to reflect and commit on what we have to do over the coming years. This is an important time for us to be together as family.”

Mike reflected on his Scouting experiences by sharing an unforgettable memories that led him to his new role as Chief. Mike encouraged the audience of Scouters to cherish those special experiences and unite as one Scouting voice. By bonding together as a family, Mike challenged Scouting nation to stand together with the same mission to serve youth with the best value-based, character building programs Scouting has done for more than 100 years.

In doing so, Scouting will be charged with tackling new opportunities, boost growth and foster relevant programs in tune with generations of today and the future.  He challenged the movement to both keep the core of Scouting while creating a high-energy Scouting experience that reflects the interests of youth today.

Hear a clip from Mike’s speech below as he discusses this new era of Scouting.