Allen receives scouting award

    Gale D. Allen of Cambridge was presented the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Cambridge Masonic Lodge.

    Allen was nominated for the award by LaVern Robertson of Cambridge. The purpose of the award is to recognize the recipient’s outstanding service to youth through the Boy Scouts of America.

    The award consists of a certificate endorsed by the candidate’s Grand Master, and a Boy Scouts of America-approved neck medallion and knot patch to be worn with a Scout uniform.

    The award is a national recognition approved by the Boy Scouts of America and promoted by the Grand Lodges of Masons in the United States. It may be presented to any Master Mason who has made significant contributions to youth through Scouting. This is a selective award.

    Allen has been an adult Scout leader for 29 years. He was an assistant Scoutmaster for Cambridge Troop 101 for three years, Scoutmaster of Cambridge Troop 101 for 16 years, Troop committee member of Troop 101 for four years, Cubmaster of Cambridge Pack #135, assistant Scoutmaster Orion Troop #123 for six years and Cub Webeloes leader for four years.

    Throughout his years, Allen served as chairman on the Three River Scout O Rama District, assisted with the Scout O Rama set up, chaired the First Aid O Ree at Sauk Fox District and been in charge of the Klondike Derby for Saukenuk District in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

    He has also earned the Vigil in the Order of Arrow in 2001, received the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award.

    Allen assisted in taking troops to Grants Pilgrimage in Galena approximately 20 times and assisted taking troops to the Lincoln Pilgrimage in Springfield three times. He assisted with Troop 101 canoe trip on  the Cedar River and went on three different boundary water canoe trips.

    He has camped with Scouts for more than 100 days and nights, done the 50 mile afoot or afloat, twice and helped ten youth from Cambridge get their Eagle Rank. He has also donated time at both Loud Thunder and Philhiemer Scout Camps with his friend, Loren Robbins.

    Allen is the parent of an Eagle Scout and Life Scout.

    The Scouter award is presented to a member of the Masonic Fraternity who is currently a registered Scouter and has displayed outstanding dedication to the Scouting program through developing scouting units, assisting Masonic Lodges in forming units, exemplifying the Scout law and Masonic virtues, recruiting Scouting volunteers and strengthening the relationship between Freemasonry and Scouting.