Article Contributed on: 6/29/2009 10:29:31 AM
The dedication of the new Frederic C. Hamilton Scout Headquarters in the Denver Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, now located at 10455 W 6th Ave., Lakewood, Colorado, took place Monday, June 22, 2009 at 10 a.m. Some of the local dignitaries present at the ceremony were Frederic C. Hamilton, Mayor Hickenlooper, Mayor Murphy, Pete Coors and a number of others.
As the Boy Scouts of America approach their 100 year celebration in 2010, they take great pride in their accomplishments and rich history, and look forward to a bright future of continuing scouting's contributions to its members, families and the community.
The new 52,000 square foot facility is known as the Frederic C. Hamilton Scout Headquarters in recognition of longtime Denver Area Council Trustee, Fred Hamilton. The new facility is the home of approximately 60 employees, over 10,000 volunteer leaders and over 60,000 youth members throughout Denver, and Denver Metro areas. In addition to conference rooms both small and large, a new scout shop has been added with over 3,000 square feet providing a greater selection and variety of merchandise.
The dedication of the new building marks an important milestone in the history of scouting in the community. It is a symbol of commitment that the Denver Area Council, Boy Scouts of America have made to youth and families to provide quality programs to our young people. We are at a time when our youth need positive examples and interaction and scouting offers both opportunities that are fundamental to their growth and development. Scouting helps children grow and learn by providing them with the tools to build a foundation for a better future
M. Doak Jacoway and his family donated a beautiful bronze statue of what the sculptor described as the "Ideal Scout", which is located at the front of the building. This statue was cast from the original mold made by Dr. Mckenzie in 1937. In 1908, William D. Boyce, a Chicago newspaper publisher was on a business trip to London, when he got lost in the fog. A young boy came to his rescue and was able to help him find the address he was looking for. When Boyce and the boy arrived at the destination, in the typical American way, Boyce offered the boy a tip. The boy refused and said "I am a scout and required to do a good turn daily." The statue stands as a reminder of the story of the ideal, but unknown scout ... and the commitment the Denver Area Council Boy Scouts of America is making to our youth in our communities.
For more information please visit www.denverboyscouts.org.