The Battlefield District congratulates the two recipients of this years .  Congratulations to Jeff Rosenzweig Scoutmaster of Troop 103 in Hanover, the newest recipient of the District Award of Merit.  Jeff has gone above and beyond in both scouting and in their community.

Both Jeff and John received their awards at the Battlefield District volunteer recognition dinner on May 28, 2015.

Jeff is a role model for both scouts and adults as he possesses unquestionable character and lives the ideals of scouting.

Jeff has earned the respect of both youth and leaders alike.   He never stops trying to improving himself.  From the very first year he joined the troop, he has been fully trained and encourages other adults in the troop to be fully trained.  He often attends district Roundtable meetings to improve himself.   Jeff has never sought self-recognition.   Although he has never applied for the Scouter’s Training Award or Scouter’s Key, he has qualified for them many years ago.

Jeff is entering his 10^th year as Scoutmaster of our Troop and is the longest serving Scoutmaster in the Troop’s 97 year history.   For every year he has been scoutmaster, he has led his troop in qualifying for the Quality Unit or Journey of Excellence Award and achieving “gold” level over the past year.   His service to scouting did not start there.  He was involved with Pack 103 and served as a Webelo Den leader.

His selfless service extends beyond the period that his two sons were scouts and demonstrates his continued commitment to ideals of scouting.   Although longevity of service demonstrates a level of commitment, it is not the reason he was nominated and received the District Award of Merit Award.  He was nominated based on his impact on the youth and leaders.

He has been at the helm during a period where 21 scouts have achieved their Eagle award.  Although each scout has rightly earned their own awards, his oversight confirms the opportunities that have been provided to scouts over the years.   We expect this number of scouts achieving the rank of Eagle to grow as two more scouts are finishing up their requirements for Eagle.   Jeff constantly promotes and encourages scouts to stay active, participate in the planning and attendance of all activities, and maintain the spirit of scouting.  He has helped scouts developed leadership skills by giving them responsibilities and holding them to their commitments.

Jeff’s leadership resulted in the Troop attending the Sea Base High Adventure program a few years ago and plans are in the works to attend another high adventure program next year.

He has always promoted the involvement of all parents and other adult leaders at both Troop meetings and outings.      He is and has always been inclusive of anyone who wants to help.

His actions are an inspiration to other leaders.   I have taken the liberty to ask other leaders and parents of the troop to briefly describe Jeff Rosenzweig as a leader.   Here are a few of their responses:

• Incredible organization skills
• Phenomenal with the kids, People person
• Holds the scouts accountable
• Teacher, Mentor
• Meticulous, Committed
• Stays true to the noble ideals of scouting
• Perseverance, Never drops the ball

Jeff is the 2008 recipient of the District Service Award and a member of the Order of the Arrow

Troop 103 is proud of Jeff’s contribution to scouting over the years and his receiving of this well deserved award.