Scouting would not be possible if not for all of the hard work our adult Volunteers do. If you would like to become a Volunteer, the process is simple. Fill out an adult application and then talk to the Unit you want to join about what position will be the best fit.
If you want to become a Merit Badge Counselor, fill out the adult application as well as a Merit Badge Counselor Information Form, take the required Youth Protection Training, and then turn everything in either at the Council Service Center or to your District Merit Badge Dean. Please note that it can take up to several weeks for Merit Badge Counselors to be approved. Remember, only an approved Merit Badge Counselor can sign off on Merit Badges.
Our adult Volunteers deserve recognition for the work they do, and there are Adult Awards for Volunteers. Do you know an adult leader who deserves special recognition? Fill out a nomination form and turn it in to your District Commissioner.
Once you become a Volunteer, be sure to complete your training!
Volunteer Spotlight
Richard “Rick” Walker, PhD, LCDR, USN (ret)
Rick has been in Scouting since 2011 when he joined with his son Griffin as the Tiger Den Leader. He has been a member of two Packs and three Troops serving as Den Leader, Cubmaster, Asst Scoutmaster, Committee Member, Committee Chair, and is currently Scoutmaster for Troop 451B in Pace/Milton. Rick is also a Unit Commissioner for two Packs and sits on the GCC Properties and Program Committees. Rick served with the International Service Team (IST) for the 2019 World Scout Jamboree, trekked Philmont in 2022, and has attended Scout camps in GA, MS, AL, VA, PA, MD, NC, WV, and FL.
Rick’s son Griffin and daughter Sydney both earned their Eagle Scout rank in 2020 with Sydney being a member of Troop 340 and the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts. Even though both kids have aged out as Scouts, Rick remains very active in Scouting. He is leading the effort to rehabilitate the campsite latrine/shower houses at Camp Euchee. He organized and led the 2023 Spring Camporee for Pensacola Bay District that was a tremendous success, and he is taking the lead to offer the IOLS course in Pensacola Bay District in the Fall. Rick remains active in Scouting because he believes working with our youth is an important effort that helps him make a positive difference for both our youth and our community.
Outside of Scouting, Rick retired from the U.S. Navy in 2006 after 23 years of service as both an enlisted Sailor and commissioned Officer in submarines and destroyers. He also worked as a federal civilian in the Navy in ocean acoustics and later in Naval Intelligence manpower. Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Florida, Master of Science in Management/Manpower from the Naval Postgraduate School, and he earned his PhD in Human Capital Development from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2017. His dissertation research examined the influence of Scouting for improving academic performance among minority youth.
Rick is originally from Fort Myers, FL. He is married to the former Angie Holcombe of Stone Mountain, GA. They have two children, Sydney (20) who attends the University of North Florida studying Child Psychology and American Sign Language, and Griffin (18) who is a senior at Pace High School and will attend the University of New Orleans this Fall studying Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.