WATERVILLE — Bruce Rueger was unanimously elected at the annual meeting of the Kennebec Valley District Boy Scouts of America Jan. 3 to serve as district chairman.
Rueger, an assistant professor of geology at Colby College since 1984, has been in Scouting for more than 50 years and during that time received his Eagle Scout rank, been recognized with the Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow, and bestowed the District Award of Merit and Silver Beaver — the highest award a local Boy Scout Council can bestow on a volunteer.
For the next year, Rueger will serve as the top volunteer in the district and represent the district on the Pine Tree Council Boy Scouts Council Executive Board. Kennebec Valley District is one of four in Pine Tree Council and Scouting volunteers like Rueger deliver the programs of Scouting to youth in Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Somerset and Franklin counties.
Along with District Director Matthew Mower and District Commissioner Charlie Ferguson, Rueger is part of the Kennebec Valley District Key Three — the top leaders of the program in the area. The District Committee volunteers, under Rueger mobilize resources to ensure the growth and success of Scout troops and packs within the district’s territory. All districts are responsible for carrying out four standard functions: membership, fund development, program and unit service.
Rueger has a long history with Scouting in Waterville, where he has lived for 34 years. He is currently Scoutmaster of Troop 436, a position he has held for 25 years off and on.
“I have been married to my wife Donna for 36 years and have two kids, Andrew (30) and Blair (24). I think these two kids might actually be my greatest accomplishment,” he said.
The BSA announced last Fall that girls will be able to join Cub Scouting this year and Boy Scouts in 2019.
Rueger’s goals include:
1. A smooth transition for families to join Cub Scouting in 2018 and Boy Scouting in 2019. Recruiting should be broad and over the whole district and ensure that all girls are made to feel welcome and that their leaders are adequately trained.
2. That all the units in Kennebec Valley District are served in a manner that they all feel included.
3. To make sure that there are adequate events for the youth in the district to participate on a year-round basis and that they are events that youth would be excited to take part.
4. To try to increase participation at training events, round-table meetings and district activities.
PHOTO: Bruce Rueger being congratulated by District Director Matt Mower after he was elected District Chairman of the Kennebec Valley Council. Seated in the background is Unit Commissioner John Wood. (Submitted photo)
