Association of Baptist for Scouting

 Jeff is a wise, thoughtful, and excellent leader. He is a person of vision, faith, and integrity. He has given exemplary service to Scouting, fortifying, and demonstrating the efficacy and value of the Scout program. He has staffed eight Jamborees as a Chaplain. At the World Jamboree in 2019, he was Coordinator between the Chaplaincy and Medical Services. His chaplaincy service at the Jamboree draws a lot from his many years of service and training as Director of Pastoral Care for a sizable Georgia healthcare system. He has served as Course Director at Philmont Training Center for National Chaplain Training and as a Course Director for National Association of Baptists for Scouting at PTC. He served as a Philmont Chaplain for a summer. He has served on the National Religious Relationship Committee for many years. He is actively involved in the refurbishment of the back country chapels at Philmont that serve all faiths. He has been in Scouting America for 35+ years. He is the Past National President of the Association of Baptists for Scouting. The Chattahoochee Council has honored him with the Silver Beaver Award. He has received the Baptist Good Shepherd Award. Among the words which come to mind when describing Jeff are: Godly individual; humble servant; exemplary man who “walks the walk and talks the talk”; unselfish and unassuming chaplain; individual whose character is above reproach; and a person of tremendous influence at the national level for Scouting.  

The Boy Scouts of America has announced that Donna Copeland, past president of ABS, will receive the prestigious Silver Buffalo Award, recognizing her outstanding service to youth and her distinguished contributions to Scouting at the national level. 

Created in 1925, the Silver Buffalo Award for distinguished service to youth is awarded to those persons who give noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth. This award is Scouting’s highest commendation of the invaluable contributions that outstanding Americans make to youth. The service must be national or international in character and may or may not be directly connected with Scouting America.

Donna said, "I was surprised to find out that there have been four previous Silver Buffalo recipients in the local Cherokee Area Council since its inception more than a century ago. The first was Frank Phillips, followed by Clay Smoot, Glenn Cox, and Charlie Bowerman."

Donna has received the BSA's Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope previous to this honor.

A formal presentation will be made at the National Annual Meeting, May 15, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. 

The chaplaincy team for the 2024 summer camping season at Philmont Scout Ranch was one of the best in recent memory, according to R. Chip Turner, the Chaplain Coordinator. In addition to conducting daily worship services in the various chapels located in camping headquarters, the chaplains rotated responsibility for the eight ongoing assignments throughout the ranch. Final selection of the 2025 team is expected soon. 

 Two exciting new developments will be included in the 2025 season for chaplains: 

Dale Copeland will serve as Associate Chaplain Coordinator. Dale has held several Philmont staff positions in past years, including being a chaplain on the 2023 team. At the conclusion of the 2025 season, Dale will become the new Philmont Chaplain Coordinator. Chip Turner said of Dale: “I am so pleased that Dale is willing to accept this role for upcoming seasons. A prime concern of mine in choosing to “retire” as coordinator in August, 2025, was finding the right person to take Philmont chaplaincy to a new level. Dale’s vast experience in Scouting at every level from local unit to national, linked with a vision for Philmont chaplaincy ideally qualifies him for this role. He will have no greater supporter than I.” 

Thanks to the visionary leadership of the ABS board, the organization will fund a Baptist Chaplain Intern for the 2025 season. This will not only give a seminary student extremely valuable experience in further preparation for vocational ministry but will also help expand the possibilities for additional ministries during the summer camping season. More details on the role and the person to be selected will be available in coming weeks.