Event Details
Hello, my name is Renee Estrella-Wells and I'm a volunteer with Northern Star Scouting.
I'm reaching out to share that a member of your community, Patrick Norris, is being recognized as part of the 2026 Class of Silver Beaver Award recipients. This award is the highest honor a local Scout council can bestow on a volunteer, celebrating exceptional service to youth and the broader community.
Northern Star Scouting will formally recognize this year's honorees at the 2026 Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Northern Star Base Camp in Fort Snelling. We would be grateful for any coverage or acknowledgment you may be able to provide to help highlight Patrick Norris's contributions and the impact of Scouting in our region.
I've attached the full press release with additional details about the award, the event, and this year's class of honorees.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm regards,
Renee Estrella-Wells
Recognition Luncheon Chair
Northern Star Scouting
Northern Star Scouting to Honor 2026 Silver Beaver Award Recipients
Fort Snelling, Minn. — Northern Star Scouting is proud to announce the 2026 Class of Silver
Beaver Award recipients, recognizing eleven extraordinary volunteers whose leadership,
dedication, and service have made a lasting impact on young people and communities across
Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
The Silver Beaver Award, introduced in 1931, is a national distinguished service award that
represents the highest level of recognition a local Scout Council can bestow on a volunteer. The
award honors those who have delivered exceptional service to youth through Scouting and
community leadership.
These honorees will be formally recognized at the 2026 Recognition Luncheon on Saturday,
April 18, 2026, at Northern Star Base Camp in Fort Snelling. The event will bring together
volunteers, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate distinguished service and the
collective impact of Scouting.
2026 Silver Beaver Award Honoree
Patrick Norris
Patrick Norris has devoted 46 years to Scouting and has served as Scoutmaster of Troop 9218
for an extraordinary 36 years, following a decade serving within other roles in his community.
His leadership has extended across the district and council levels through long-standing service
as a committee member, focusing on camp experiences and conservation. A dedicated trainer
and mentor, Patrick has supported leader development through advanced training programs.
Beyond Scouting, Patrick is deeply active in community service through his parish youth group,
advising church wilderness trips to the Boundary Waters, volunteering at school events, and
supporting organizations such as the Como Zoo & Conservatory and Feed My Starving Children.
His lifelong service reflects a strong commitment to youth development, conservation, and
helping others both in and out of Scouting.
About the Silver Beaver Award and Northern Star Scouting
“The Silver Beaver Award recognizes individuals whose commitment goes far beyond
expectations,” said Jeff Sulzbach, CEO and Scout Executive for Northern Star Scouting. “Each
member of the 2026 class exemplifies the values of Scouting through selfless service,
mentorship, and dedication to helping young people grow into responsible, ethical leaders.”
Northern Star Scouting serves 39,000+ youth and their families each year through programs
that build character, citizenship, leadership, and life skills. The Silver Beaver Award underscores
the vital role volunteers play in delivering these programs and strengthening communities.
Northern Star Scouting is a local council of Scouting America serving youth across 39 counties in
Minnesota and four in western Wisconsin. The organization delivers character-building
programs rooted in adventure, leadership, and service, empowering young people to make
ethical and moral choices throughout their lives.
For more information about Northern Star Scouting or the Silver Beaver Award, visit
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Contact:
Gabrielle Carroll, Marketing and Communications Director
612-261-2436
gcarroll@northernstar.org
Renee Estrella-Wells, Recognition Luncheon Chair
nscsilverbeaver@gmail.com