Voelz completes 10 years as scoutmaster

Phil Voelz completes 10 years as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 111

In his 10 years as Troop 111’s scoutmaster, Phil Voelz has been counselor to 23 Eagle Scouts during his tenure.

Three young men will receive their Eagle Badge on Oct 3, at a ceremony at Camp Stidwell. It’s an achievement well worth noting as fewer than 4% of all Boy Scouts earn an Eagle Badge.

Voelz is dedicated to the scouting program, volunteering his time and efforts in serving the youth via Boy Scout Troop 111. The troop works to plan a major event every month, with activities ranging from the Polar Plunge on Jan. 1, white water rafting, and 50-mile hikes, to a snow cave survival weekend, camping, and various service projects for others.

The drive behind all this activity is Voelz. A bio-medical technical manager, Voelz who works for U S Renal Care and covers the states of Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon, and Alaska. His schedule calls for him flying to various cities on Monday morning for training technicians in the latest specialized applications. Voelz flies back home Thursday afternoon, in time to change into his Scout uniform and be present as leader for Troop 111’s coming at Sandpoint Community Hall at 7 p.m.

There is a lot of planning and organization required for the troops monthly excursions. From the countless community service activities that Troop 111 works on to fundraising activities to leadership training classes to work on merit badges and Eagle proposals — as well as some time for fun and games. Voelz is there for it all.

The projects, completed for an Eagle Badge award, are always a benefit to others and no easy task to complete. Samples are a new staircase on a lookout tower, complete refurbishment of the barbecue grills at Camp Stidwell — which required over 100 welds per barbecue, picnic tables at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, as well as lighting for the flag poles at the fairground, new rabbit cages for the fairgrounds, and multiple safety stations for fire, swimming, and information at Camp Stidwell are just a few of the projects.

When asked his most memorable experiences in being a scoutmaster, Voelz didn’t take any time to answer.

“Being in awe of the young men receiving their Eagle Award,” he said. “Very few climb Eagle Mountain. The work it takes, the dedication, the planning, the implementing, the determination, and then culminating in an Eagle Ceremony with instilled value in their lives.”

Many have remained adult friends and they talk and chat with Voelz on a regular basis.

However, without the support of his wife Tammy, Voelz said it would be impossible to maintain his schedule for so long. He said his wife is one-of-a-kind and she is behind his scouting activities 100%. Tammy Voelz attends various events such as the Youth Leadership graduation classes, Boy Scout pancake breakfast, Thanksgiving dinner served by the scouts on an evening at Camp Stidwell, Eagle Scout ceremonies, and even helps out on clean-up days at Camp Stidwell and more.

To continue Troop 111’s wide list of events the scouts purchased a bus in mid-June and it has already been used for a weeks trip through Southern Idaho to visit the Idaho capital, ice craves, Craters of the Moon, and other educational sights. The bus will allow for more convenient travel and will also be a great recruiting tool.

Voelz’ dedication has been recognized by numerous parents who note the absolute value that Phil, and the scouting program, has provided to their sons. Voelz shows no sign of slowing down — even taking part in seven 50-mile hikes, though he did mention that recovery time took a little longer than normal, from their recent 50-miler, which turned out to be 64.7 miles.

Troop 111 is the original scouting troop in Sandpoint and has been sponsored by the Sandpoint Kiwanis Club since 1934. If you would like additional information on activities, for a youth you know, you can visit their website at www.troop111sandpoint.com