Celebrating the 2023 Silver Beaver Award Recipients of Grand Canyon Council

Joseph Berretta, Eagle Scout, Class of 1979 from Dutchess County Council in upstate New York, lives in Chandler, Arizona and has been involved in Scouting for over 35 years. His primary Scouting role is Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 285, Life to Eagle Coordinator, along with the Gila River District (Southeast Community) Advancement Chair.

Joe’s significant service to youth in Scouting include Dutchess County Council, New York Summer Camp Staff (2 seasons), Committee Member Cub Scout Pack 584 Chandler, AZ., Assistant Scoutmaster – Life to Eagle Coordinator Troop 285, Chandler, AZ., Order of the Arrow Advisor, Gila River District Eagle Project Verifier, Current Gila River District (Southeast Community) Advancement Chairman.

Service to his community includes Former Teen Advisor at Resurrection Catholic Church in Tempe, AZ., Athletic Official for Tri City Catholic Sports League, Adult Advisor for teens on Catholic Church retreats, outings, and events, Former Fox Crossing HOA Board Member, Member of Saint Stephen’s Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, AZ. In addition, Joe has received the District Award of Merit, the Yuma Area Copper Star Award, and the Gila River District Star Scouter Award.

For Joe, “Scouting is meaningful to me because, as a youth I was taught many life skills and participated in memorable activities that shaped my life. Both my mom and dad were life-long Scouters and instilled the Scouting Spirit in my sole. I am here tonight because of them. After my son was born (we had two girls first), I encouraged him to join Scouts so that he could experience all that Scouting has to offer for himself. He earned his Eagle, aged out, and recently graduated from ASU. Rather than leave Scouting, I strongly that I need to continue to be a positive influence, to remain active, and work hard to positively shape the lives of America’s Youth!

Professor A. Compton Reeves, Eagle Scout, is a Professor Emeritus of Medieval History (Ohio University), in retirement and living in Prescott. He joined the Cub Scouts in 1949 in Kansas City, Kansas, and has been associated with Scouting ever since. His primary role in Scouting is as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 7007 and a merit badge counselor. Over the years, Prof Reeves’ leadership roles have ranged from Den Leader to Council Executive Board member. Some of his favorite Scouting activities have been serving as a Wood Badge Scoutmaster and a member of the Service Team [Staff] for eleven National and two World Jamborees. Prof Reeves’ community service has included leadership in his church, Rotary, and being an Arizona Site Steward.

Professor Reeves received his first Silver Beaver Award in 1976 from Kootaga Area Council, now Allohak Council, in Ohio. He is honored to receive his second Silver Beaver Award, this time for his Scouting service in the Grand Canyon Council. (Nominees are eligible to receive multiple Silver Beaver Awards if they are from different councils.) In addition, Prof Reeves has received the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, Vigil Honor, youth and adult religious awards, District Award of Merit, Scouter’s Key, and International Scouter’s Award.

“Scouting has been a part of my life since I realized as a young boy how much my father, Dr. Eugene Reeves, cherished the fact that he had become an Eagle Scout in 1921. Through Scouting I am paying it forward as a leader and educator helping to create the good citizens and leaders for the future that a peaceful world requires.”

Gil Lau lives in Cave Creek and has been an adult volunteer for 14 years. His primary Scouting role is Scoutmaster of Troop 15, and Community Commissioner for Cave Creek. Gil’s significant service to youth in Scouting includes Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner, “getting adult leaders to tap into their inner 8 year-old child”, serving as NYLT Course Director, and starting female Troop 3015.
Gil has received the District Award of Merit, the Unit Leader Award of Merit, and the Willam D. Boyce Award.
“Scouting is meaningful to me because it provides a place of belonging. It allows youth from all backgrounds and situations to bond with their peers in a supportive and understanding environment. The program challenges them to grow and learn responsibility, and to better themselves for the sake of others. Most importantly, it’s FUN!”

Zoe Marie Schnebly lives in Mesa and has been involved in Scouting for 18 years. Her primary Scouting role is Cub Committee Chair, Committee Member, and Scoutmaster of Troop 3054. Her significant service to youth in Scouting includes being an Assistant Scoutmaster and helped lead Troop 4245 at the 2023 National Jamboree, mentored many Boy Scouts to receive their Eagle award, and have founded a new Troop for girls in her area.
Zoe’s service to her community includes many visits to Feed My Starving Children, service projects at the Heard Scout Pueblo Camp, and serving as a volunteer at the Mesa Marathon. She has received the following honors: Meritorious Service Star, District Award of Merit, Unit Committee Member Hall of Fame, and Scouting Family of the Year.
For Zoe, “Scouting is meaningful to me because it builds the leaders of tomorrow. The Scouting program helps young people become leaders as they follow the Scout Oath and Law. As leaders, we get to teach them as we take them on outings, campouts, and hikes. Scouting is a place where you are able to try and learn many different things. You can take these skills and apply them in the workforce, family, and religion. Scouting has helped my family to become good leaders.”