Northern Lights Council bestows highest Scouting award to Devils Lake resident

The Northern Lights Council, Scouting America has bestowed the highest honor for a volunteer. Recognizing his distinguished service to local youth, Bryce Crosby, husband of Lake Region Heritage Center Director Lisa Crosby, received the Silver Beaver Award on Saturday, March 28 in Fargo.

Bryce Crosby serves as Scoutmaster of Troop 31 in Devils Lake and is a key leader supporting the local Cub Scout Pack. Since becoming re-involved in Scouting when his daughter joined Cub Scouts, Bryce has invested significant time and effort into strengthening the program for youth in the community.

Bryce first stepped forward as a Den Leader, where he was known for carefully planning activities and creating materials that made meetings and events engaging for the Scouts. As a Webelos Den Leader, he organized Pack participation in community events and parades for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Veterans Day, helping strengthen the Pack’s connection to the community.

He also led improvements to several Pack programs. Bryce organized participation in Cub Scout Resident Camp and helped secure an American Legion charter along with donations that provided uniforms for youth members. Bryce completed Wood Badge training in 2021 and developed ticket projects that supported both the pack and troop in Devils Lake.

In addition to his work with Cub Scouts, Bryce serves as Scoutmaster, and during his time in the role, the troop has grown significantly and now serves as one of the largest and most respected youth programs in the community.

Bryce also coordinates the council’s Camp Grafton Merit Badge Weekend in partnership with the North Dakota National Guard and community volunteers. Through his leadership, the event has expanded to serve more than 100 Scouts each year, adding additional merit badge opportunities and instructors. Bryce manages much of the planning himself, recruiting volunteers and coordinating the event with minimal support from council staff.

Outside of Scouting, Bryce has served for more than 30 years in the North Dakota Air National Guard and remains active in several community organizations in the Devils Lake area. Bryce’s work has helped strengthen Scouting in Devils Lake and expand opportunities for youth in the community.