Bowie Community Outreach Committee Nomination Forms Available for the Malcolm “Skip” Popp Award

The Malcolm “Skip” Popp Award is offered by the City of Bowie for Scouts and/or Scout leaders who have performed “extraordinary and distinguished community service, within Scout organizations in the City of Bowie.” Nominations must be made through Scouting units, which may nominate Scouts and/or Scout leaders within their groups. Community members are welcome to contact a Scout unit to recommend one of their members for nomination. Nominations are being accepted through Friday, March 29, 2013.

Malcolm “Skip” Popp was an active member of the Bowie community for many years and helped to organize a Cub Scout Pack at Buckingham Elementary School. In May of 1971, while on a camping trip with the Scouts, he successfully rescued a boy from the flood-swollen waters, but lost his life in the effort. 

In June 1971, the Bowie City Council established an award to memorialize Mr. Popp’s act of heroism. The purpose was to “foster a tradition and spirit for the kind of service to Scouting and love of neighbor that Mr. Popp exemplified in his private and Scouting capacities.”  The first medal was awarded to the Popp family in memory of Mr. Popp.

Malcolm “Skip” Popp was placed in the City of Bowie Hall of Honor on May 21, 2000.

Recent recipients of the award include:

Dr. Barbara Kunkle (2009), as the Chaplain for Boy Scout Troop 403, she spent more time than expected working with the boys and their families. She served the Order of the Arrow during many weekend events, as Health and Safety Officer, in spite of the fact that she was on crutches during some of these outings. In addition, she saw that the Girl Scout Troop at her church did not have training in First Aid available to them. She held weekly sessions for the girls in her own home, with additional assistance provided, as needed.

Roger Brow (2008), a Cubmaster with Pack 1046, an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 403, and Vice Chairman for Programs for the Enterprise District, took on additional responsibilities with the District during 2007, becoming Acting Chairman. He planned and executed a Klondike Derby in February 2007 and directed Cub Scout Day Camp at Bowie State University. He was also the editor for the District newsletter, “Enterprising Essentials.”

Adam Morehouse (2007), a Scout, spearheaded the effort to obtain a much needed trailer for his troop. He obtained the needed approvals and worked through the entire process; determining the cost of a trailer, leading the troop in fundraising efforts until enough was raised to purchase one, and then proceeding with the purchase.

Robb Haas (2005), “Skipper” with Sea Scout Ship 1009, was willing to stay on after his son was grown to assist the new Skipper. On one occasion, he put himself at risk to be sure the scouts were safe. He continued to maintain the boats, rescuing some from disrepair and saving the unit the cost of repairs. In addition to servicing boats for SHIP 1009, he did major maintenance on a training vessel used by Scouts from the whole northeast region of the U.S.

Eligible Scouts or Scout leaders who are nominated for this award must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts, USA. They must also:

• Be affiliated with a Scouting group within the limits of the City of Bowie, and/or a Scouting group for which 50% or more of their youth members are City of Bowie residents.
• Been a member of a community-based Scouting group at the time of the service for which they are nominated.
• Have performed extraordinary and distinguished service within the Scouting unit as well as within the Bowie community.
• Have performed this service in the calendar year prior to the nomination deadline (2012).

Nomination forms, with the guidelines, may be obtained on the City of Bowie website at www.cityofbowie.org, or at Bowie City Hall. Questions may be directed to Popp Award Program Chairperson Sharon Hunt at shunt1@verizon.net, 301-802-0714, or Sheri Beach at sbeach@cityofbowie.org 301-809-3011.