Boy Scouts Give Award To County Supervisor

Sixty years ago Prince William County Supervisor John D. Jenkins entered the world of scouting in Geneva, Ala.

He hasn't left since.

On Sunday, Jenkins was given the Occoquan District Good Scout Award from the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The honor was presented during a dinner at the Dale City Veterans of Foreign Wars post for his continuous commitment to scouting.

"This means a great deal to me, and I had no idea people were so observant about the things we were doing," said Jenkins (D-Neabsco). "I just do what I do every day because I think it's the right thing to do."

Tim Rupert, the National Capital Area Council's Occoquan District executive, said the award is granted to someone who has given to the youths of the community, many times through scouting.

Rupert said that although scouting districts throughout the Washington region grant the award annually, this is the first time in "several years" eastern Prince William has decided to present the honor.

Boys Scouts officials said Jenkins has helped the organization immensely, particularly in fundraising. He also helps the boys get the resources needed to complete their Eagle Scout projects and always tries to attend their promotion ceremonies, they said.

"Every scouting event I attend, John is there," said Jo-Ellen Benson, head of finance for the Scouts' Occoquan District. "I think the world of him, and he is someone who is key to our community."

Jenkins said he joined his first scout troop when he was a boy in Alabama. Although he didn't stay on to become an Eagle Scout -- the highest rank -- he said he has great memories of scouting, particularly his days spent at camp.

"I fondly remember going to my first Boy Scout camp," he said. "I remember working with my fellow scouts on camping techniques and learning how to swim. . . . It was a big deal because we didn't have many swimming pools where I was growing up."

The retired Army lieutenant colonel said all three of his sons became Eagle Scouts as he and his wife, Ernestine, served on various scouting committees.

Now, as a 27-year member of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, Jenkins said he acts as the liaison between the scouts and the county government.

He also helped get Camp William B. Snyder off the ground in Haymarket. After several years in development, the camp opened in 2006 and serves numerous scouting troops annually.

"I saw what good things came to the community from scouting programs, so I wanted to stay involved," Jenkins said.