Generations of Scouting

It isn’t often that you find someone who’s been devoted to Scouting for 65 years, but 78-year old Wyndemere resident Bob Hickerson has accomplished just that. Beginning in scouting as a youngster, Bob continues to shape the next generation of Boy Scouts though his active participation in the Three Fires Advisory Council in Wheaton.

“I became a Boy Scout when I was 13-years old and I’ve been involved ever since,” said Bob. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1944 and went on to adult Scout leadership roles, from Scoutmaster to being a District Commissioner in Chattanooga, Tennessee, working with Scoutmasters and parent groups of various troops.

“I moved to Wheaton 40 years ago and began working on the District Commissioner’s staff here,” said Bob.   He became a member of the Executive Board  (of the DuPage and later the Three Rivers Council) – a position he held for 25 years,  In recognition of his service to youth and his commitment to Scouting, Bob was honored with a Silver Beaver award, one of the most prestigious awards in Scouting.

Bob also shared his love of Scouting with his own family.  “We’ve had three generations of Eagle Scouts in our family,” said Bob. “Both my son and my grandson carried on the family tradition of earning the rank of Eagle Scout.”

A recent resident at Wyndemere, Bob is very pleased with his decision to come to the community.  “In addition to being active in Scouting, I’m also involved in the church and continue to work part-time,” said Bob.  “Living at Wyndemere allows me to do everything I want to do, without having to worry about the house and the yard.”

Today, Bob remains active on the Advisory Board of the Three Fires Council and as a member of the Parents Committee of Boy Scout Troop 303.   “Our hope is that, in participating in Scouting, a boy will learn something about himself and about working with other people,” said Bob.  "My role is to keep encouraging potential Eagle Scouts.  I see myself as a cheerleader for these young adults and I plan to keep on doing it.”