Scout celebrates 65th year

Dick LaVanture may be the oldest Boy Scout in Central Florida, and he certainly is one of the busiest.

At 77 years old, who could blame this father of four and grandfather of six if he chose a more leisurely lifestyle? But anyone who knows LaVanture understands his need to stay involved, take on challenges and mentor young people.

He became a scout master in 1953, retired from a 45-year career in electronics manufacturing in 1996 and survived bypass surgery 10 years later. He has been called outspoken and admits to having made and lost friends by being completely honest.

"I believe in stating fact, sometimes people don't like it, but I tell it like it is, and let the chips fall," said the Pennsylvania native.

Scouting has been a pivotal part of his life since he joined as an 11-year-old boy in Progress, Pa. Ten years later, he achieved the highest rank of Eagle scout, became a scout master and helped four other boys achieve the first Eagle rankings in the troop.

He celebrated his 65th year in Boy Scouts of America last year and received the Veterans Award for his service. As if that wasn't enough, this year he won a trip to the prestigious BSA 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership. LaVanture was one of 12 finalists from the Central Florida Council selected from a field of over 80 nominations submitted from its 12 districts.

Each of the 300 Councils across the country selected one member to represent them in the National Hall of Leadership — a unique honor to celebrate the BSA centennial. One member from each of the four national regions will be honored in the National Hall of Leadership in Washington, D.C.

Dick LaVanture celebrated his 65th year in Boy Scouts of America last year and received the Veterans Award for his service.

Earning an Eagle rank is a prestigious milestone — only 2 percent of all scouts achieve it. Each scout must present a final Eagle Scout project idea before a board of review and have it approved by both district and council as a final test. According to LaVanture, Eagle projects are designed to test and develop leadership skills. Each scout plans his project and gets help from troop members and adults in addition to securing help and donations from the community.

"I am proud to be an Eagle Scout. I am sorry that there aren't more that have become Eagles, because it opens doors in the military, for college placement and for job interviews," LaVanture said.

This veteran scout has mentored over 50 young men to achieve their Eagle award and is working with four others in Troop 219 who are currently working on their Eagle badge in this centennial year.

Thomas Calvert, 16, is lucky to have LaVanture as his mentor. For his Eagle project, Calvert will be installing a 40-foot flagpole and brick base at United Global Outreach in Bithlo because the organization is both a church and a school and has been without a flagpole. Calvert is learning financing, planning, processes and building skills from LaVanture and hopes to complete his project by the end of June.

Tom Calvert, father of Thomas Calvert, is an Eagle Scout himself and appreciates the knowledge, good values and morals that LaVanture instills.

When he discovered that a local boy scout designed a commemorative shoulder patch in honor of the BSA 100th anniversary, LaVanture sensed an opportunity. The Council ordered 500 patches and LaVanture asked to sell 100 of them. The Council asked why he ordered so many and LaVanture asked why the Council didn't order more. He felt that his troop could sell 2,010 patches during the centennial year and true to his word they sold the first 100 during a three-day event. As of mid May over 1,300 patches have been sold as LaVanture encourages scouts to replace their current patch with the new one.

Sherise Nelson recognized his vision and leadership as he helped boys in Troop 219 reach their goals including her son. Nelson knew that LaVanture was a prime candidate for the National Hall of Leadership.

Through his work in scouting, his church and the Bahia Shrine he has touched the lives of over 5,000 young people and has been recognized with many community awards and recognitions in Pennsylvania and Florida.

Evelyn LaVanture, his wife of 23 years, describes Dick as 'meticulous'. "He's one of the neatest men I have ever known and he loves to do things for people, especially children," she said.

LaVanture may seem tough on the outside but he has also been a Bahia Shrine clown for 26 years. It takes about an hour for him to apply the grease paint make up for his Emmett Kelly-style clown face. He has been in make up 1,200 times and has participated in competitions, visited hospitals, performed at conventions, parades, and won numerous awards. He has 13 different clown costumes hanging in his closet and loves making kids smile, especially those in hospitals.

LaVanture continues to be inspired by the BSA experience.

"When a boy gets into scouting, he is taught the principles and the requirements. Earning merit badges sometimes leads boys to discover their life's work. It teaches them to be self-sustaining, learn self-reliance and is the only youth organization in the world that teaches the importance of God, country and self."

Learn More

Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America

407-889-4403

www.cflscouting.org