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History of the North Florida Eagle Scout Association
In early 1970, all the advancement chairmen met with Faze Decker at the ACL building to discuss an idea to form the Knights of Dunamis. This was to be a branch of the Boy Scouts of America for boys who were Eagle Scouts. The organization was strong on the West Coast of the United States but was just getting started on the East Coast. Washington D.C was the largest chapter and gave us much needed help in starting up. Simon Smith was the new Scout Executive, and he had heard of this group at several meetings. We decided to look into it further and had Ben Edwards, Field Director, appointed as the professional in Charge of the project.
Several Weeks later the Advancement Chairman, with three outstanding Eagle Scouts from their districts, were invited to the Beaver Lodge where we formed our chapter of the nights Of Dunamis. W.M (Bill) Hudson was named Advisor and Gene Shimp was named Assistant Advisor of this new group. There were ten Eagle Scouts and five Advancement Chairmen in attendance. Faze Decker was Council Advancement Chairman at the time and was in charge of the meeting. Some of those in attendance were W. Mark Hudson, II, David Miller, and Chuck Borders. Chuck Borders was elected first commander and Mark Hudson, Vice Commander. This was the creation of the Knights of Dunamis in the North Florida Council.
One of the projects that the Knights undertook was making Charles Bennett, Congressional Representative, a Distinguished Eagle Scout. We also awarded this distinction to Ross Allen in 1972.
A survey was taken all over the United States, by regions, to see if the National Eagle Scout Association was wanted. This chapter of the Knights of Dunamis was the host for this meeting. It was held at Mayport Naval Station. Scouts came from as far away as Ohio and Indiana. There was a representative group from National Headquarters, B.S.A., in attendance to record their actions. The chapter in Jacksonville played a major role in hosting this meeting.
We had 37 boys and scouters registered when the National Eagle Scout Association took over. All were made charter members upon paying ten dollars for ten year’s dues. Gene Shimp was appointed NESA Advisor. This all took place in late 1972. There was a big drive all over the United States for charter members. All Knights neckerchiefs were numbered and lots were cast as the first ones. These are now real collectors items. There were also patches and cups, which were sold to raise money to make the Distinguished Eagle Awards.
Our NESA Chapter met at Camp Johnson to have merit badge fairs, at which the boys could work to earn merit badges. The counselors would set up shop and show their skills and pass the boys on their merit badges. From 1972 to 1973 there were two Merit Badge Fairs a year. The 1973 fall Merit Badge Fair had 27 counselors and 284 Scouts in attendance.
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