The Susquehanna District of Scouting America's Pennsylvania Dutch Council recently presented the 2026 District Awards of Merit to two volunteers. The honorees are Chad Cauler of Pack 19 and Troop 56 in Strasburg and Jonathan Kurau of Pack 58 and Troop 58 in Willow Street.

The District Award of Merit recognizes registered Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level and who make a significant impact on the success of Scouting beyond their own unit. Recipients are selected by a committee of their peers based on their dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving youths.

Cauler joined Cub Scout Pack 19 as an adult leader when his youngest son started the program in 2012. He has since served as Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster, and he currently serves on the Pack Committee. Since 2016, Chad has held the position of Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 56, and he has been instrumental in planning and leading several National High Adventure treks with the troop. Outside of Scouting, Cauler is a junior high school technology education teacher and coaches youth and high school soccer.

Kurau began his Scouting journey as a Cub Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1998, later serving as an adult leader with Troop 58 from 2000 to 2003. After returning to the program when his children became involved, Kurau has served Pack 58 in several roles, including parent coordinator, committee chair, and Cubmaster, a position he still holds. In 2018, he reconnected with Troop 58 as an Assistant Scoutmaster, and he has been Scoutmaster since 2022. Drawing on the lessons he learned as an Eagle Scout, he is dedicated to giving back to Scouting and to his community. Outside of Scouting, Kurau is a member of Ascension Lutheran Church, where he serves on the church council.

To find a local Scouting unit or for more information, visit http://www.beascout.org or call Sheila Fasig at 717-394-4063.