April 30 media release__ The Black Swamp Area Council, Scouting America, held its annual Scouters Conference and Adult Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Camp Lakota in Defiance, Ohio. The event also included the dedication of the new Cooper Lodge with Keith Hubbard Dining Hall.

Bluffton Troop 256 leader Mike Metzger (Great Oaks District) was among five adults recognized for their contributions to local scouting.

Adult Recognition Luncheon
The Annual Meeting and Adult Recognition Luncheon took place in the new Keith Hubbard Dining Hall. During the meeting, important council business was conducted, including the election of Dave Thompson as the new Council President/Board Chair, as Matt Black stepped down after two years of distinguished service.

Matt Black and Jenny Graham received the Silver Beaver Award, the council’s highest recognition for volunteers. Troop 4, chartered by VFW Post 8445, received the Kitty Freed Service Award for their outstanding community service efforts.

Other notable awards were presented, including the President's Award, recognizing dedicated service to the Scouting community. The 2025 recipients of the President’s Award were:

•             Rose King (Chinquapin District)

•             Sandy Wood (Chinquapin District)

•             Steve Ritchie (Old Sycamore District)

•             Don Piper (Arrowwood District)

•             Mike Metzger (Great Oaks District)

“This year’s Scouters Conference was a tremendous success, celebrating the achievements of our volunteers and marking a significant milestone with the dedication of Cooper Lodge,” said Scout Executive Marc Kogan. “The new facilities at Camp Lakota will greatly enhance our ability to provide quality Scouting experiences for youth in our region.”

Cooper Lodge Dedication
A highlight of the day was the dedication of Cooper Lodge with Keith Hubbard Dining Hall, a new 10,000 square foot, four-season facility that represents an evolution of the Camp Lakota experience. This complex will provide a modern dining hall, commercial kitchen, and year-round training space, along with the new Armed Forces Memorial Parade Field. In its development, Cooper Lodge succeeds the historic Meecheway Lodge, carrying forward the tradition of providing a central gathering space for the camp.

The Black Swamp Area Council continues to provide premier Scouting programs for youth across northwest and west central Ohio, focusing on character development, leadership, and outdoor adventure.