The Palmetto Council NESA Committee honored a lifelong Scouter, Norman F. Schaefer, as our third recipient of the NESA National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.
The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) is a prestigious recognition granted by the local council’s NESA committee to Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level. Unlike the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, which is a national award, the NOESA recognizes Eagle Scouts whose efforts have made a positive impact closer to home.
Norman F. Schaefer's Scouting Biography
Norm began his Scouting career in 1945 when he joined a Cub Scout Pack in Philadelphia, PA. Later he joined Troop 130 where he held every position available to him, then tapped out for the Order of the Arrow in 1949. He earned 52 merit badges on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout, which he received on September 17, 1955. In 1957 Norm joined the US Army and was assigned to Fort McPherson, GA where he was Scoutmaster of Troop 237. He was next assigned to Sandia Missile Range in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he coordinated the Scouting Program for military base personnel. Becoming a Professional Scouter in 1970, Norm joined the staff of Valley Forge Council, PA as Assistant District Executive. His career has included Community Service Director in Danville, VA; Camping and Activities Director for Coastal Carolina Council in Charleston, SC; Program Director for Blue Ridge Mountains Council in Vinton, VA; National Sales Representative in Charlotte, NC; Curator for the Palmetto Scout Museum in Spartanburg, SC; Customer Service Manager for the Distribution Center; Store Manager for the Orlando, FL Scout Shop and Manager of the Carolina Scout Shops. Among his awards is the Saint George Emblem, the Order of the Arrow Founders’ Award, the God and Service Award, and many others. Scouting and working with children has been Norm’s lifelong passion. For many years Norm served as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster and a Big Brother. He shared his love and compassion as he worked with mentally challenged youth, abused and abandoned children, under privileged children and at-risk youth. Norm has been a positive role model and has made a positive difference in many young lives. He and his wife Donna have been married since 1972 and have 2 children, and two granddaughters. The Palmetto Council takes great pride in honoring such a worthy Eagle Scout! Congratulations, Norm!