Scouter Spotlight: Meet Santos Ortiz Perez

It’s time to bring out the Scouter Spotlight again to show off some of the best volunteers in the Scouting program. This week we’re heading to Puerto Rico to meet an impressive volunteer, Santos Ortiz Perez. He’s been involved in Scouting since 1999 and serves as the committee chair for Troop 720.

If his name sounds familiar, it should. Santos was featured in the March-April 2009 issue of Scouting magazine in a story about the Philmont Leadership Challenge. (Read that story here.)

When he isn’t receiving high-level leadership training, Santos volunteers at the pack, troop, and crew levels. Read on to meet this great leader.

Scouting family: My wife, Alicemarie Comas Perez, is a Scouter also. She was on Wood Badge staff and was the one who first got me involved in Scouting. My son earned the Arrow of Light and then became an Eagle Scout in 2007.

What’s your favorite Scouting memory?

I have many. First, my son’s Eagle Court of Honor—wow, it was memorable. Also, serving on the staff of Philmont for the Philmont Leadership Challenge was great. And then there’s the date that I received the invitation to become a Silver Beaver in my council.

What is Scouting to you?

For my family and me it’s a way of life. I’m grateful to the movement for the values and the character of my two sons. There’s no money in the world that I would take for that.

Explain the Scouting message you use when recruiting.

Every day I invite kids to join Scouting because I don’t really know another program in the world that offers what Scouting has to offer: values, the Scout Law, promises to our youth, character, and the ability to make ethical decisions.

Any plans for the 100^th Anniversary?

I’m attending the big party at Fort A.P. Hill for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. My son is attending as a gift for receiving his Eagle Scout Award. He worked hard and deserved it.

What do you tell new leaders?

Every kid deserves at least to be invited to become a Scout. And every kid who joins deserves a trained leader. Also, remember that you sometimes need to adapt your program to the necessities of the kids in your unit. Let them decide what is good and what is bad.

I also like to tell leaders to “get off the bench!” Play an important role in your unit. Get involved with all your kids in your unit. They’re only kids once, so don’t miss that opportunity.

Our thanks to Santos for sharing his Scouting expertise. If you have an adult volunteer who should be spotlighted, let us know.

Comments

[Jose A. Marques Bibiloni, M.D.]

Santos, I wish I had a leader like you when I was a scout in the early seventies. I was there when you recieved your silver beaver, and nobody deserves it more than you do. I had the honor of being at your son's eagle's court of honor, and that was the best I've ever seen. You've always been loyal to your own convictions and have been an example not only to scouts but to other volunteers, and I respect you for that. My congratulations on this well deserved recognition.
Jose A. Marques-Bibiloni,M.D.
Chairman. District I
Puerto Rico Council #661

[Frank Alicea Assistant Cub-Master Pack 385 Coamo Puerto Rico]

Congratulations Santos you are the best my friend, it was demostrate that the Puerto Rico Council have a good leadership and commitment with the Scouting here in Puerto Rico and the others site in the word. Congratulation Again.

[Anthony Bonilla]

Santos:

We have onely met a couple of times, BALOO 2009 and WB NE-II-186, and I can attest to your character and charisma. Best of wishes to you and your familiy and keep the scouting spirit going.

-Anthony Bonilla
Cubmaster Pack 543
Iglesia Bautista de Palmer
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

[Fernando Astor Tropa 270]

Congratulation Pitin. I am glad hear about you in this way , I meet you about 3 years ago and you are a really 100% Scouter. Congratulation to your family for have a scouter, husband and father like you.

Take Care
Fernando Astor and Fernandito

[Cesar Silvestrini - District Commisionner]

It's an honor to have a friend like you. Congratulations, keep going, you are one of the best.