
GTA @ Work
Some folks within the Scouting community have been longtime financial supporters of the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, through the annual fundraising campaign called Friends of Scouting. Now renamed Give the Adventure (GTA), this annual time of giving provides the Council the opportunity to share with new donor families that the Alamo Area Council is a good steward of their donations. It’s also important to thank longtime donors and reassure them that their giving is valued. On behalf of the Alamo Area Council, I want to extend a sincere thank you to all donors.
Besides moving to expand our Annual Report and Adventure Guide with better and more information, our newly redesigned Council newsletter will feature a section of stories called “GTA @ Work”. These stories are meant to share some insights into where your monies are used in support of Scouting in the 13-county service area of the Alamo Area Council. (Angel’s personal note: Be sure to watch the Council GTA supported program called Scoutreach on video as the director, Josh Ozuna, shares a unique story.)
In this story, we meet Billy Koors who joined our local Scouting family on December 5, 2019. Billy is one of thirty full-time employees of the Alamo Area Council. Here is what I learned sitting with Billy and asking him questions.
Billy Koors, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, is the camp ranger at McGimsey Scout Park of the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council. The 144 beautiful acres of McGimsey are located in North Central San Antonio at the corner of NW Military Hwy and Lockhill Selma.
Top Six Questions and Answers from Billy Koors:
1. Did you have the opportunity to do Scouting as a youth?
Yes. I started as a tiger cub within the Baltimore Area Council and eventually earned my Eagle Scout rank within Troop 480. My Eagle Scout service project was building a prayer garden for my troop’s charter partner organization, Salem Methodist Church. I was also Vigil honor within my Council’s Order of the Arrow Lodge. I enjoyed my Scouting experience so much I became the Baltimore Area Council’s Assistant Ranger at Broadcreek Scout Reservation during summer camp.
2. How did you come to be the McGimsey Scout Park ranger?
I was looking for a full-time job as a ranger at a Scout camp based on my love for Scouting and my experience at Broadcreek. One late, late night doing searches on the career website, Indeed.com, I came across the open ranger position at McGimsey and I applied. To be honest, I almost forgot that I applied when I got the call from the Outdoor Adventure Director, Linda Dieguez, inviting me to interview. I’m glad she called me.
3. Anything you enjoy the most being a ranger for a Scouting camp in Texas?
Working with all the volunteers is the best part of the job. There are some good people here. Also the Texas Bluebonnets are starting to popup. We don’t have that in Maryland.
4. Anything you dislike about being a ranger?
I really don’t. I like just about everything I do. Actually, you asking me to take a photo on my tractor and asking me questions for this article maybe is uncomfortable. I like to be behind the scenes supporting stuff.
5. What’s the best thing a volunteer or a Give the Adventure donor can do to support McGimsey?
We got several scheduled McGimsey Scout Park Service Days. Look for those on Council calendar or volunteers can just call 210-341-8611 or email me at McGimsey@AlamoAreaBSA.org or my boss, Linda Dieguez. We can share where they can help.
I might get a donor to give flowers and plants for some camp project; but, I don’t deal directly with money donations to Give the Adventure. But, Give the Adventure is important. Sounds like more of a Linda question; but I know it helps pay for me and the other camp rangers to be here. It keeps the lights on. It keeps me riding my zero turn tractor and supports me keeping up maintenance.
6. Any final thoughts for the Scouting community to know about you or what you do for Scouting?
Nope. I’m not good at this kind of stuff. I’m getting back to my ranger schedule. Thank you.
Well, it seems Billy is pretty passionate about what he does for Scouting! He’s a product of our Scouting movement and we are glad to have him on our team. Please look for more GTA @ Work stories. One last question and we will end this story.
What’s a ranger do at a Scout camp?
The camp ranger is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and proper use of all camp facilities. Besides seasonal volunteer support, Rangers often get help in the form of volunteer Campmasters. Here are eight things a ranger and his campmaster team do:
- Prepare camp and facilities for safe and welcome use by participants of Council, District, or Unit coordinated events.
- Assist new leaders in getting the unit set up at camp.
- Advise unit leaders and administer first aid.
- Meet with leaders in regard to conservation and related camp Good Turns.
- Be the supper guest of a unit.
- Organize and conduct a nature hike with leaders.
- Arrange convenient check-in/checkout schedules.
- Secure loan of camp equipment for units.