Scouter of the Month - Dick Lanier Dick Lanier began his Scouting career as a Cub Scout in northern Wisconsin in 1967. He was active as a Wolf, Bear, and Webelos, earning his Arrow of Light before moving up to Boy Scouts. After a move to southwestern Virginia in1973, Dick joined Troop 221 of the Blue Ridge Mountain Council. Dick advanced to Life Scout rank and enjoyed many outings including annual 50-75 mile backpacking trips on the Appalachian Trail, rock climbing, and summer camp. Dick remained active in Troop outings until he turned 18, and completed his Order of the Arrow Ordeal in 1978. Years later, after college, marriage, work, and two children, Dick rejoined Scouting as a Den Leader for his son’s Bear Den. He is currently a Webelos Den Leader for Pack 153 in Palatine, and has also served as Advancement Chair for his Pack. Many people within the Signal Hill District know him for his “other hat”, as District Committee member and Cub Scout Program Committee Chair. In his District role, he served as “Head Whoop” at the 2004 District Whoop-O-Ree, an annual event attended by 1100 boys and adult partners out at Camp Lakota. He has also been actively involved in organizing committees for District events like Tiger Time, Webelos First Aid Meet, and Pinewood Derby. Dick approaches these events with a strong respect for the District traditions, but an equally strong desire to make the events ever better.