Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Paradise Valley donor, Grand Canyon Council bring to life the spirit of young scouts
The Grand Canyon Council, an independent nonprofit organization chartered by the Boy Scouts of America in Arizona, recently held an event Sept. 30 to reveal the commissioned 1,000-pound bronze statue, Be Prepared.
The bronze statue will be placed at GCC’s Heard Scout Pueblo facility, which is found at the base of South Mountain in Phoenix.
The statue, Be Prepared, sculpted by artist Jamie Lester, was inspired by Dave Alexander — a longtime Scout supporter, Distinguished Eagle Scout and generous donor.
Utilizing action and movement, the statue depicts a young Mr. Alexander leaping into the air, stretching out one foot to reach an adolescent bald Eagle. Details such as a recreated badge from his early days of Cub Scouts, when Lion, Wolf and Bear symbolism was used, and Mr. Alexander’s Cub Scout uniform, are incorporated in the sculpture.
Mr. Alexander has been a life-time supporter of Scouting and is the current managing partner of Caljet, the largest independent motor fuels terminal in the southwestern United States. He has competed in triathlons in 37 countries and is actively involved in bringing triathlon to many Scout councils around the U.S. and the world. Mr. Alexander says he attributes the important lessons he learned in his youth to his experiences in Scouting and, to this day, is committed to living his life by the ‘Scout Oath’ motto.
Paradise Valley donors brings to life the spirit of young scouts
“Dave is an ideal role model for young Scouts in Arizona and across the world so naturally his spirit is the perfect muse for a bronze sculpture depicting the excitement of Cub Scouts,” said Grand Canyon Council Scout executive and CEO Andy Price. “Dave is incredibly committed to ensuring Scouts have the necessary resources to succeed and we are so grateful for his generosity and compassion. Be Prepared will inspire all Scouts and families who visit the Heard Scout Pueblo for years to come.”
