The Great Bend Kiwanis Club has been chosen for the 2013 Friends of Scouting award, presented by the Boy Scout Quivira Council Board of Directors. Bill McKown, representing the board, presented a plaque to Kiwanis Club President Becky Dudrey at the Nov. 13 Kiwanis meeting.
“The Boy Scouts offer young people responsible fun and adventure while instilling in them lifetime values and ethical decision making,” McKown said. “The Scouting program trains young people in citizenship, service and leadership as well as serving our communities and families with quality, values-based programs.”
The local Kiwanis Club supports several youth-oriented projects in the area. Each week, members recite the organization’s defining statement: ”Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.”
This year Camp Kanza celebrated its 50th Anniversary, with a reunion of former Scouts and leaders. Numerous capital improvements were made at Camp Kanza including a new shower house and renovated swimming pool, construction of a new aviation program venue and BMX bike track and entrance area. Improvements have been completed on Mann Lodge, the Dining Hall, the Cook’s Cabin and the trading post.
For more information on how to join the Scouting program, parents may call Kanza District Executive  Arvin Fontarum, (316) 204 9811, or District Commissioner Kenton Abbott, (620) 617-6833.
The Great Bend Kiwanis Club meets at noon Wednesdays at Montana Mike’s.