Mr. Mark's Scout Account

Mark A. Olson – April 5, 1959 to April 15, 2025

Mark Olson, “Mr. Mark”, became involved in Scouting when his eldest son, Matthew, came home from school with a piece of paper to join Cub Scouts in 2001. At the end of the year, while sitting in the gym during a Pack Meeting, a call was put out for a Committee Chair, and after the meeting, Mark volunteered. That was just the beginning. In 2003, when his youngest son, Andrew, became a Tiger Scout, Mr. Mark became a Den Leader, a role he repeated long after his sons completed Scouting. Mr. Mark served as a Committee Chair for Pack 620/6202 for 24 years, up to the time of his passing.

In Spring, 2007, his son Matthew bridged to Boy Scouts when Mark decided to become Assistant Scout Master, shortly thereafter becoming Scout Master to Troop 622/6222, a position he held also until his passing. As Scoutmaster, he helped to lead not only his sons to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, but also numerous other boys under his guidance. Mark had a passion to be a mentor and friend to scouts wherever they were along their journey.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest achievable rank in the Scouts BSA program. To earn this rank, Scouts must demonstrate leadership, service, and character development through a combination of merit badge completion, service projects, and leadership experiences. It's a significant accomplishment, recognized both within the Scouting community and beyond.

Mr. Mark also had a “Scout Account”. When the scouts would be out selling popcorn, and flowers, he would be selling right along with them and had nurtured some long-term customers. A portion of each scout’s sale went into their “Scout Account”, which could be used for camping, trips, or supplies. Mr. Mark would use his to help reduce the cost of summer camp for each scout, making it more affordable for those who wanted to go.

One of Mr. Mark's greatest honors was when a Scout completed all the Eagle requirements, and it was during the Eagle Scout Court of Honor that he was able to present the scout with their Eagle Award. It is in this spirit that this endowment fund has been created to reduce the barriers for Scouts to finance their Eagle Scout Projects.

To all Scouts, Mr. Mark would encourage you to keep going for yourselves and those scouts that will come after you. Remember your dedication to the Scout Oath and Law, your willingness to learn new skills, and your positive attitudes make your pack and troop a truly special place. He would encourage you to continue on this journey of adventure, growth, and service.