Kim & Wayne Merkle

2014

We have the rare opportunity of honoring a husband and wife team, each receiving the Silver Beaver on the same evening. Both Kim and Wayne serve as Assistant Scoutmasters of Troop 412 in Pacifica District and on the Oso Lake Camp Master staff. Kim is Assistant Program Chair and Wayne is Camp Master and Range Master. Both are National Rifle Association (NRA) certified in rifle instruction and level one certified Archery Instructors. In addition, Wayne is NRA certified in shotgun instruction and is a range safety officer. Kim helps coach the Scouts working to achieve their Archery Merit Badge. She currently holds the Archer First Rank Medal.

Kim presently serves as Cub Scout Training Chair while Wayne serves on the Pacifica District Committee as Religious Emblem Coordinator. Both Kim and Wayne are highly active on the district's Camporee and Camporall staffs. Wayne is the adult spirit chair, hand carving wooden coins, painting pie tins and spoons. He has also made spirit award animals and the "rocket on" spirit awards. Kim has been the head grub master, shopping for food and organizing the volunteers in preparing the adult meals. Also, she interacts with the Webelos Den Leaders encouraging them to attend the Camporees and Camporalls. Both Wayne and Kim completed Wood Badge training in 2010 with Kim serving on staff for two subsequent courses. Wayne is an accomplished bugler, playing Taps and the Call to Colors on a 1909 antique brass trumpet at Wood Badge. They have both been presented with the District Award of Merit.

Do Wayne and Kim, who live in Fountain Valley, give the impression that they work as a team? They have two children, Kevin, a Life Scout and Emily, a college student.