Able Scouts

This announcement appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of Abilities Digest.

The National Special Needs and Disabilities Committee is pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of the Woods Services Award. Only two of these awards may be granted nationally each year to BSA volunteer Scouters for exceptional service and leadership in the field of Scouting with disabilities.

One of this year’s awards goes to Mary Margaret “Midge” Savage, member of the Michigan Crossroads Council. When is comes to special needs in Scouting, Midge is the council’s “go-to” person. She is always willing to help district chairs with questions and advice on how to handle any circumstance that may arise while working with a special needs youth.

Midge is always willing to guide and help adult leaders and parents in helping Scouts with special needs or disabilities. She regularly presents national training programs at Sea Base, the Summit, as well as local training programs. She attends every council advancement meeting to answer questions. She also represents Scouts that are looking to be registered beyond the age of eligibility or are asking for an extension. She works with district advancement chairs very closely to keep everyone in the loop.

Midge has professional experience in special needs as well as Scouting experience. She began teaching at Lincoln Park Schools in Michigan in 1969. In 1984 she became the Director of Special Education in the Woodhaven-Brownstown Schools, Michigan. She retired from that position in 2006. She has also been recognized for decades of service to the Crawford Armstrong Handicapped Organization and the James Caughlan Organization.

As a Scouter, Midge has served in division and council special needs positions since 2014, and she has worked with the National SND Committee and its precursors, since 2015. Midge has earned the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver, and the Torch of Gold awards.

The Woods Services Award is a community service award sponsored by Woods Services and administered by the BSA National SND Committee. The award was created in 1978 by the Woods Services and Residential Treatment Center. Since 1913, the Center has provided services to children and adults with disabilities.

The Woods Services Award is a community service award sponsored by Woods Services and administered by the BSA National Special Needs and Disabilities Committee. The award was created in 1978 by the Woods Services and Resi-dential Treatment Center. Since 1913, the Center has provided services to children and adults with disabilities.

The beautiful recognition is provided by Woods Services. In addition, the National SND Committee is presenting them with the community service square knot and the special needs device to wear on it. Congratulations Midge!