Historic First: Conquistador Council’s First Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award Presented

Scouting volunteers make a lasting impact on the lives of youth, and on March 6, 2025, one such leader was recognized with a historic first in the Conquistador Council.

Jimmy Allison, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 7 in Roswell and Vice President of District Operations for the council, received the first-ever Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award presented in our council’s history. The award was presented by Grand Master Steve Almager of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico in a meaningful ceremony at the Masonic Temple in Roswell.

For more than 140 years, Roswell Masonic Lodge #18 has been making good men better, and few exemplify that mission more than Jimmy Allison. His involvement in Scouting spans generations—he first experienced Scouting as a youth in Roswell, later served as a dedicated father supporting his son’s journey, and now continues his service as a grandfather mentoring the next generation of Scouts.

Who Was Daniel Carter Beard?

The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award honors not only its recipient but also the Mason who helped bring Scouting to America. Daniel Carter Beard was an outdoorsman, illustrator, and Freemason who, in 1905, founded the Sons of Daniel Boone, a youth program that promoted outdoor skills, frontier traditions, and moral character.

When Scouting officially came to America in 1910, Beard merged his program into the Boy Scouts of America, becoming its first National Commissioner. He helped design the Scout uniform and badge, wrote early Scouting handbooks, and spent decades working to instill leadership, patriotism, and self-reliance in young men across the country.

Recognizing Jimmy Allison’s Leadership

Karl Shelton, Scout Executive/CEO of the Conquistador Council, was in attendance, joining Masons, Scouters, and community members in celebrating Jimmy’s lifelong commitment to Scouting in Southeast New Mexico.

Jimmy Allison’s impact on Scouting in Southeast New Mexico is undeniable. In addition to his role in Troop 7, he has led efforts to strengthen district operations, mentor unit leaders through virtual roundtables, and recruit and support strong volunteers. His leadership has played a vital role in expanding council membership and improving the structure of our programs.

This award is part of Scouting America’s Community Organization Award program, which allows organizations like the American Legion, Kiwanis International, Lions Club, and Rotary International to recognize outstanding Scouting volunteers. If you are part of one of these organizations, consider nominating a dedicated Scouting volunteer for recognition! More details can be found at Scouting America’s Awards Central.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jimmy Allison for this historic recognition and encourage all Scouting volunteers to explore ways their service can be honored through national recognition programs.

Scouting Leadership

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