Bob Coffelt, Warsaw, was introduced to Boy Scouts when he was in sixth grade. He eventually went on to become an Eagle Scout. He was a Scoutmaster for local Troop 730 from 2010 to 2017. He continues mentoring young people in the Scouting program. Photo provided by Bob Coffelt.

By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — “I am an Air Force brat, born in England on the 4th of July,” stated Bob Coffelt, Warsaw. “I moved to Kansas when I was 8 years old. I was introduced to the Boy Scouts when I was in sixth grade. I joined in the hopes of making additional friends. I also love being and doing things outdoors. As an adult, I’ve held numerous leadership positions in the Boy Scouts of America for the past 25-plus years. I love seeing boys grow, mature and become leaders through scouting.”

Coffelt completed his Eagle Scout requirements in 1977. “Many of the boys dropped out of Scouts around age 16 when they could drive and get jobs. It was then I realized I could achieve the Eagle Scout rank.”

Coffelt’s first merit badge was printing. “Since printing has always been a love of mine, I printed out emergency first-aid tips that people could use in their homes. I also delivered a presentation to the Scouts on emergency preparedness and coordinated the fire department and EMS unit to do a presentation for the community. Becoming an Eagle Scout requires leadership skills and project management.”

He also attended two National High Adventure Camps in New Mexico and the boundary waters of Minnesota and Canada.

Coffelt has a bachelor of science and technology in printing management from Pittsburgh State University. He has been the manufacturing/quality supervisor for LSC Communications (formerly RR Donnelley) since June 1, 1981. He has worked in three locations: Des Moines, Iowa; Shanghai, China; and Warsaw.

When his son Sheldon, who eventually became an Eagle Scout, was in first grade, Coffelt became an involved parent in the Cub Scout program. “That was about 1997, 20 years after my scouting days. I eventually became the committee chair.”

In 2002, the Coffelts had the opportunity of a lifetime: a start-up print facility in Shanghai. “Living in China was an adventure for our whole family and, of course, Scouting was part of that experience.”

Back in the USA he became a Scoutmaster for local Troop 730 from 2010 to 2017 and currently serves as the charter organization rep. For the past five years, Coffelt has been the National Youth Leadership Training Coordinator for the local council.

“The council encompasses 11 counties in the northeast corner of Indiana, including Kosciusko County. My duties include assisting leadership, facilitating the national course and overseeing the weeklong training event at Camp Chief Little Turtle south of Angola.” The curriculum is based on proven hands-on leadership training. “We attach games and skill activities to the courses to make it more fun for the youth,” Coffelt added.

Last year, Coffelt became a member of the planning commission of Warsaw. “I believe my life experiences are valuable to my community. I’m a good listener and a team player.”

He’s been married to his wife, Roxanne, for almost 39 years. She owns a CPA firm in town. They have two grown children, Kelsey and Sheldon, and two granddaughters.

He and Roxanne love to travel. “We’ve been to Europe and Asia, but mostly travel within the United States.”

When asked what young people need most in their lives, Coffelt remarked, “Over the years, many of the young people in our Scouting program came from nontraditional families. Scouting provides stability, adventure and the guidance of caring adults, preparing boys for life.”