Congratulations to Dean Soderbeck for being Awarded Torch of Gold

The Special Needs & Disabilities Committee is most fortunate to have Dean Soderbeck on the committee. Dean has lived his life as a servant leader , and we are honored to have him represent the Special Needs & Disabilities Committee at the Council Recognition Luncheon, as our Torch of Gold Winner. 

Dean was an Assistant Scoutmaster and Venture Crew Adviser for Scuba starting in 1998.  When working with the Scuba Diving Crew, Dean worked with many special needs scouts. An example was a Scout who was on the autism spectrum and, with Dean's individual attention, was able to join his troop on a SCUBA liveaboard in the Bahamas. Working with these experiences in the Crew set the stage for Dean to get training on working with disabled divers.  His instructor focus continues with scouts at Sea Base and also with the upcoming National Jamboree, where he is registered to work with disabled scouts in the SCUBA venue.  He's now working with Military Veterans, as well as youth and adults with disabilities, outside of the Scouting program. 

 Dean has worked for several years with a several programs includeing the Free Daptive-Divers and the Adapative SCUBA Clinich through Courage Kenny.  Dean is an HSA dive Instructor and works with disabled adults and youth over 12 years old, to give them exposure to diving.  He serves as the lead instructor, supporting a group of paraplegic divers. 

Another organization Dean is connected to is the Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA). He has been an instructor with that organization for 5 years and has been an SSI Open Water Scuba Instructor for 24 years. 

Scouting and the Minnesota community have been blessed to have Dean Soderbeck as a volunteer.  His impact with diving for Veterans, disabled adults, and disabled Scouters has made such an impact on so many lives.  Thank you, Dean, for your service to scouting and to our community.

Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition for your service. 

Donna Larson 

Chair Special Needs & Disabilities Committee