Marvin Arkans - Gone Home

Marvin Arkans, a long time member of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting, passed away on Wednesday, July 8.  Marv's Scouting career started as a Boy Scout.  His adult leadership roles, starting in 1949, included serving as a Scoutmaster and as a Cradle of Liberty (Philadelphia Council) Council Commissioner.  In addition, he served on the Council's executive board and the Northeast Region BSA camping committee.

He earned his Wood Badge beads in 1967 and was recognized with the Shofar Award for his service to Jewish youth in 1984.  The Northeast Region Jewish Committee on Scouting recognized him as their "Man of the Year" in 1996.  The Philadelphia Council, in 1990, recognized his outstanding service to the youth of Philadelphia with the Mary M. Hart Award and the Silver Beaver Award.  The Northeast Region of the BSA awarded him the Silver Antelope in 1988.

The Arkans endowed two Eagle Scout scholarships (one offered by the Cradle of Liberty Council and the other by the National Jewish Committee on Scouting) in memory of their son Rick.  All three of the Arkans' sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Marv's family has asked that contributions in his memory be made to the NJCOS' Rick Arkans Eagle Scholarship Fund:

   National Jewish Committee on Scouting
   Boy Scouts of America
   PO Box 152079
   Irving, TX  75015-2079

There is no doubt that his absence will be felt by many.  May the Great Scoutmaster, and Leader of all Good Scouts, be with him and watch over him.

Additional articles:
   Philadelphia Inquirer
   Bulletin