Housatonic Council BSA​’s Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation Alumni Association will be honoring longtime volunteer Rudy Gajdosik, of Shelton, on July 7th at the camp’s annual alumni gathering in Goshen.
Rudy began his scouting career in the old Pine Rock Fire House with Sea Scout Ship 25 in Shelton. Rudy’s son, Peter, joined scouting in 1971 and Rudy served in Pack 25 of Shelton as Committeeman, Committee Chairman, and Cubmaster. He also served as Committee Member, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster of Troop 25 and Adviser for Explorer Post 25.
Rudy has been an active member of the Housatonic Council Camping & Properties Committees since 1976. Along with Emil ​“Bill” Martin the undertook the construction of the camp’s multipurpose Training Center, which was dedicated in 1998. Rudy designed and constructed every campsite latrine. In 2001, Rudy served as Camp Director when one was needed at the last minute.
Rudy helped lead the Friends of Scouting fund raisers like turkey dinners, pancake breakfasts and clambakes to benefit program improvements at the Housatonic Council summer camp.
For his efforts Rudy has been honored by the Order of the Arrow Paugassett Lodge 553 with the Vigil membership and by the National Boy Scouts of America with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth of the Housatonic Council.
Rudy has also been involved in Girl Scouts, is a member of the Shelton Land Trust and a volunteer at My Sister’s Place, a thrift store whose proceeds benefit the Umbrella, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Three generations of Gajdosic’s have been involved in Scouting. Rudy’s wife, Pat can always be found working with him or helping where she is needed. Hi son Michael Sr. worked as an Assistant Scout Master of Troop 7 Ansonia. Grandsons, Michael Jr., Marc and Matt were members of Troop 7 and Troops 3 Derby. Michael Jr. received his Eagle Award in Troop 7. Rudy has 3 stepchildren. Sandy was a Girl Scout leader in Texas. Jeff received his Eagle Scout Award with Troop #3. Nancy was a Girl Scout with Troop #l and is the Cub Master of Pack 810 and also a Den Leader in the Connecticut Yankee Council.
Camp Alumni President Randy Ritter, of Derby stated, ​“The amount of time, talent and treasure Rudy has provided has made such a significant impact on the Housatonic Council program activities that can be offered at the Edmund Strang Scout Reservation, that the camp alumni summer event award will be forever known as ​“the Rudy Gajdosik award” in his honor”.
The Camp Alumni Summer Event begins at 11AM on July 7 at the Strang Scout Reservation and is open to all current and former campers, leaders, camp staff and friends of Housatonic Council. In addition to the awards ceremony, the Aquatics and Field Sports areas will be open and the event includes lunch, dinner and evening campfire.
Tickets are $20.00 per Alumnus (includes annual dues), $15 guests ($50.00 per family maximum – Children 8 and under are free).
For more information contact Mrs. Pat Gajdosik at (203) 929‑3601 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
