The Silver Beaver Award is the highest honor a council can bestow on a Scouting volunteer. This prestigious award recognizes distinguished service to youth through Scouting as well as meaningful contributions to the broader community. Earning the Silver Beaver is a rare and significant achievement, placing recipients among an elite group of dedicated volunteers.
Congratulations to the 2026 Silver Beaver Award Recipients.
MATTHEW BATES
Member-at-Large: Mountain Valley District
Matthew Bates is an Eagle Scout from Troop 417 in Thornton, CO, and currently serves the Mountain Valley District as their Health and Safety Chair. He has been instrumental in establishing and leading Wilderness First Aid training within the district, serving as a lead instructor and ensuring that adult leaders and Scouts are prepared for safe outdoor adventures. His work has strengthened our council’s commitment to delivering high-quality outdoor experiences while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Matthew has also contributed to Scouting on a national level, serving on staff at National Jamborees and National Order of the Arrow Conferences, as well as volunteering as a National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) assessor for summer camps across the Rocky Mountain region.
Professionally, Matthew serves as Managing Director at Kaufman Hall, advising health care systems across the country while he continues to dedicate his time and talents to strengthening Scouting for the youth of Montana. Through his leadership, expertise, and commitment to service, Matthew Bates exemplifies the ideals of Scouting.
ERIC SOMMER
Scoutmaster, Troop 1212: Prickly Pear District
Eric Sommer has been an active Scouter in the Montana Council for more than eleven years and currently serves as Scoutmaster of Troop 1212 in the Prickly Pear District. An Eagle Scout from Troop 212, East Helena, Montana, Eric has held numerous leadership roles, including Den Leader, Troop Committee Chair, and district volunteer.
Eric has played a vital role in developing youth leadership across our council. He has staffed and directed National Youth Leadership Training, helping shape the next generation of leaders. He has also served on Wood Badge staff and will be the Scoutmaster for the Montana Council contingent to the 2026 National Jamboree.
Eric is widely known for his commitment to ensuring every Scout succeeds. He has welcomed and mentored youth from many backgrounds, including those who face unique personal challenges, creating an environment where every young person feels valued and supported.
Beyond Scouting, Eric volunteers in his community through Helena’s Playable Playgrounds, Toys for Tots, local fundraisers, and the “Coffee for Veterans” project, which supports families at the Montana VA Hospital.
Through his leadership, compassion, and dedication, Eric Sommer continues to strengthen Scouting and the community he serves.
JONATHAN BRAULT
Cubmaster, Pack 4947: Mullan Trail District
Jonathan Brault has devoted more than a decade to serving youth through Scouting and public education. An Eagle Scout from Troop 27 in Black Otter District and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, Jonathan has provided leadership at nearly every level of our program. He served as Lodge Chief of Apoxky Aio Lodge, later representing Montana Council as a Section Vice Chief, helping shape the Order of the Arrow experience for Scouts across the region.
Jonathan has also been a key contributor to our council’s outdoor program, serving for many years on staff at K-M Scout Ranch, including as Camp Director, helping deliver life-changing summer camp experiences for countless Scouts.
Closer to home, Jonathan currently serves as Cubmaster of Pack 4947 in Polson, guiding young Scouts and their families in their earliest Scouting adventures. He previously served as a Den Leader in Pack 4940, as well.
Outside of Scouting, Jonathan continues his commitment to youth as a sixth-grade English teacher in the Polson School District, where he mentors and inspires students every day.
Through his leadership, service, and dedication to youth, Jonathan Brault exemplifies the very best of Scouting.
Congratulations again to Matthew, Eric, and Jonathan on receiving the 2026 Silver Beaver Award. Through your dedication to Scouting, you have made a lasting impact on the lives of young people across Montana. The influence of your service will continue to be reflected in the character and leadership of generations to come.
