Ted Kumzi began his Scouting career with Troop 614 in 1975 when his son Chris joined the troop. Always one to lend a hand, Ted would go on to lead Troop 614 as its Scoutmaster from 1976-1987, while simultaneously serving in various District/Council training roles such as staffing the Scoutmaster Fundamentals course and coordinating the Junior Leaders Training Conference. He served as a Unit Commissioner from 1995-1998, and later as the District Commissioner from 1998-2000.

Early in his Scouting experience, Ted recognized and embraced the service-oriented focus of the Order of the Arrow. He received his Ordeal Honor on 10/13/1979 through Quigeu Aney Chapter, and sealed his membership the following year with the Brotherhood Honor on 09/06/1980. For his steadfast commitment he was recognized with the Vigil Honor on 05/29/1983, becoming known as “Wetschitschauquit Nachpi Askiwi Kittelinsch” – Man with Green Thumb.

After serving as the Adviser of Wimb Tekene Macheu Chapter from 1987-1997, Ted accepted the challenge of becoming the Owasippe Lodge #7 Adviser in 2000 – a position in which he currently serves today. He proudly recognizes the youth members under who have gone forward to become Section Officers and Chiefs. These youth members of the Lodge have expanded the annual Memorial Day Work Weekend program ten-fold and provide over 3000 hours of service each year. In coordination with the Owasippe Staff Association and the Council Properties Committee, Ted has guided the Lodge’s youth leaders into key roles that provide vital resources for our camp, both financial and work related. The Lodge spearheaded the renovation of the E. Urner Goodman Museum at Owasippe, and has provided numerous services for camp program including a Photography Merit Badge outpost, 60 new picnic tables, and the staffing Ordeal and Brotherhood Induction teams throughout the summer program.

In addition to his work with the Lodge, Ted is a B.S.A. Religious Awards Counselor, is the Committee Chair of Troop 1615, served as a member of the Chicago Area Council Executive Board from 2009-2015, volunteers as a member of the Central Region’s NCAP Visitation Team, and is a member of the Council’s Camping Committee. Outside of Scouting, Ted has served on his Parish’s Pastoral Committee, is a Eucharistic Minister, and is an active member of the Parish Garden Club, giving his “Green Thumbs” a Scouting work-out!

Ted has attended and served as our Lodge’s Contingent Adviser for NOAC’s in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2012. He completed his Woodbadge Training in 1994, attended the National O/A Adviser Training Seminar in 2009, and holds a Master’s Degree from the Lord Baden Powell University of Scouting.

Both of Ted’s sons, Chris and Bryan are Vigil members as well.

Ted believes that the best part about being a Lodge Adviser is the ability to tag along with youth members on the Scouting Trail and watch them grow and develop into the servant leaders of the Order for the next generation. It is with great pleasure that we recognize Ted Kumzi as a Centurion of Owasippe Lodge.