by Mike Matzinger
Kurtis Bedford, a Los Angeles native and actor, is best known for his role in the 1996 horror classic Scream. Despite not participating in Scouting during his youth, Bedford’s involvement with the Scouting America began later in life. His journey into Scouting was influenced by his family’s experiences and his desire to contribute to his community.
Initially, Bedford had reservations about Scouting America due to its political stance. However, after the organization made changes aligning more closely with his family’s values, his wife enrolled their eldest son in Cub Scouts. Bedford’s role started as a supportive parent attending meetings, but his inclination to improve and contribute led him to take on more responsibilities. He began by organizing events and eventually became the Cubmaster of Pack 226 in Chatsworth, California, part of the Western Los Angeles County Council.
Balancing his acting career with Scouting duties, Bedford found innovative ways to engage his Scouts. For instance, he arranged for the pack to attend a live taping of the Nickelodeon show The Thundermans, leveraging his industry connections to provide unique experiences for the Scouts.
His dedication and leadership in Scouting were recognized when he received the Silver Beaver Award.
Through his involvement, Bedford exemplifies how individuals can make meaningful contributions to Scouting, regardless of their background, by embracing its values and dedicating time to youth development.
