The Scout Executive Chester G.A. Zucker Family Pavilion

Virginia Beach, Va. – Scouting America Tidewater Council dedicated a new camp shelter at its Camp Rotary at Pipsico Scout Reservation in Spring Grove, Virginia, on May 3, 2025.

The Scout Executive Chester G.A. Zucker Family Pavilion was built with a capital gift from the family of the late Chester G.A. Zucker, a lifelong Scouter, Scout Executive, and Rotary District Governor. The covered shelter, which has been dedicated to Mr. Zucker and his family, is nine feet tall and is built on a 20’ x 40’ concrete pad.

Scouts camping at Camp Rotary at Pipsico Scout Reservation can take advantage of a large park grill and eight steel and wood picnic tables. The Pavilion has a ramp for people with disabilities.

The Zucker Family Pavilion’s namesake, Chester G. A. Zucker, became a Boy Scout in 1914, just four years after Scouting came to America. It was an auspicious start. Daniel Carter Beard presented his Tenderfoot pin to him. “Uncle Dan,” as he was known, was a founder of the BSA and one of the first three National Commissioners.

As Scoutmaster for Troop 8 in Elizabeth, N.J., “Uncle Chet,” as Chester liked to be called, took his troop in 1929 to the World Jamboree at Arrowe Park near Birkenhead, England. In 1933, he took it to the World Jamboree at Gödöllő Park outside Budapest, Hungary. This time, Uncle Chet led a 70-member contingent of two troops and individual Scouts from several states. Between 1934 and 1942, he served in unit, district, and council positions in northern New Jersey’s Union Council.

In 1943, Zucker attended the Schiff Scout Reservation in preparation for becoming a professional Scouter. From 1943 to 1947, he served as the Field Scout Executive for Pine Tree Council in Maine. In 1948, he was promoted to Scout Executive for Cape Cod Council in Massachusetts. One of his early initiatives was bringing the Order of the Arrow Honor Society, in the form of Abake Mi-Sa-Na-Ki Lodge, to the council. His most significant accomplishment was having a dining hall constructed for Camp Greenough, the council camp, with funding and hands-on contributions from Rotary clubs in the area. Fittingly, it was called the Rotary Lodge.

After concluding his professional career in 1953, Zucker immediately assumed volunteer positions with Cambridge Council in Massachusetts. He continued to be active with that council until shortly before his passing in 1981. He was honored with the Silver Beaver Award in 1959 for his 35 years of volunteer achievements before and after his professional service.

“Uncle Chet” was a Rotarian for more than 30 years. He was president of the Arlington, Massachusetts, club in 1961 and 1962. From 1968 to 1969, he served as Governor for District 7930 in eastern Massachusetts. He was widely known as a superb song leader in Rotary and Scouting circles. He was frequently called to lead significant events for both organizations.

About Pipsico Scout Reservation

Pipsico Scout Reservation is in Surry County, Virginia. It encompasses 916 acres of woodland, open fields, and marshes. The terrain includes a natural ravine system and ranges in elevation from 20 to more than 100 feet above sea level. Pipsico Scout Reservation’s northern boundary extends for a mile and a half along the banks of the historic James River. The land was part of the original Jamestown Colony and served as a lookout post to protect the settlers there.

The name Pipsico honors Chief Pepsicumah of the Quioughcohannock Indians. Settlers in historic Jamestown referred to him as Pipsico. Chief Pipsico assisted settlers by providing them with food and training them to raise and manage indigenous crops, such as corn. Pipsico Plantation, now Pipsico Scout Reservation, was placed in trust for the benefit of Tidewater Council in 1958. More information about Pipsico Scout Reservation can be found at pipsicobsa.com.

About Scouting America Tidewater Council

Established in 1911, Tidewater Council is the fifth oldest Scouting America council in the United States. Today, the council serves approximately 4,000 youth and 1,700 adult volunteers in the Virginia cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach and the North Carolina counties of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans. To learn more about Tidewater Council or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit TidewaterBSA.com, email james.parnell@scouting.org, or call 757-497-2688.

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.^®”

Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Scouting aims to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have participated in Scouting’s programs since its founding. Today, more than one million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils nationwide.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, visit Scouting.org.