In the finale of our series about the Eagle Scouts that make up the GGAC’s Key Three, we get to know Council President Tom Weibert. Tom became the second Golden Gate Area Council President on October 19, 2022, and is also the second Eagle Scout to serve in this position. His Scouting career started as a Cub Scout in 1976 in the GGAC’s legacy Mt. Diablo Silverado Council. In September 1986, President Weibert earned his Eagle with Troop 262 of Clayton, Calif. Along his Scouting trail, Tom earned two Eagle Palms, is a Lifetime member of the National Eagle Scout Association, a Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow, and is a recipient of the Exploring Leadership Award.
Eagle Fact
From 1981 to 1997, the Exploring Leadership Award was presented by local Councils, Areas/Regions and National to Explorers and adults who made exceptional contributions to Exploring and who exemplified the Explorer Code.
Tom has not traveled his Scouting trail alone. He credits his parents as the most influential people on his journey to Eagle. “They really supported my every desire to experience Scouting at a deep level, held me accountable to my commitments, and encouraged me to work through my challenges.” He continues to have company on his Scouting trail as four of his children have participated in Scouting programs, with two of them attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
When asked what led to him becoming Council President, Tom shared that the wheels were put into motion when he first joined Cub Scouts. “Exploring all the challenges and opportunities scouting had to offer. Over the course of that time I have been asked to serve in various positions from the unit, area, regional, and national levels. I think that journey has provided me with some unique insights into the Scouting world and how we engage with our communities to deliver the mission of Scouting.”
Mr. Weibert shared that becoming President of the GGAC was a position he never sought, “I am honored to be asked and I find it to be a humbling experience.” Adding that “the council leadership role of president has a great responsibility to keep the Mission of Scouting in focus without distraction from otherwise worldly events. We are developing generations of future leaders who in turn will make ethical and moral decisions that affect us all based on the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”
Developing generations of future leaders is personal to Tom. He believes that the best way an Eagle Scout can pay it forward is “By living the mission in their daily life. Make the many ethical and moral decisions presented to you in life based on the core values of the Scout Oath and Law. Every one of them”. Scouting provides valuable skills to anyone who participates in the program. For Tom, “Being Prepared is by far the number one skill. Leveraged properly, it engages every single aspect of your life and leadership journey.”
Using the Scout Motto and following the Oath and Law, President Weibert was ready to tackle life’s challenges. “I think life is a series of challenges, aspirations, and celebrations. I think scouting helped me most with my challenges of being a good husband, father, and family leader. Growing a family has enormous hurdles. Scouting doesn’t tell you how to handle each one. Scouting helps you develop a process and understanding of how to take a hurdle on and step by step successfully move through it.”
As far as being president goes, Tom enjoys “hearing people’s ideas, needs, and passions. Then working with them to develop a path forward to execute their idea, provide for their needs, and engage with their passions”. If it were not for the efforts of these people, volunteers, and Scouters of the GGAC, the council would not be where it is today. For that, President Weibert wanted to say thank you, “Thank You for your support of Scouting, your time spent with Scouting, and the adventures you are providing and experiencing. You make a difference!”
