Presentation of the award
(l-r) Derek Twine, Nelson Block, W. George Purdy, and William Lucas

The Scout Association of the United Kingdom honored Nelson R. Block as the world's first Gilwell Fellow on November 19, 2002 at a reception held at the Cockrell Scout Service Center of the Sam Houston Area Council in Houston, Texas. Mr. Block is a long time member of the Order of the Arrow and a leading historian of the Order. He is the author of A Thing of the Spirit: The Life of E. Urner Goodman.

The Gilwell Fellows, named for Scouting's famous camp and international training center in England, was established by The Scout Association of the United Kingdom to recognize those men and women who have exhibited a commitment to Gilwell's role in the history of Scouting and its place in the future of the Scout Movement. The award was presented by W. George Purdy, CBE, Chief Scout of the United Kingdom. In making the presentation, Mr. Purdy acknowledged Block's achievements as a historian of Scouting and a friend of Gilwell Park. He said, "Nelson Block is as well known at Gilwell as he is here in Houston."

Nelson Block has made a unique contribution to Scouting through his historical research and writing. He publishes The Journal of Scouting History and has written many articles about Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. He is a resource and reference for other historians of Scouting in the United States and abroad.

Mr. Block is a 40-year veteran of the Scout movement. As a young man, he earned the Eagle Scout award. He has been active as legal counsel to the Sam Houston Area Council of the BSA, providing pro bono services for many years. He has also been an officer of the Southern Region of the BSA. His work has been recognized with the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope Awards, the OA's Distinguished Service Award (DSA), and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

Revised 11/27/02b