Mark Niemer – Volunteer Spotlight
The Northeast Iowa Council is pleased to honor Mark Niemer as a Spotlight Volunteer! Mark currently serves as the assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 94. Mark has been involved with Scouting for more than 14 years and has served as a Scoutmaster for the 2011 & 2012 NYLT courses, taken Wood Badge Training in 2012, and served as Wood Badge staff in 2016. Mark also leads the council’s Wilderness First Aid course.
Mark and his wife, Yasyn Lee, have two children, Liz and Matt, and two geriatric-aged golden retrievers. Outside of Scouting Mark is a part of the Dubuque Chorale, plays piano and bass guitar. In his free time, Mark slays the occasional white tail deer for trespassing.
What motivates you to give your time to Scouting?
I try to share knowledge and skills with others to aid in skill and character development. I think having a positive impact on the growth and development of youth is good for them in the long run, and we are all better for it.
What aspects of Scouting do you enjoy the most?
High adventure was a lot of fun. Outdoor activities are great, and trying to make the outdoors accessible and enjoyable for all is valuable. The gear is much better than 50 years ago.
What have you learned through Scouting?
Don’t turn down an opportunity to help someone. You will be rewarded many times over.
What advice can you give to new Scouting parents?
Be involved as you can in your child’s life. It is a very short time that you have to share with them.
Please share a favorite Scouting memory.
We were at Philmont at a demonstration campsite and one of the Scouts had taken to propping a chicken on his head. I pointed out that the bird was likely to relieve itself on his head, which it promptly did, almost as if on command. They didn’t doubt me much after that.
On behalf of the Northeast Iowa Council, please help us say thank you to a very dedicated Scouter, Mark Niemer!