The World Scout Committee is proud to present two exceptional Scout leaders with the Bronze Wolf Award, World Scouting’s highest honour, for their outstanding service to the Scout Movement and creating an impact at the national, Regional, and World levels.
These esteemed recipients of the Bronze Wolf Award exemplify the spirit of Scouting through their unwavering dedication over many years. Their leadership and commitment have impacted generations of Scouts and continue to inspire Scouts around the world. We celebrate their achievements and leaving a lasting imprint in the Scout Movement.
Yelena Luzyanina (Kazakhstan)
Yelena's commitment to Scouting has been instrumental in the formation and development of the Scout Movement in Kazakhstan since the late 1990s, and supporting the WOSM membership of Kazakhstan's National Scout Organization (NSO) in 2008. As a transformational leader, she has worked tirelessly to ensure the inclusion, growth and stability of Scouting within the Eurasia Region and has significantly contributed to the development of Scouting globally.
Over the past decade, Yelena has been involved in expanding Scouting within the Eurasia Region, leveraging her skills, experiences, and values to develop the Youth Programme and Adults in Scouting areas in Kazakhstan as well as in other NSOs within the region. Her diplomacy and peacemaking efforts were particularly evident through her role in the global level Contact Group that managed the restructuring and transition of the Eurasia Scout Region in 2023.
Regionally, Yelena has been a steadfast supporter of Scouting, enhancing Adults in Scouting activities at various levels and significantly contributing to the areas of educational methods, good governance, and adult training across the former Eurasia Scout Region. As a member of the Kazakhstan National Scout Committee from 2018 to 2020, and later elected to the Eurasia Region Scout Committee in 2020, Yelena activated intercultural camps with other Eurasian NSOs, and those beyond the region, including German Scouts. Her leadership as the Regional Chairperson of the Eurasia Region Scout Committee since January 2020 brought stability, unity, and confidence to the region. Under her leadership, the committee modelled exemplary practices, focusing on good governance, strategy, values, behaviour, and transparency. Yelena's active engagement included regular Steering Committee meetings and weekly sessions with Regional staff to provide operational support and updates. In a Region suffering too often from geopolitical conflict and war, she always emphasised the Scouting spirit, by promoting peace and goodwill among Scout leaders. Additionally, Yelena co-chaired the Krasnokamenka Sub-Committee, managing the Eurasia Regional Scout Centre located in Crimea and dealing with its potential alienation and mitigating financial, legal, and reputation risks.
Nationally, Yelena officially joined the Scout Movement in Kazakhstan in 2008, despite over a decade of prior involvement. She has held key roles, including Scout Leader, group leader, and was part of the development team for Kazakhstan's national Youth Programme. Her dedication has been pivotal in shaping the Scouting landscape in her country.
Currently, Yelena is a member of the working group progressing the National Youth Programme in Kazakhstan. Her leadership as Chairperson of the Eurasia Region Scout Committee until 2023 has left a lasting impact on Scouting, and she is most deserving of the prestigious Bronze Wolf Award.
Armando Aguirre (United States of America)
Armando had dedicated much of his life over the past 40 years to the Scout Movement with a focus on training future generations of Scout Leaders. His commitment to developing leadership skills and strengthening international Scouting relationships has left a lasting impact on the global Scout community.
Regionally, Armando was a key member of the Interamerican Scout Committee from 2016 to 2022, and served as Vice Chairperson from 2019 to 2022. Since 2012, Armando has been instrumental in the development and immense success of the Interamerican Leadership Training (ILT), previously serving as course director, coordinator, promoter, recruiter, fundraiser, and representative. His efforts have inspired other Scout Regions to conduct similar leadership training programmes. The growth and impact of the ILT owe much to Armando's initiative to recruit and develop volunteer staff, design the curriculum, and raise funds to support the programme.
Nationally, Armando's efforts to train leaders began early in his days with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Over the past 30 years, he has led numerous national and regional leadership training courses for youth and adult Scouts, and has served as Wood Badge course director. As Vice-Chair for the International Seminar at BSA’s Philmont Scout Ranch, he was involved in syllabus development and bringing international presenters to the event. Armando is a member of the BSA International Committee and works closely with the Committee’s Chair to familiarise local Scouts with international Scouting and encourage their participation in global events.
Currently, Armando is a member of the Interamerican Scout Foundation since 2022 and serves as its Vice-Chair. His innovative approaches to fundraising have significantly expanded the base of donors, earning the foundation a strong standing in the region. He continues to be involved in the ILT, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and remains a key driving force behind its continuous success to upskill young people in the region and create more youth-focused leadership opportunities.
Armando has received numerous recognitions for his exceptional service to Scouting, including the "Diploma de Gratitud" from Scouts de Guatemala, the "Medalla de Gratitud" from Ecuador Scouts Association, the "Estrella de Mar" from the Venezuela Scouts Association, and the "Silver Fox Award" from Scouts Canada. His unwavering commitment and contributions have earned him the esteemed Bronze Wolf Award, recognising his remarkable impact on Scouting at all levels.