California Inland Empire Council # 45 (1973 – Present)

California Inland Empire Council # 45 was formed on January 1, 1973, from the merger of Arrowhead Area Council # 48 and Riverside County Council # 45. The merger made it a vast council that covered the majority of two very large counties.

The first Scout Executive was John Dudley, who retired in 1995. The second CIEC Scout Executive, Don Townsend, served from 1995 – 2008.

In 2006, the San Bernardino County portion of Old Baldy Council # 43 was added. Today, the Council covers over 27,000 square miles.

In 2018, Matt Myers was selected as Scout Executive, serving until his retirement. In 2022, Matt Bear became the new CIEC Scout Executive.

List of Key Programs

• Buckskin: Now known as the National NYLT program, this was an introductory leadership week at camp that was unique to California Inland Empire Council and Old Baldy Council.
• Camp Wiley: Cub Scout resident camp that was primarily held at Camp Helendade prior to the Slide Fire, and is now held at Camp Emerson.
• Eerie Emerson: Halloween-themed event at Camp Emerson.
• Foxfire: This is an advanced leadership week at camp that is unique to the California Inland Empire Council.
• Haunted Helendade: Halloween-themed event at Camp Helendade.
• Lincoln Pilgrimage (Grayback District, dates back to Grayback Council, Redlands Area Council, and Riverside County Council): Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Redlands, California. The Boy Scout Pilgrimage service project began in 1940.
• Pop Nye Memorial Camporee (Named for William “Pop” Nye, Grayback District), the memorial camporee dates to 1974.
• Mt. Rubidoux Easter Sunrise Service (Mt. Rubidoux District, dates back to Riverside County Council). The Easter Sunrise Service dates back to 1910, Scouts have lit the Mt. Rubidoux trail to the peak for nearly as long as the service has existed.
• Robert Rigney Leadership Award: Given to the top nominated youth leader in California Inland Empire Council. Named for Robert Rigney (1928 – 1987), former San Bernardino County Administrator and Council President.
• Webelos Woods: Cub Scout Webelos resident camp.

List of Key Historical Events

• 1973: January 1. California Inland Empire Council
• 1973: Vernon Tegland receives the Silver Antelope Award.
• 1973: Michael Goldware receives the Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service Award (DSA).
• 1974: January. California Inland Empire Council votes 207-8 to absorb Grayback Council.
• 1974: February 1. Grayback District formed from old Grayback Council.
• 1978: Jack Dembo receives the Silver Antelope Award.
• 1980: Order of the Arrow Lodge Chief Chris Warack is selected to deliver the Report To The Nation, including meeting President Jimmy Carter in the Oval Office.
• 1981: Harry Bristol receives the Silver Antelope Award.
• 1983: Michael Sachs is elected the Western Region Chief of the Order of the Arrow.
• 1985: Martin Matich receives the Silver Antelope Award.
• 1986: Ralph Hill receives the Silver Antelope Award.
• Michael Sachs receives the Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service Award (DSA).
• 1988: Michael Celano is elected the Western Region Chief of the Order of the Arrow.
• 1988: Michael Harris receives the Silver Antelope Award.
• 1988: Crystal Camporee at Yucaipa Regional Park.
• 1994: Michael Celano receives the Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service Award (DSA).
• 1996: Former Council President Michael Harris received the Silver Buffalo Award.
• 1997: Riverside area Scouts help rescue injured railroad patrons after a derailment on the way to Philmont.
• 2000: Sue Prior receives the Silver Antelope Award.
• 2001: Michael Goldware receives the Silver Antelope Award.
• 2003: John Cottam receives the Silver Antelope Award.
• 2006: The San Bernardino County portion of Old Baldy Council joins California Inland Empire Council. The County portions then make up the Old Baldy District and portions of the Temescal District. The Los Angeles County portion of Old Baldy Council and Holcomb Valley Scout Reservation join San Gabriel Area Council.
• 2006: Michael Gollner receives the Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service Award (DSA).
• 2007: October 22. Slide Fire destroys much of Camp Helendade’s property.
• 2019: Emerson-100 Event held.
• 2020: James Prior receives the Silver Antelope Award.
• 2022: Tara Izadi from the High Desert District is selected to the National VOA President of the Boy Scouts of America.

Distinguished Eagle Scouts (Need Years)

• Dr. Norman Mellor, M.D.
• Jack Fitzgerald
• Ken Kammeyer
• Henry Coil
• Dr. Raymond Orback, Ph.D.
• Dr. Lou Monville, Jr.
• Col. Mitchell Paige, USMC (Medal of Honor)
• Dr. Ronald L. Ellis