Boy Scout Troop 513 Receives National Catholic Excellence Award

The troop will be honored at a ceremony in Cleveland for integrating Catholic teachings into their scouting program.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:20pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a Boy Scout uniform patch in bright neon hues, conceptually representing the pride and accomplishment of Troop 513's national recognition.The vibrant visual celebration of Troop 513's prestigious national Catholic Scouting award reflects the energy and dedication of its young members.Brunswick Today

Boy Scout Troop 513, chartered by Saint Ambrose Parish in Brunswick, Ohio, has been awarded the prestigious Pope St. Paul VI National Catholic Unit Excellence Award by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. This recognition is given to Catholic-affiliated scout troops that excel at integrating the principles of scouting with the teachings of the Catholic Church, particularly through service, leadership development, and a deepened sense of duty to God.

Why it matters

The award validates the hard work and dedication of the scout leaders at Saint Ambrose Parish in providing a high-quality scouting program that helps young people develop important life skills while also strengthening their Catholic faith. It highlights the important role that faith-based youth organizations can play in shaping the next generation.

The details

Troop 513 will be formally recognized for this accomplishment at the Scout Mass and Court of Honor on May 3 at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Cleveland. Under the guidance of over 25 adult leaders, the scouts in Troop 513 develop various skills through weekly meetings, monthly campouts, and other activities. The troop also plays an active role at Saint Ambrose Parish, offering young men opportunities to grow in faith, leadership, and service through initiatives like hosting American Red Cross blood drives, adopting families in need at Christmas, and serving military veterans.

  • Troop 513 will be recognized at the Scout Mass and Court of Honor on May 3, 2026.
  • The troop was notified of the award in April 2026.

The players

Saint Ambrose Parish

The Catholic parish that charters Boy Scout Troop 513.

Troop 513

A Boy Scout troop affiliated with Saint Ambrose Parish that has been awarded the Pope St. Paul VI National Catholic Unit Excellence Award.

Frank Gati

The chartered organization representative for Troop 513.

Father Bob Stec

The pastor of Saint Ambrose Parish and the Chaplain for Scouts for the Diocese of Cleveland.

National Catholic Committee on Scouting

The organization that presents the Pope St. Paul VI National Catholic Unit Excellence Award to outstanding Catholic-affiliated scout troops.

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What they’re saying

“The scout leaders at St. Ambrose are dedicated to providing our youth with a quality program that helps them develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives. This award validates all their hard work and dedication in providing a high quality program.”

— Frank Gati, Chartered organization representative

“We are blessed with the most amazing and dedicated scout leaders. They are doing great things for the good of our young people. This award is an affirmation of their great efforts and one more reason why every parent should consider scouting for their children.”

— Father Bob Stec, Pastor of Saint Ambrose Parish

What’s next

Troop 513 will be formally recognized for receiving the Pope St. Paul VI National Catholic Unit Excellence Award at the Scout Mass and Court of Honor on May 3, 2026 at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Cleveland.

The takeaway

This award highlights the important role that faith-based youth organizations can play in shaping the next generation by providing a high-quality program that integrates the principles of scouting with the teachings of the Catholic Church. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the scout leaders at Saint Ambrose Parish in Brunswick, Ohio.