Pat Atwater Waterfront

PAT ATWATER HONORED FOR SERVICE TO SCOUTING USA

Hundreds of brothers know Pat Atwater, Nu 872 (1965), from his service to Nu Zeta, especially for serving many years as president of the Nu Zeta Alumni Association and for his leadership in organizing the remarkably successful 100th Anniversary Celebration of Nu Zeta in 2015.

Not surprisingly, Pat has also served his community in many other ways, including years of leadership with Scouting USA (formerly Boy Scouts of America). Recently Pat was recognized and honored for his service to Scouting.

Longtime Scout Leader Pat Atwater Honored with Waterfront Naming at Camp Osborn

Pat Atwater’s lifelong commitment to Scouting and youth leadership came full circle as the South Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America announced the naming of the Pat Atwater Waterfront at Camp Osborn in recognition of his decades of service and impact.

A native of Tifton, Atwater’s Scouting journey began in 1955 when he joined Troop 62, proudly serving as a member of the Red Fox Patrol. Some of his fondest memories were the troop campouts led by his father. During his youth in Scouting, Atwater earned the rank of First Class, laying the foundation for a lifetime devoted to the outdoors and leadership.

That love of adventure extended into his personal life. Pat and his wife of nearly 60 years, Linda Atwater, share a passion for camping, hiking, and canoeing, having explored remote outdoor sites across America. Today, they own a cabin on a scenic Canadian waterway, continuing their connection to nature.

In 1978, Atwater returned to Troop 62 as Assistant Scoutmaster under legendary Scoutmaster Loris Asmussen, shortly after his oldest son joined the troop. From that point on, Atwater never missed a meeting or campout. When Asmussen stepped down in 1981, Atwater assumed the role of Scoutmaster, a position he held for seven years.

Under his leadership, Troop 62 grew to 60 members and produced an extraordinary 40 Eagle Scouts, including his two sons, Patrick and Brian (Nu 1753).

Over the years, Atwater helped shape the character and future success of hundreds of young men, many of whom have continued to express deep gratitude and respect for his guidance and mentorship.

Following his tenure as Scoutmaster, Atwater remained deeply involved in Scouting, serving for many years on the South Georgia Council Executive Board. He completed his Wood Badge training, received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, and became a James E. West Fellow, recognizing outstanding service and support to the Scouting movement.

Atwater retired in 2007 as President of Trust Company Bank in Tifton.

He and Linda continue to reside in Tifton, surrounded by their family, including their Eagle Scout sons and grandchildren.

The naming of the Pat Atwater Waterfront was made possible through a gift to the South Georgia Council to honor Atwater’s lasting contributions to Scouting and the youth of South Georgia.

The Council noted that generations of Scouts will now experience the outdoors at Camp Osborn along a waterfront bearing the name of a man whose life exemplifies the values of Scouting—service, leadership, and a deep respect for nature. Credit: David Breedlove, Nu 849