CARSON – The Los Angeles Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America recently held its Annual Council Dinner to honor Michael Obi, who was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for his many years of volunteer service to the scouting program at Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple’s Troop 738.
Obi’s volunteer service began over 20 years ago as den leader and cubmaster when his son Christopher joined Nishi Cub Scout Pack 738. Shortly thereafter, he became assistant scoutmaster of Troop 738, a position he maintains today. He has also received the North Star District Award of Merit.
As a certified rock climbing instructor, Obi takes the scouts on rock climbing treks to Stoney Point and Joshua Tree National Park and at various scout camps. He currently shares his expertise as a merit badge counselor and has amassed an impressive list of outdoor accomplishments, summitting Mt. Baden Powell, Mt. Baldy, Mt. San Gorgonio, Mt. Jacinto, Mt. Fuji and Mt. Whitney.
Obi’s skill-set led him to serve as the assistant for the Los Angeles Area Council contingent to the 14th Nippon Boy Scout Jamboree in Japan. He has been an event’s judge at the North Star District Camporees, and the annual Invitational Field Day. He’s also led in multiple positions at many Membership Roundups.
Obi is a longtime employee of Seizmic Engineering Inc. and a standing member of the Materials Handling Management Society. Outside of his professional career, he has volunteered at Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple with the Jr. Young Buddhist Association and Girl Scouts Troop 12135. He has coached for the Uptown Youth Group boys basketball team and led youth through the Japanese American Citizens League.
A well-rounded leader, Obi is also an honorary member of the Fujima Kansuma School of Japanese classical dance. He and wife, Junko, are the parents of two children. Son Christopher is an Eagle Scout and daughter Michelle is a Gold Award Girl Scout.