Colm Roe Clinical Evaluator, NeuroRestorative Avalon Park
Grant Recipient, Boy Scouts of America

Colm Roe grew up as a Cub Scout in Ireland and has been an active member of Boy Scouts of America for over 23 years. Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s most prominent youth development organizations, providing mentoring for young men that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of citizenship, and develops personal fitness.

“I grew up in a rough part of Glasnevin, Ireland and my parents got me involved with Scouting to keep me out of trouble, which worked – for the most part,” said Colm with a smile. “My brothers were Scouts and so are my two sons. It’s in the family.”

Colm has served as a Scoutmaster in St. Cloud, Florida for over 10 years. In this role, Colm leads a troop of young men through a series of community service projects, fundraising initiatives, and fitness-building activities throughout the year. He also teaches cycling, hiking and canoeing, and serves as an adult volunteer on many high-adventure Scouting trips. Scouting trips focus on building self-confidence and survival skills through hiking, camping, fishing and other activities.  Colm recently spent a week leading his troop on a canoe trip that brought them through the backwaters of Minnesota and into Canada. Next summer he and other adult leaders will lead a hiking trip through the Grand Canyon and into New Mexico for 25 Scouts. The troop fundraises throughout the year to pay for these trips by holding car washes, bake sales, and selling Christmas trees around the holidays – projects that teach the kids responsibility and perseverance.

Some of the Scouts Colm mentors come from very rural and underprivileged communities.  “A lot of these kids wouldn’t get the opportunity to travel to the extent we do and experience the trips we offer under our leadership and guidance,” said Colm.  “Seeing the look in the eyes of these young men when they accomplish different tasks or when they attain different ranks is pretty amazing.  To see them going from young men to brave, bold adventurers is very inspiring.”

In addition to his work with the Scouts, Colm has served on the board of directors of the Central Florida Brain Injury Support Group for the past 8 years. Their bi-monthly meetings provide a welcoming and educational forum for survivors and their families to learn about overcoming brain injury and its many challenges. Colm, along with a team of neuropsychologists and speech pathologists, leads these meetings and promotes brain recovery through a variety of “brain games” and other activities. Having worked in the field of rehabilitation since 1994, Colm is passionate about helping others. “I’ve been working in the field for so long that giving back has just become a part of my life,” he said.

“Colm always goes the extra mile to assist participants in our programs,” said Patti Dorrell, Executive Director of NeuroRestorative Florida.  “He brings the same spirit, cheerful attitude and determination to his volunteer activities.  He is a truly valued member of our team.”

To learn more about the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.Scouting.org.