We are excited to bring you another Employee Spotlight! This regular feature acquaints you with both an ARRO team member and a nonprofit that they – and now ARRO – proudly support. This spotlight falls on Jim Stokes, a Designer for ARRO Consulting, who works in our Orwigsburg, PA office.
Do you mind telling us a bit about your background? Where you call home and where you went to school?
My wife and I have made a home in Cressona, PA where we purchased my grandfather’s house in 2011. Between us, we have blended our families over the years into a clan of five—and today we have eight amazing grandchildren.
My background is in architectural drafting. I studied drafting at Lincoln Tech in Allentown, earning my degree in 1988.
What brought you to ARRO? What is your title?
My title at ARRO is Designer IV. I love my company and the work I get to do. I enjoy being able to apply my 35 years of design experience at a reputable firm that is close to my home and community.
A nonprofit that you’ve supported for over 25 years is the Orwigsburg Boy’s Club – Boy Scouts of America Troop 624. Can you share a few details about the club?
Since 1964, Orwigsburg’s Boy’s Club has supported local Scouting. When the club was first established, members built a modest cinder block building on Independence Street to host Troop 624. However, as membership increased over the years (peaking at 64 Scouts in 2000), the original building strained for space. Fortunately, community support enabled extensive renovations from 2012 to 2014. Troop 624 continues to use their longtime home and currently has 28 active Scouts.
Can you share a few details about how you’ve been involved with the Scouts over the years?
Cub Scouting has been an important part of my life since 1995 when my son Joshua and I first joined Pack 624. Over the years, it has been an honor and privilege to serve in a variety of leadership roles.
I started out as a Den Leader and Assistant Cubmaster. By 1998, I had moved into the Cubmaster position. In February 2000, Joshua and I proudly crossed over to Boy Scouts, joining Troop 624 for the next chapter of our Scouting adventure.
Tragically, in November 2003, Joshua took his own life. To honor his spirit, I remained with the troop in leadership roles.
In 2007, a group of parents started their own troop, and I took over as Scoutmaster for Troop 624. In 2013, as facility renovations concluded, I shifted to Committee Chairman. I also took over as President of the Boy’s Club, before stepping down in 2021 to become a Director. Today, I continue as Committee Chairman for the troop that has meant so much to me and my family.
What is your favorite part about volunteering?
Joshua loved Scouting and I wanted to remain active in something I know was important to him. For me, it is a way to keep his spirit and memory alive. I am also passionate about mentoring the youth. It is a joy and honor to watch them grow into amazing adults.
ARRO is happy to provide a donation to the Boy’s Club. What are a few ways monetary donations are used?
The Boy’s Club and Troop 624 work seamlessly together with their own building, two trailers and equipment. Donations to the club go directly to maintaining these assets – from keeping the lights on and heat running, to building maintenance. It is also used to replace old equipment over time and helps fund insurance. Community backing allows the club to literally, and figuratively, provide a strong and enduring roof over the Scouts’ heads.
Learn more about this month’s beneficiary, Orwigsburg’s Boy Scouts of America Troop 624, and how you can support them at www.orwigsburgt624.org.