The Grand Canyon Council, an independent nonprofit chartered by the Boy Scouts of America in Arizona, revealed the commissioned 1,000-pound bronze statue “Be Prepared,” placed at the Council’s Heard Scout Pueblo facility at the base of South Mountain in Phoenix.

The statue, sculpted by artist Jamie Lester, was inspired by Dave Alexander, a longtime Scout supporter, Distinguished Eagle Scout and donor. Using action and movement, the statue depicts young Alexander leaping into the air, stretching out one foot to reach an adolescent bald eagle.

The sculpture incorporates details such as a recreated badge from his early days of Cub Scouts, when Lion, Wolf and Bear symbolism was used, and Alexander’s cub scout uniform.

The Heard Scout Pueblo is located at 1901 E. Dobbins Road in Phoenix.

Alexander has competed in triathlons in 37 countries and is actively involved in bringing triathlon to many Scout councils around the U.S. and the world. He attributes the important lessons he learned in his youth to his experiences in scouting and, to this day, is committed to living his life by the ‘Scout Oath’ motto.

“Dave is an ideal role model for young Scouts in Arizona and across the world so naturally his spirit is the perfect muse for a bronze sculpture depicting the excitement of Cub Scouts,” Grand Canyon Council Scout Executive and CEO Andy Price shared in a press release.

The “Be Prepared” statue was dedicated at the Grand Canyon Council’s Heard Scout Pueblo facility at the base of South Mountain in Phoenix.

(Photo by Riely Bradley, provided by Boy Scouts Heard Scout Pueblo)