WESTAMPTON — Scouting America’s Garden State Council will recognize three Cape May County leaders for their service to the region: Assemblyman Antwan L. McClellan, Assemblyman Erik K. Simonsen and Barbara Stafford Jones, president and CEO of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce.
The 2026 Cape May County Distinguished Citizens Award Reception will be 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Wildwoods Convention Center in Wildwood. Proceeds from the event benefit Scouting America Garden State Council, which serves more than 4,500 youth each year across southern New Jersey. Its programs offer adventure, mentorship and personal growth that prepare young people for life. The reception gives business, civic and community leaders an evening of celebration that also invests directly in the next generation of leaders.
“Assemblyman McClellan, Assemblyman Simonsen and Barbara Stafford Jones each devote themselves to making Cape May County a better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Patrick Linfors, Scout executive and CEO of the Garden State Council. “Their leadership in public service and in the community reflects the same character, service and commitment to others that Scouting works to instill in every young person we serve.”
The Distinguished Citizens Award is presented every year to honor people whose leadership makes a lasting impact on Cape May County and beyond, and who set an example for the next generation of Scouts. The evening will bring together business, civic and community leaders for networking, a cocktail reception, dinner and awards. Registration, sponsorship opportunities and event details are available at gardenstatescouting.org/cape-may-dca/.
Assemblyman Antwan L. McClellan has represented New Jersey’s 1st Legislative District since 2019 and serves as Deputy Minority Leader of the Assembly Republican Caucus. A lifelong Ocean City resident, he previously served on the City Council and Board of Education. He is also a public information officer and personnel director for the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office and serves in several community leadership roles.
Assemblyman Erik K. Simonsen has represented New Jersey’s 1st Legislative District since 2019. He previously served as a Lower Township councilman and mayor. A retired educator, Simonsen spent more than 30 years in education, including as a special education teacher, assistant principal, wrestling coach and athletic director at Lower Cape May Regional High School.
Barbara Stafford Jones is President and CEO of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, where she leads efforts to support local business, tourism and economic development. A former co-owner of SERVPRO of Cape May and Cumberland Counties, she serves on the boards of several regional organizations, including Atlantic Cape Community College and the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation
The Scouting America Garden State Council provides comprehensive Scouting programs to communities in Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, and parts of Atlantic counties. These include Cub Scouts (grades K–5), Scouts BSA (ages 11–17), and co-ed programs such as Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring (ages 14–20). Through outdoor adventures, leadership development, and community service, the Garden State Council ensures youth are prepared to become the leaders of tomorrow. For more information, visit www.gardenstatescouting.org.
