Published: July 30, 2008 08:51 am      

Area Scout executive retires

Burr’s career runs 37 years

CUMBERLAND — After a Scouting career spanning 37 years, including 23 spent locally, Boy Scouts of America Potomac Council Scout Executive Brad Burr is retiring.

Burr’s tenure in Cumberland makes him just the third local Scout executive in the last half-century, following Willis Smith (1949-1979) and Jim Gentry (1979-1985).

Under Burr’s leadership, the Potomac Council saw tremendous growth and change. The annual Scout Show was moved from the armory to the Country Club Mall, and now draws thousands of participants and visitors.

Camp Potomac in Oldtown, once “scenically rustic” with the services of a single caretaker, grew with the addition of a three-story building in 1997, underwritten by AES Warrior Run and other local businesses and individuals. A 30-member volunteer crew now oversees its operation, benefiting hundreds of campers each year.

The Scout Service Center in Cresaptown was renovated in 2000, with the significant addition of the Scout Shop, which provides program materials, uniforms and badges to a region covering a 60-mile radius.

Burr commented that the real highlight of his career in Scouting is embodied in the example of one boy — Jason, who Burr said, “in one moment, got it.” He moved from “I’m at camp because my mom and dad brought me” to “Aha, I get it. I can do this!” Burr saw that scenario played out dozens of times, and those indelible memories of individual boys are defining moments of almost 40 years of Scouting.

He also believes that, on a daily basis, he got to work with the finest folks anywhere — those who give of their time, talent and treasure for the sake of young people and the community.

Burr served as County United Way campaign co-chair, is involved in the Western Maryland Food Bank Will Sing 4 Food program, is active in the LaVale United Methodist Church as stewardship chair and a member of the choir and has coached several of his children’s teams — soccer, softball, basketball and baseball. He served as assistant coach of the Fort Hill Boys Soccer Team for two years and as head coach in 1994 and 1995.

In 1995, he was named Dapper Dan Soccer Coach of the Year for leading the Sentinels to their first area championship. His daughter, Gret-chen, was the only girl on that team. She now lives in Manhattan and works for an investment firm, is married and the mother of a new daughter.

Burr is the father of three sons. Jonathan was a three-sport athlete at Fort Hill. He works for Cap Gemini, a multinational firm, and lives in Washington. Mark, the eldest, works for Air Products in Allentown, Pa., and Eric lives in Richmond, Va., and works for Waco Industries. Burr has five grandchildren.

The Potomac Council Executive Board has spent considerable time and effort in choosing another seasoned Scout executive to serve the local council. Due to begin on Sept. 1, Don Olsen will come in at a good time, said Burr. “The board is strong, the volunteer leaders are strong and our district executive, Mike Manner, is excellent. In addition, our experienced service center staff, Vicki Larrick and Terry Whetzel, have each worked here over 25 years, are well-known to the volunteers and do a great job. It will be a smooth transition.”

Burr plans to stay in the community. “This is my home now and a great place to live, for all the same reasons it’s been great for the past 23 years. I will travel some, see the kids and the grandchildren, play some golf, hike, bike and maybe even work some.”

Information on Scouting is available at www.bsa757.org or by calling the Potomac Council Headquarters at (301) 729-1300.