Longtime Laramie businessman and retired bank president Gary Crum has been named to serve on the newly- reorganized National Executive Board for Boy Scouts of America.
Mr. Crum was selected for Scouting’s top board based on his years of volunteer participation with the local, state, and national Scouting organization. He is a recipient of Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Buffalo and Silver Antelope Awards and has volunteered at several Scout Jamborees, including serving as subcamp chief at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree and basecamp chief at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree.
Always involved in the community, Mr. Crum served on boards with the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance, Laramie Lions Club, State of Wyoming Board of Education, State of Wyoming Banking Board, and the Wyoming Bankers’ Association. He has also been involved in the American Bankers Association and the Western States Education Foundation.
Currently, Mr. Crum also serves as the chair of the BSA National Service Territory, is on the Adventure West Council Board, and is the former Board President for the local BSA Council.
“There has never been a more challenging time for youth in America, and I believe a new and revitalized Scouting organization can play a key role in shaping the values and behaviors our youth develop as they grow into adulthood,” Crum said in a press release. “Wyoming is fortunate to have strong, thriving Boy Scouts of America Area Councils to help lead the way, and I’m grateful that I can play a role in shaping Scouting’s future on a national level.”
The Boy Scouts of America’s new CEO, Roger Crone, will stay in his role, with Mr. Crum saying Crone’s leadership capabilities are “extraordinary.”
With over “175,000 girls now enrolled, a comprehensive revision of the Cub Scout program about to be launched, growth in camping nationwide, and a desire by parents for youth programs that enhance a child’s confidence, leadership, lifelong values, and engage the whole family, the BSA is positioned for a very fulfilling and exciting future,” Mr. Crum added.
Crum is one of 47 newly elected members to the recently reorganized BSA National Executive Board.
The new BSA National Executive Board has been reduced from 72 to 47 members, and includes a mix of experienced board members, newly elected members, as well as eight members nominated by local BSA Councils in order to bring a better balance of historical knowledge and new perspectives. The new National Executive Board also reflects BSA efforts toward diversification, and includes 13% women and 23% racially diverse members, with plans to expand those numbers in the future.
Local Councils Play a Role
As an NEB member, Mr. Crum will work closely with the local and area Scouting Councils in Wyoming.
Boy Scouts of America continues to offer several programs for youths, including:
- Cubs Scouts for boys and girls ages kindergarten to age 5
- Scouts BSA with boys’ and girls’ troops for ages 11-17
- Programs for Scouts ages 14-20 include Exploring, Venturing, and Sea Scouts.
