DURHAM – Durham resident Ray Emery has been awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

The award honors and recognizes BSA adult and youth members who collectively contribute thousands of hours of volunteer service to their communities each year.

The Silver Beaver Award, established in 1931, is based on outstanding service to the youth and community of a local council.

Emery was “recruited” at a time when the local council was experiencing funding and financial difficulties, because of his financial background as an adviser for Cumberland-based Norton Financial, in hope that his expertise would benefit the board.

Before no time, Emery said, the commitment proved mutually beneficial.

“Once I became involved and saw all the great things the Boy Scouts were doing and how it affected so many young people in a positive way, I continued to commit my time,” he said.

Tony Rogers, Scout executive for the Pine Tree Council, said that Emery’s financial skills have helped the council maintain healthy endowment funding.

“The council has really benefited from Ray’s expertise. He has a professional focus that allows the council to remain strong and solvent for today’s Scouting program and for generations of future Scouts,” said Rogers.

Since his involvement with the BSA, Emery and the council have been able to expand the exploring program, seeing a consistent increase in participation.

“Ray’s focus on being a conduit to the council’s funds has really paid off as funding is a critical part of the BSA’s ability to offer unique opportunities to today’s youth, ranging from faith-based activities to adventure and service-based activities and programs that stimulate their own growth and the growth of communities around them.” said Rogers.

Last year the Pine Tree Council had the highest number of Eagle Scouts seen in years and Boy Scout age youth membership reached nearly 2,700

Emery said that Scouting continues to be relevant today because parents are looking for positive programs that help in the quest to teach their children citizenship while developing character – all wrapped around fun activities.