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Programs: The Craig Ryder Excellence Award

The Key Foundation provides excellence awards to those whose contributions in Scouting demonstrate "A Thing Of The Spirit". Dr. E. Urner Goodman used this phrase to describe the Order of the Arrow, he said that in the end, it is the Spirit that counts.

The Key Foundation hopes that by giving recognition and support the recipients will be encouraged to continue their quest. In 2005 the Board of Directors renamed this award after our Friend and Brother, Craig Ryder.

Craig was a member of the Key Foundation board. He played a pivotal role in the expansion and re-birth of the Key Foundation in 2001. He was also Lodge Chief, a camp staff member, a Vigil Honor Member. He was one of the greatest Camp Directors of Wah-Tut-Ca. All through his life, he pursued excellence.

It is fitting that we name this award after a person with such exceptional qualities. Craig passed on in 2005 after a long illness. As has been said, his life was short, but it was wide. He reached out to, led and inspired hundreds of people to "Catch a Higher Vision". He lead by example, being with Craig you just worked a little harder, tried a little more and did a little better.

With this Award, we remember, Craig, known by his Brothers with the name, Linchen, The West Wind. For the West is the place for introspection, to ponder that which is your purpose and create a "higher vision".