Photo: The Rev. Greg Godwin (left), Northeastern Jurisdiction scouting coordinator, and the Rev. John Brady stand outside the chaplain tent during the 2010 National Jamboree at Fort AP Hill, Va.

FORT AP HILL, Va. –– The Rev. John B. Brady, a Roman Catholic priest of the Washington, D.C. Archdiocese was presented a Silver Torch Award by the UM National Scouting Office. He becomes the first non-UM to receive the award.

Brady, 81, was honored for his contributions to Philmont Scout Ranch and the National Jamboree.

“Personally he became a mentor for me during my first jamboree in 1997,” said the Rev. Greg Godwin, a UM minister serving as a chaplain at the 1997 and 2010 jamborees. The award was presented by Larry Coppock, top staff executive of the UM Office of Scouting Ministries, and Godwin.

Brady is a major supporter of the Philmont experience. “I think that a 12-day high-adventure trek can accomplish more for a young person than two years in the troop or crew program back home,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for a young person to change from a scared, unsure person to someone who goes home more mature and filled with confidence.”