Larry Cunningham
Larry Cunningham
Amarillo, Texas
Venturing Pioneer, Dynamic Trainer, Longtime Scouter
Although he didn’t have the chance to be a Scout as a youth, Larry Cunningham
has participated in every level of Scouting as an adult, serving in numerous
roles in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Exploring, and Venturing.
Mr. Cunningham has made his most noteworthy contribution to Scouting
through Venturing. In 1998, he and three other national Exploring Committee members
helped design the new Venturing program. Soon after, he gave leadership in the development
of the Powder Horn resource management course for the high-adventure program.
Mr. Cunningham has been an active trainer for more than three decades. In
Scouting, he has served as a Wood Badge course director, a Project COPE director, and a
10-year faculty member at the Philmont Training Center. In other arenas, he has taught
courses in hunter safety, scuba, boater safety, and wilderness first aid. He currently
serves as chair of the national Awards and Scholarship Task Force.
For his contributions to Scouting, Mr. Cunningham has received the
District Award of Merit, the William H. Spurgeon III Award, the Silver Beaver and
Silver Antelope awards, the National Exploring Leadership Award, and the National
Venturing Leadership Award. Donna Cunningham—his partner in Scouting as well as
in marriage—has received the same awards, as well as the Silver Buffalo.
As president of Eat-Rite Health Promotion Center, Mr. Cunningham has
helped promote good health in the Panhandle of Texas for over 35 years. He holds a
bachelor’s degree in business administration from West Texas A&M University and a
doctorate in naturopathy from Clayton College in Birmingham, Alabama.
Mr. Cunningham and his wife have two sons—both Eagle Scouts—and seven
grandchildren.