and beret). Some of the program changes were well received, but other changes, particularly those that emphasized urban activities over camping and out-of-town trips, were criticized. He resigned his position before the normal retirement age, due in part to BSA experiencing membership declines and internal issues. A high-adventure program for Exploring was started with wilderness base camps, including the Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico. Awards and recognition Barber was a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He was also a recipient of the Bronze Wolf Award, the only distinction of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, awarded by the World Scout Committee for exceptional services to world Scouting. In his retirement, he was the honoree and guest speaker at a number of local council events. Death Barber died of a stroke on January 17, 2003, at San Ramon Regional Medical Center in San Ramon, California. References External links Alden Barber Mic-O-Say biography 1919 births People from Sacramento, California People from Chico, California 2003 deaths Chief Scout Executives United States Army Air Forces officers Recipients of the Bronze Wolf Award Military personnel from California