100 Years of Boy Scouts
What is the highest rank you achieved as a Cub Scout or Boy Scout?
2010 is the 100 year anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America were incorporated on February 8, 1910 under the laws of the District of Columbia. The founders of the Boy Scout of America organization included William D. Boyce, Colin H. Livingstone, Daniel Carter Beard, Ernest Thompson Seton, James E. West, and honorary members former Presidents William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt.
The scouting movement was originated by Robert Baden-Powell of the British Army, when in 1907, he held the first encampment on Brownsea Island in England.
During the 100 year anniversary, the Boy Scouts will be planning many events and activities celebrating their 100 year anniversary. If you get the chance, stop by and help them celebrate.
Boy Scouts of America: A Centennial History
Dates in the History of the Boy Scouts of America
February 8, 1910 - Boy Scouts of America Incorporated in the District of Columbia
January 2, 1911 - National Council office opened in New York City
1911 - 1st annual meeting held at the White House
August 12, 1912 - Arthur Eldred was honored as the First Eagle Scout
1913 - 1st local council charters were issued
1914 - 1st tree-planting project was held
1915 - The Order of the Arrow was founded
1916 - 1st college course in Scouting began at Teachers College, New York
1917 - 1st winter camp was held by Chicago Scouts
1919 - 1st four Gold Medals were awarded by the National Court of Honor for saving a life at the risk of the rescuer's own.
1920 - 1st World Jamboree held in London England and attended by 8,000 scouts from 34 countries includes 301 BSA members.
1926 - 1st Silver Buffalo Awards for distinguished service to boyhood were awarded to twenty-two recipients.
1930 - Cub Scout program was formally launched with 5,102 cub scouts by the end of the year.
1931 - 1st Silver Beaver awards for distinguished service to boyhood within a council
1935 - BSA membership passed 1 million
1937 - 1st National Jamboree held in Washington DC and attended by 27,232 scouts representing 536 councils
1938 - Philturn Rockymountain Scoutcamp established as a gift from Waite Phillips
1943 - 1st Silver Antelope Awards for distinguished service to youth within a region
1950 - 2nd National Jamboree at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania attended by 47,163 scouts and leaders
1952 - 20 millionth member joined
1965 - 500,000 Eagle Scout honored
1980 - 30 millionth Cub Scout
1982 - 1 millionth Eagle Scout honored
2002 - National Scouting Museum was built next to national office in Irving, Texas
2009 - 2 millionth Eagle Scout honored
US Mint BSA Centennial Silver Dollar - BSA Commemorative Coin
The United States Mint will be offering the 2010 BSA Centennial Coin on March 23 in a quantity of 350,000 coins. More information on US Mint's website. Check out the site after March 23rd to order your Boy Scouts of American Centennial Silver Dollar.
BSA 100 Year Anniversary Events
If you are not part of the BSA's 100 year celebration, there are many ways to participate.
January - BSA Float in the Tournament of Roses Parade
January - Adventure Base 100 begins its 40 city tour
February - US Mint begins producing BSA Centennial coin
February 9th - 100th Anniversary Gala
July 26 - August 4 - 2010 National Jamboree
September - Scouting Days at the Ballpark
For all the scouts out there, earning the BSA 2010 Year of Celebration patch is going to be a great badge to wear.
Stone on Brownsea Island commemorating the first Scouting camp.
Inscribed on the stone
"The stone commemorates the experimental camp of 20 boys held on this site from 1st-9th August 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell later Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell founder of Scout and Guides movements"
Gerald Ford is the only President that was an Eagle Scout,
or should we say
Gerald Ford was the only Eagle Scout that became President.
Either way, great job!
Items commemorating 100 years of Boy Scouts
Offical Boy Scout of America Websites
- Boy Scouts of America Official Website
Official website of the Boy Scouts of America - National Scouting Museum
National Scouting Museum located in Irving, Texas - National Eagle Scout Association
National Eagle Scout Association serves Eagle Scouts and through them the entire Scouting movement. - Join Cub Scouting
Join Cub Scouting will help you learn all about the Cub Scouting program and how you can join in the fun. - BSA Jamboree Website
Featuring the 2010 National Jamboree in Washington DC
On February 8th, 2010, this was Lens of the Day (LOTD)