99 Years

On February 8, 1910 the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated.

The story began a few years earlier.  Robert Baden-Powell, a British military hero, decided that the youth of his nation were in need of character development training.  He wrote “Scouting for Boys” and published it in a fortnightly magazine.  Soon scout patrols and troop were springing up all over the country.

In a trip to London, American businessman William Boyce got lost in the fog.  He asked a boy for help getting to his meeting.  The boy took him to the appointment.  When Mr. Boyce offered the boy a tip for his efforts, the boy refused, saying that a Scout wouldn’t accept a tip for doing a good turn.  Boyce wanted to know what a Scout was.  The young man introduced Boyce to Baden-Powell.  During the meeting, Boyce decided to bring Scouting to the United States.  No one knows the name of that Boy Scout.  He has been called the “Unknown Scout.”

Since 1910, there have been more than 112 million members of the Boy Scouts of America.  Today, they can thank that Unknown Scout for doing a Good Turn that has effected millions of lives.

The Scout Oath is:

On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Scout Law is:

TRUSTWORTHY

A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL

A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL

A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

COURTEOUS

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND

A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL

A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

THRIFTY

A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

BRAVE

A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Happy 99th Birthday to the Boy Scouts of America.

Tags: Boy Scouts of America, BSA