Happy 115th Birthday to Scouting America (formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America).
The name is changing, but the mission remains the same!
Scouting America is the nation’s foremost youth program providing young people with unique opportunities focused on character development, leadership, fun and outdoor exploration. On February 8, the organization will celebrate its 115th birthday, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s journey as it officially adopts its new name, Scouting America. The organization continues to adapt to meet the evolving needs of young people, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to benefit from this transformative program.
For more than a century, Scouting America’s mission has remained the same: to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Whether it’s a camping trip, a pinewood derby car race or a trail hike, every adventure encourages personal growth by teaching youth how to set goals and achieve them with determination. As we look to the future, Scouting America is dedicated to providing young people with the values, skills and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“Scouting America has helped instill timeless values for multiple generations of Americans,” said Roger Krone, Scouting America president and CEO. “In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the values and skills instilled by Scouting are more critical than ever and the need for strong character, ethical decision-making and effective leadership remains paramount. As we celebrate 115 years of service to our nation, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment where young people can develop these essential qualities, empowering them to reach their full potential and preparing them to become responsible and engaged citizens.”
Scouting America has remained committed to providing youth with a safe environment where they can learn meaningful life skills, create lifelong memories and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. In fact, more than 130 million Americans have been through Scouting America programs since their founding in 1910. Currently, more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.
The week-long birthday celebration will kick off with widely recognized landmarks from coast-to-coast illuminated in red, white and blue lights in honor of Scouting America — including Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, the Nasdaq billboard in Times Square, Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge, St. Louis’ The Wheel at Union Station, Cleveland’s Terminal Tower, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, the Louisiana State Capitol, Baltimore City Hall, Minneapolis’ Capella Tower and the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis.
Scouting America invites families, individuals and communities nationwide to join its mission. Whether you come from a family with a Scouting tradition or are considering Scouting for the first time, they welcome you to be a part of their next 115 years. To learn more, visit www.BeAScout.org.
This is a great time for Scouting!
I was a terrible Boy Scout and I regret that my actions reflected poorly
on the Scouts, it’s creed and traditions.
But camping us right next to Girl Scouts was a terrible idea
Doomed to fail, really. And I did. 😇
Most of us have at least one panty raid in our past.
Sometimes we just have to forgive ourselves.
Includes boys & girls now still – right? It should imho. Also – should also teach kids to shoot bow and arrow & introduce them to shooting a gun – single shot .22 rifles under close supervision – teaches responsibility & safe handling (which most kids don’t get much of these days)
What used to be called Shooting Sports is now Called Range and Target Sports, but we do allow age-appropriate activity at all levels of Scouting, even the youngest Cub Scouts.
At least a few young people will gain knowledge and respect for gun Safety.
Mount Diablo YMCA had shooting program, back in the 60s, using bolt action single shot 22s.
Still have my jacket with achievement patches. May pass it onto Great Grandson.
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Have deep appreciation for that opportunity.
Passed on to our children Respect and Safety of firearms and taught them how to shoot.
First time Son and I went to range off Willow Pass, he was required to go thru Safety lecture. Came back and said, was same things he’d already been taught.
Both kids are still able to hit what they aim at.