Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, committed to promoting civic values, outdoor skills, and character development among young people. As a nonprofit organization with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 370661186, it operates under a federal charter granted in 1916.

History

The BSA was founded on February 8, 1910, by William D. Boyce, who was inspired by a British Scout who helped him in a London fog. This encounter led Boyce to establish an American version of the Scouting movement, which had been founded by Lord Robert Baden-Powell in England in 1907 [1][2][3]. The BSA's early development involved influential figures such as Ernest Thompson Seton and Daniel Carter Beard, who contributed to creating a robust program focused on teaching patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values [1][2].

Programs and Development

Over the years, the BSA has expanded its offerings to include various programs:

• Cub Scouts: Established for younger boys, now open to both boys and girls.
• Scouts BSA: The core program formerly known as the Boy Scouts, now inclusive of both boys and girls.
• Venturing: A program for young men and women aged 14 to 20, focusing on outdoor adventure and leadership development [3][4].
• Sea Scouts: Emphasizing marine skills.
• Exploring: Focused on career exploration and community service.

Milestones

• 1911: The first African American troop was established.
• 1916: The BSA received a federal charter under Title 36 of the U.S. Code.
• 1969: The first female participants were allowed in the Exploring program.
• 2014: The BSA began accepting openly gay youth.
• 2019: Girls became eligible to join Scouts BSA and earn the Eagle Scout rank [3][5].

Impact and Challenges

The BSA has a long history of promoting civic engagement and skills development among millions of youth. However, it has faced challenges, including legal controversies over membership policies and financial hurdles related to allegations of misconduct. Despite these challenges, the organization continues to be a significant presence in American youth development [5].

Membership and Structure

The BSA currently involves approximately one million youth participants and over 400,000 adult volunteers, making it one of the largest youth organizations in the United States [1]. It operates through local councils across the country, each supported by community organizations and volunteer leaders.

Federal Charter

The federal charter granted to the BSA in 1916 provides certain privileges, including freedom from antitrust regulations and control over its symbols. This charter does not imply congressional oversight but is seen as an honor and a recognition of the organization's national significance [1].