Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), now known as Scouts BSA, is one of the largest nonprofit youth organizations in the United States. Founded in 1910, it was modeled after the Scouting movement started by Lord Robert Baden-Powell in the UK. The organization was incorporated on February 8, 1910, with the purpose of instilling values such as patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues in young people.

Origins

The origins of the Boy Scouts of America are tied to the encounter between William D. Boyce and the Unknown Scout in London in 1909. Inspired by the British Scouting movement, Boyce brought the concept back to America. Notable figures such as Ernest Thompson Seton and Daniel Carter Beard, who had previously founded the Woodcraft Indians and Sons of Daniel Boone, respectively, contributed significantly to the early development of BSA. The organization rapidly grew, with former President Theodore Roosevelt becoming an ardent supporter.

Evolution

Over the years, the BSA has evolved to include various programs:

• Cub Scouts: Introduced in 1930 for younger boys, now open to both boys and girls.
• Senior Scout Programs: Established in 1935, these included Sea Scouts, Air Scouts, and Explorer Scouts.
• Exploring Program: Launched in 1949, targeting older youth, and restructuring into Venturing by 1998.
• Inclusivity: Opened the Exploring program to young women in 1969 and later allowed full membership for girls in 1971. The BSA fully racially integrated in 1974.

Modern Developments

• Name Change: In 2018, the organization renamed its Boy Scouts program to Scouts BSA to reflect expanded membership, now including girls.
• Eagle Scout Rankings: Girls can now earn the prestigious Eagle Scout rank, aligning with the organization's mission to prepare all young people for ethical and moral choices.
• Policy Changes: The BSA lifted its ban on openly gay members in 2013 and gay troop leaders in 2015, although some church-sponsored troops were exempt.
• Challenges: The organization has faced legal challenges, including lawsuits over past abuses, leading to a bankruptcy filing in 2020.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people for ethical and moral choices by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law. This is achieved through a wide range of outdoor activities, community service projects, and teamwork.

Federal Charter and Recognition

The BSA holds a rare federal congressional charter granted in 1916, placing it among national organizations like the Girl Scouts and the American Red Cross. This charter signifies recognition of its public service contributions and allows the organization to govern itself while retaining special privileges and rights.

Membership and Volunteers

At its peak, the BSA had over 4 million youth members. As of recent years, the membership has declined but remains significant with about 1 million youth participants and over 400,000 adult volunteers. The organization continues to influence generations of Americans with its emphasis on service, leadership, and personal development.