Boy Scouts of America

Overview

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), now known as Scouting America, is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. Established on February 8, 1910, by William D. Boyce, it was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. The BSA was inspired by and modeled after The Scout Association, founded by Robert Baden-Powell in Britain in 1908. The core mission of the organization is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Early History

The idea for the BSA was inspired by a legendary encounter between William D. Boyce and an unknown Scout in London. The Scout guided Boyce out of a foggy street and refused a tip for doing his "daily good turn." Inspired by this gesture of service, Boyce decided to bring the scouting movement to the United States. The BSA quickly grew, incorporating other youth groups such as the Woodcraft Indians and Sons of Daniel Boone.

Programs

The BSA offers various programs tailored to different age groups:

• Cub Scouts: Designed for children ages 5 to 11, Cubs focus on outdoor activities and community service.
• Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts): Targeted at youth aged 11 to 18, Scouts BSA emphasizes character development through outdoor activities, leadership training, and community engagement. As of 2019, Scouts BSA became coeducational.
• Venturing: For young people aged 14 to 21, Venturing provides opportunities for advancement and exploration in specialized fields such as wilderness survival, arts, or business.
• Sea Scouts: Also for ages 14 to 21, Sea Scouts focus on maritime skills and activities.

Inclusivity Efforts

Historically, the BSA faced issues related to racial segregation. Although the organization maintained a stance of nondiscrimination, many troops, especially in the South, were segregated until the late 1940s. In 2013, the BSA ended its ban on gay members, and in 2019, it extended membership in its flagship program to girls, rebranding to Scouts BSA.

Community Impact

Scouting America has been endorsed by many religious institutions and civic organizations. The organization owns several high-adventure bases across the United States and operates nearly 100 camps and reservations dedicated to Scouts. Over 130 million Americans have participated in BSA programs since its inception, supported by approximately 465,000 adult volunteers.

In 2025, on its 115th anniversary, the BSA officially rebranded as Scouting America to reflect its broader mission and inclusivity efforts. Despite this change, the core values and programs remain unchanged, continuing the organization's legacy as a major force in youth development.