Boy Scouts of America facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boy Scouts of America |
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| Headquarters | Irving, Texas | ||
| Location | United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | February 8, 1910 | ||
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| Membership | 1,063,338 youth (2023) 42,822 units (2023) |
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| Chief Scout Executive | Roger Krone | ||
| Chair | Brad Tilden | ||
| National Commissioner | Scott Sorrels | ||
| Honorary Chair | Joe Biden | ||
| Affiliation | World Organization of the Scout Movement | ||
| Governing body | National Executive Board | ||
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The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is a large organization for kids and teens in the United States. It helps young people learn important life values and skills.
The BSA was started in 1910. Since then, about 130 million Americans have been part of its programs. Many adult volunteers help run the BSA. In 1922, the BSA became a founding member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
The main Scouting programs are Cub Scouting for ages 5 to 11, Scouts BSA for ages 10 to 18, Venturing for ages 14 to 21, and Sea Scouts for ages 14 to 21. Local groups like churches or clubs run the Scouting programs in their communities. Volunteers lead these groups, with support from paid staff and other volunteers. The BSA also has a program called Learning for Life that teaches about careers and school.
On May 7, 2024, the BSA announced it will change its name to Scouting America. This new name will start on February 8, 2025.
Contents
Scouting's Beginnings in America
The Boy Scouts of America was founded by an American writer named W. D. Boyce in 1910. It was similar to other Scouting groups that had already started in Great Britain. James E. West helped the BSA in its early years. He also made the BSA more focused on religion than some other Scout groups in Europe.
Scouting became very popular in the 1910s and 1920s. This was partly because of "boy's books" about Scouting and the First World War. Many people joined Scouting in the 1960s. However, the number of members has gone down since the 1970s. The BSA has tried to update its programs to keep up with the times.
How the Boy Scouts are Organized
The National Council: Guiding Scouting Across the US
The National Council is the main group that guides the Boy Scouts of America. It is made up of volunteers who meet once a year. The daily work of the National Council is handled by the Chief Scout Executive and other national staff.
The National Council includes elected officers, board members, and representatives from local groups. Since 1979, the national headquarters has been in Irving, Texas.
Since 1910, the President of the United States has been the honorary president of the BSA during their time in office. Former presidents become honorary vice presidents for life.
National Executive Board: Leading the Organization
The BSA is led by the National Executive Board. This board has many members, including volunteers and youth members. The board is led by the national president, who is a volunteer. The Chief Scout Executive is also part of the board.
The board has different committees that help with various parts of the organization. Important leaders from business and other fields have served on this board.
Scouting Programs and Adventures
The BSA has different groups that work on various parts of the Scouting program. The Program Impact Division creates the Scouting program itself. This includes training volunteers and helping young people grow. They also work to reach out to different groups of youth and families. The BSA works with the American Indian Scouting Association as well.
The Outdoor Adventure Division manages four amazing high adventure bases. These are places where Scouts can have exciting outdoor experiences. They include Northern Tier in Minnesota and Canada, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Sea Base in Florida and the Caribbean, and Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. There are also over a hundred other camps for Scouts. This division also oversees special programs like the Order of the Arrow.
Other groups help with big events like the World and National Scout Jamborees. They also handle international Scouting connections. The Membership Impact Division works to keep strong relationships with the many organizations that sponsor BSA units. These include groups like Lions International, Rotary International, and various religious groups.
The National Supply Group creates and sells uniforms, badges, books, and gear. You can buy these items at Scout Shops, local stores, or online. This group also allows other companies to use BSA trademarks. The Administrative Group handles the BSA's internal services. This includes marketing and communications. They also publish Scouting magazine for adult leaders and Scout Life magazine for youth.
The National Scouting Museum is located at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. It has exhibits about high adventure, hands-on learning, and the history of Scouting in America. You can see old uniforms and important documents there. One special item is the Eagle Scout medal of Arthur Rose Eldred, who was the very first Eagle Scout.
The National Court of Honor gives out the BSA's highest awards. These include awards for saving lives, for special service, the Eagle Scout award, and the Quartermaster Award.
The Scout Oath
The Scout Oath is a promise that Scouts make. It says:
- "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
The Scout Law lists twelve important qualities that a Scout tries to live by. A Scout is:
- trustworthy,
- loyal,
- helpful,
- friendly,
- courteous,
- kind,
- obedient,
- cheerful,
- thrifty,
- brave,
- clean, and
- reverent.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Ernest Thompson Seton (left), Baden-Powell (seated) and Dan Beard (right)
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Boy Scouts, Troop 10, Columbus, Ohio, 1918
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A Venturer traverses a COPE High Ropes course.
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Boy Scout, 1974, wearing uniform of the time
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Anthony Thomas, the two millionth Eagle Scout, addresses a crowd of over 45,000 Scouts at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, held at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.
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BSA National Office in Irving, Texas
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Norman Rockwell's Beyond the Easel, 1969
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Smokey Bear with members of the Boy Scouts of America and the Camp Fire Girls celebrating the 50th anniversary of their founding in 1960
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Boy Scouts of America 100th Anniversary commemorative Silver Dollar issued March 23, 2010 by the United States Mint
See also
In Spanish: Boy Scouts de América para niños
