The Boy Scouts of America is getting ready to celebrate its 100th birthday. Incorporated on February 8, 1910, President William Howard Taft was named honorary president and Theodore Roosevelt became honorary vice president and the first chief Scout citizen.
Here are some of the highlights of Scouting’s incredible growth as America’s premier youth organization:
1907
In England, Robert Baden-Powell releases Scouting for Boys, a nonmilitary version of the survival manual he created for his British regiment. He is credited as the founder of Scouting worldwide.
1910 - 1919: Scouting Is Born In The U.S.
The Founding of the Boy Scouts of America, Appointment of the First Chief Scout, Scouts in all 48 states and Scouts helping with the great flu epidemic.
1920 - 1929: A Decade of Firsts
First Badges, First National Training Conference, First World Jamboree and the First International Conference of Scout Leaders
1930 - 1939: Younger Scouts Join In The Fun
Cub Scouts Program launched, First National Jamboree, First Good Turn, 25th Anniversary
1940 - 1949: Scouts Serve Their Country
Scouts pitch in to help the war effort.
1950 - 1959: Scouting’s Phenomenal Growth
Boy Scout stamp released on 40th Anniversary, Webelos den created, Scout units number 100,000 and Exploring program is created.
1960 - 1969: Scouting at 50 Years
Boy Scouts of America turns 50, Philmont grows, 500,000th Eagle Scout and 40 million Scouts since 1910.
1970 - 1979: Scouting at the Bicentennial
Scouts answer the call to Keep America Beautiful, National Eagle Scout Association formed, Scouting celebrates the Bicentennial with former President and Eagle Scout Gerald R. Ford.
1980 - 1989: Scouting Expands
Cub Scouting celebrates 50 years, 1 million Eagle Scouts, Tiger Cubs and Varsity Launched and Boy's Life magazine celebrates 75 years.
1990 - 1999: A Decade of Outreach
Scouting reaches out to minorities, record number of Eagle Scouts in one years, Venturing program create and Pope John Paul II give BSA's Distinguished Citizen of the World Commendation.
2000 - Present: Scouting in the New Millennium
Boy Scouts of America celebrates its 90th anniversary, Scouts complete more than 214 million hours of service, National Scout Museum moves, the BSA collaborates with Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army.