Figure 1.--This Akron, Ohio Scout is doing a good deed for Arbor Day so speak takes root. Jimmy Johnson, Troop 22, Akron, Ohio, takes part in a gigantic landscaping program undertaken by the Boy Scouts in his area. Troops from throughout the surrounding region gathered at the new Tuscarawas diversion dam, constructed on property donated to the State of Ohio by The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. Thousands of trees and shrubs were planted around the dam and the nearby reservoir. Arbor Day is celebrated in late April or early May, the exact date varying in different parts of the nation.

The Boy Scout movement in America grew during the 1950s. Membership increased from 2.8 to 5.0 million boys. We notice a range of events in which Scouts participated in during the 1950s. The 2nd American Scout Jamboree was held in 1950 at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The Post Office released the first Scout postage stamp in 1950. The 3rd National Jamboree was held in 1953 at Irvine Ranch, California, The 4th National Jamoree was held in 1957 at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Scouts commonly participated in Arbor Day celebrations throughout the country. Scouts are usually active in 4th of July celebrations as well. Scout troops until the early 1950s, were not for the most part have the authority authorize merit badges and ranks. The general process was reviewed at a district or council Court of Honor. The Scout then normally was awarded his badge that same evening. During the 1950s troops gradually assumed the responsibility for reviewing achievements and presenting the badges and ranks. Awards were only presented at Courts of Honor, normally held four times annually. Scouts thus had to wait as much as 3 months to receive their new rank and merit badges.