** U.S. boy scout history chronology








United States Boy Scouts: History


Figure 1.--American and German Scouts at the 1929 World Jamboree. A decade later these same boys would be fighting each other in World War II. American Scouts wore short pants at jamborees and camps, but usually they wore knickers.

Some important steps leading to the founding of the American Boy Scouys occurred before the turn of the century. Various groups in American and Europe began founding youth groups to occupy constructively the spare time of the growing number of urban youth. Some early Scout groups were founded in America even before Baden Powell founded the British Boy Scouts. Baden Powell in England conducted his Brownsea Island experiment in 1907 and published Scouting For Boys in 1908. It was meeting theunknown Scout durung a foggy evening that introduced Willam D. Boyce to the Scouting movement. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded by William D. Boyce and several associates in 1910. There were at the time several rival groups. His critical controbution to Scouting was to organize the BSA as a business. He incorporated the organization, choosing Washington, DC, rather than Chicago to emphasize its national character. After the War, the first First World Jamboree was held during 1920 at Olympia, London, England attended by 301 American Scouts for a total of 8,000 Scouts from 34 countries. The New York Times inaugurated Sunday Boy Scouts section in 1921. A new uniform was adopted in 1922. Lone Scouts of America merged with BSA in 1924. The BSA in 1924 started the "Every Scout a Swimmer" campaign. The BSA membership by 1925 exceeded 1 million Scouts. The first major revision of Handbook for Boys was published in 1927. The national BSA office moved to 2 Park Avenue in New York in 1927. American Cubbing was introduced in 1930 so that younger boys could participate. Exploring and Rovering programs were authorized for older Scouts in 1933. The Order of the Arrow program was approved in 1934. Scouts answered President Roosevelt's request in 1934 to collect food and clothing for needy. Scouts celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Scouting in 1935. The 1935 National Jamboree cancelled due to epidemic of infantile paralysis. BSA membership passes 1 million in 1935. The first National Jamboree, Washington, D.C. in 1937 and attendance exceeded 27,000. Air Scouting was added to the BSA program in 1939. Royalties from Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" finance urban Scouting in 1940s. Scouts begin campaign selling Defense Bonds and Stamps in 1941. The Webelos rank wascreated in Cubbing during 1941. Scouts start recycling campaign for war effort in 1942. Long trousers and Scout cap introduced for Boy Scouts in 1943. The Word Fellowship Fund started in 1944 to help Scouting in war=torn nations. Cubbing changed to Cub Scouting in 1945. Long trousers introduced for Cubs in 1947. Explorer Scouting established from Senior Scouting program in 1949. Scouts age limits lowered to 8 for Cub Scouts, 11 for Boy Scouts, and 14 for Explorers in 1949. BSA's Golden Jubilee, commemorative stamp issued by Post Office in 1960. The Johnston Historial Museum in The Second 2nd National Jamboree, Valley Forge, PA during 1950. Attendance was over 47,000, nearly double the 1937 Jamboree. The first Boy Scout stamp issued by the Post Office in 1950. The BSA conducts national get-out-the-vote campaign in 1952. The third National Jamboree, Irving Ranch, CA in 1953 as the BSA begins to adopt a program of more frequent national jamborees. Attendance totaled 45,000. The BSA national office moves to New Jersey in 1954. Webelos Dens introduced in 1954 to provide a bridge to Boy Scouts. The BSA reported that 100,000 chartered units reached in 1955. The first Pinewood Derby was held in 1955. The BSA conducted another national get-out-the-vote campaign in 1956. New Brunswick, N.J. dedicated in 1960. The Fifth 5th National Jamboree, Colorado Springs, CO during 1960. Attendance exceeded 53,000. The BSA conducts national get-out-the-vote campaign in 1960. The BSA Inter-Racial Service begins projects in public housing in 1961. The Sixth National Jamboree, Valley Forge, PA was held in 1964. The attendance totaled 52,000. The Cub Scout promise drops to be square and adds to help other people in 1971. The Save Our American Resources (SOAR) program was initiated in 1970. The Maine National High Adventure Area was opened in 1971. The Silver Buffalo awarded to President Richard Nixon in 1971. Girls were allowed to register as full fledged Explorer Scouts in 1971. The first Cub Scout Woodbadge course was approved in 1971. The Scout Handbook removes outdoor skill requirements for 1st Class in 1972. Operation Reach against drug abuse introduced in 1972. The 8th National Jamboree, at dual locations (Farragut State Park, ID and Moraine State Park, PA) was held in 1973. Attendance set a record of 64,000. An updated Cub Scout program was introduced in 1973. New uniforms were designed by Oscar de la Renta in 1980. The 50th anniversary of American Cub Scouting celebrated in 1980. The BSA in 1980 distributes national census fliers. The 10th National Jamboree, held at Fort A.P.Hill, VA. The attendance was less than 30,000. The BSA in 1981 picked Murray, Kentucky as the site for Boy Scout Museum The Prepare for Today program started for latchkey children in 1982. Tiger Cubs introduced in 1982. The Shaping Tommorrow project was introduced in 1982. The Family Camping Association was started in 1984. The 11th National Jamboree, was held at Fort A.P.Hill, VA in 1985. Attendance rose above 32,000. A new Anti-Drug Campaign was introduced in 1987. A Venture Program was introduced in 1989. The 12th National Jamboree, was held at Fort A.P.Hill, VA in 1989. The A.P. Hill was designated as the permanent Jamboree site. Attendance totalked nearly 33,000.

Foundations

Some important steps leading to the founding of the American Boy Scouys occurred before the turn of the century. Various groups in American and Europe began founding youth groups to occupy constructively the spare time of the growing number of urban youth. The first organization in the United States was the Boy's Club established in New York City during 1876. An important book in the development of scouting was published in 1882, the American Boys Handybook written by Daniel Carter Beard. Some early Scout groups were founded in America even before Baden Powell founded the British Boy Scouts. Woodcraft Indians were founded by Ernest Thompson Seton in 1902. Sons of Daniel Boone started by Daniel Carter Beard in 1905. Boy's Clubs were founded in 1906. Baden Powell in England conducted his Brownsea Island experiment in 1907 and published Scouting For Boys in 1908.

English Influence

Baden Powell in England conducted his Brownsea Island experiment in 1907 and published Scouting For Boys in 1908. It was meeting theunknown Scout durung a foggy evening that introduced Willam D. Boyce to the Couting movement.

Boys Scouts of America Founded

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded by William D. Boyce and several associates in 1910. There were at the time several rival groups. Boyce was a businessman with an interest in youth work. His critical controbution to Scouting was to organize the BSA as a business. He incorporated the organization, choosing Washington, DC, rather than Chicago to emphasize its national character. He recruited key youth professionals, primarily from the YMCA, to design and operate the program, and he provided essential funding for the fledgling organization. The first American Boy Scout camp was held at Silver Bay, Lake George, N.Y. in 1910. The BSA National Scout Office opens in New York with 7 employees during 1911. BSA published the Handbook For Boys in 1911. By 1912 Scouts were enrolled from every State. Boy's Life was purchased by the BSA in 1912. Sea Scouting becomes part of the BSA in 1912 and the irst Eagle Scout was reported in that same year. The first local councils chartered in 1913. Important publications were initiated in 1913: Scouting Magazine and the Handbook For Scoutmasters. The troop committee plan was developed in 1914. The Lone Scouts of America organized by William Boyce in1915. The Order of the Arrow founded in Philidelphia during 1915. The BSA issued 57 merit badge books in 1915, the first such detailed instructions issued for this important phase of Scouting. The U.S. Congress granted a Federal Charter in 1916 and in that same year the BSA constitution and by-laws were adopted. The BSA began home-front service in 1917, "Help win the war". The BSA rendered Nation-wide first-aid service in influenza epidemic during 1918. The BSA also continued to develop its Scouting program during the War years. The first standards established for Boy Scout camps in 1918.

The 1900s

The Boy Scout movement in America generally dates itself from 1910 because this is when the Boy Scout Association (BSA) was founded and named by William D. Boyce. There were, however, some pre-BSA Scouts in the Uninted States. The uniforms worn by these boys, however, was not standardized. It was in 1909 that Boyce encontered the famed unknown Scout in London from which today's BSA owes it founding.

The 1910s

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded by William D. Boyce and several associates in 1910. Boyce was a businessman with an interest in youth work. His critical contribution to Scouting was to organize the BSA as a business. He incorporated the organization, choosing Washington, DC, rather than Chicago to emphasize its national character. He recruited key youth professionals, primarily from the YMCA, to design and operate the program, and he provided essential funding for the fledgling organization. Important decissions were made about Scouting in the 1910s which had a major impact on its character and success. There were many competing visions of the movement with varying influences including commercial, altruistic, patriotic, militaristic, social, religious, racial, and many others. The American Scout movement was relatively small in the 1910s before World War I (1914-18). The movement grew significantly beginning with the War when a patriotic fervor swept the country. The movement was to grow even more in the properous 1920s. Increasingly by the late 1910s it was becoming an accepted part of an American boyhood, at least in small towns and cities, to join the Boy Scouts. The organization became increasingly popular throughout the country and was supported by both schools and churches as well as other grouos likecfraternal and civic organizations.

The 1920s

After World War I, the first First World Jamboree was held during 1920 at Olympia, London, England attended by 301 American Scouts for a total of 8,000 Scouts from 34 countries. The New York Times inaugurated Sunday Boy Scouts section in 1921. A new uniform was adopted in 1922. Lone Scouts of America merged with BSA in 1924. The BSA in 1924 started the "Every Scout a Swimmer" campaign. The BSA membership by 1925 exceeded 1 million Scouts. The first major revision of Handbook for Boys was published in 1927. The national BSA office moved to 2 Park Avenue in New York in 1927.


Figure 2.--I believe this is an American Scout photographed at a camp about 1930. American Scouts usually wore knickers, but at camps and jamborees sometimes wore a short pants uniform.

The 1930s

American Cubbing was introduced in 1930 so that younger boys could participate. The English-style peaked cap was adopted, but the rest of the American uniform was entirely different and a blue and gold color combination adopted. Exploring and Rovering programs were authorized for older Scouts in 1933. The Order of the Arrow program was approved in 1934. Scouts answered President Roosevelt's request in 1934 to collect food and clothing for needy. Scouts celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Scouting in 1935. The 1935 National Jamboree cancelled due to epidemic of infantile paralysis. BSA membership passes 1 million in 1935. The first National Jamboree, Washington, D.C. in 1937 and attendance exceeded 27,000. Air Scouting was added to the BSA program in 1939.

The 1940s

Royalties from Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" finance urban Scouting in 1940s. Scouts begin campaign selling Defense Bonds and Stamps in 1941. The Webelos rank wascreated in Cubbing during 1941. Scouts start recycling campaign for war effort in 1942. Long trousers and Scout cap introduced for Boy Scouts in 1943. The Word Fellowship Fund started in 1944 to help Scouting in wartorn nations. Cubbing changed to Cub Scouting in 1945. Long trousers introduced for Cubs in 1947. Explorer Scouting established from Senior Scouting program in 1949. Scouts age limits lowered to 8 for Cub Scouts, 11 for Boy Scouts, and 14 for Explorers in 1949.

The 1950s

The Second 2nd National Jamboree, Valley Forge, PA during 1950. Attendance was over 47,000, nearly double the 1937 Jamboree. The first Boy Scout stamp issued by the Post Office in 1950. The BSA conducts national get-out-the-vote campaign in 1952. The third National Jamboree, Irving Ranch, CA in 1953 as the BSA begins to adopt a program of more frequent national jamborees. Attendance totaled 45,000. The BSA national office moves to New Jersey in 1954. Webelos Dens introduced in 1954 to provide a bridge to Boy Scouts. The BSA reported that 100,000 chartered units reached in 1955. The first Pinewood Derby was held in 1955. The BSA conducted another national get-out-the-vote campaign in 1956. The Fourth National Jamboree, Valley Forge, PA during 1957. The attendance exceeded 50,000. The 50th anniversary of the world Boy Scout movement celebrated in 1957. The BSA distributes Civil Defense emergency handbooks in 1958. Bobcat pins were introduced in 1959. Scouting magazine begins using full color in 1959. The modern Exploring program introduced in 1959.

The 1960s

BSA's Golden Jubilee, commemorative stamp issued by Post Office in 1960. The Johnston Historial Museum in New Brunswick, N.J. dedicated in 1960. The Fifth 5th National Jamboree, Colorado Springs, CO during 1960. Attendance exceeded 53,000. The BSA conducts national get-out-the-vote campaign in 1960. The BSA Inter-Racial Service begins projects in public housing in 1961. The Sixth National Jamboree, Valley Forge, PA was held in 1964. The attendance totaled 52,000. The Inner-City Rural Program launched in 1965. The commemorative tribute statue in front of the White House was dedicated in 1967. The 500,000th Eagle badge was presented in 1965. The revised BSA charter and by-laws were adopted in 1966. The Ernest Thompson Seton Library and museum at Philmont in 1967. An updated Cub Scout program was introduced in 1967. Th lion rank discontinued, and the Webelos Scout program begun. Girls were allowed to participate as non-registered Explorer Scouts in 1969. The 7th National Jamboree, Farragut State Park, ID was held in 1969. The attendance totaled 35,000, less then in previous years because of the location.

The 1970s

The Cub Scout promise drops to be square and adds to help other people in 1971. The Save Our American Resources (SOAR) program was initiated in 1970. The Maine National High Adventure Area was opened in 1971. The Silver Buffalo awarded to President Richard Nixon in 1971. Girls were allowed to register as full fledged Explorer Scouts in 1971. The first Cub Scout Woodbadge course was approved in 1971. The Scout Handbook removes outdoor skill requirements for 1st Class in 1972. Operation Reach against drug abuse introduced in 1972. The 8th National Jamboree, at dual locations (Farragut State Park, ID and Moraine State Park, PA) was held in 1973. Attendance set a record of 64,000. An updated Cub Scout program was introduced in 1973. A Washington, D.C. bureau established to represent National office was opened in 1973. The BSA in 1976 allows women to attend Wood Badge and to become Cubmasters . The 9th National Jamboree, Moraine State Park, PA in 1977. Attendance was only 28,600. Local council camps in 1978 were made available for family camping. A revised God and Country program announced in 1978. Age restrictions in 1978 removed for severely handicapped Scouts. Outdoor skill reinstated in 1978 for 1st Class rank . The Official Boy Scout Handbook reflects return of outdoor emphasis. The National Headquarters in 1979 moved to Irving, Texas. The Cub Scout Trainers Wood Badge approved in 1979.

The 1980s

New uniforms were designed by Oscar de la Renta in 1980. The 50th anniversary of American Cub Scouting celebrated in 1980. The BSA in 1980 distributes national census fliers. The 10th National Jamboree, held at Fort A.P.Hill, VA. The attendance was less than 30,000. The BSA in 1981 picked Murray, Kentucky as the site for Boy Scout Museum The Prepare for Today program started for latchkey children in 1982. Tiger Cubs introduced in 1982. The Cub Scout Leader Book published in 1982 to replace five different leader books. The millionth Eagle Scout was registered in 1982. The Shaping Tommorrow project was introduced in 1982. The third edition of the Fieldbook was published in 1983. The Family Camping Association was started in 1984. The 11th National Jamboree, was held at Fort A.P.Hill, VA in 1985. Attendance rose above 32,000. A new Anti-Drug Campaign was introduced in 1987. A Venture Program was introduced in 1989. The 12th National Jamboree, was held at Fort A.P.Hill, VA in 1989. The A.P. Hill was designated as the permanent Jamboree site. Attendance totalked nearly 33,000.

The 1990s

Pope John Paul in 1990 presented with BSA's Distinguished Citizen of the World Commendation. The 10th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook introduced in 1990. The Ethics In Aciton program introduced in 1990. The BSA Family program introduced in 1991. The Conservation Handbook published in 1991. The Trail Boss program developed in 1991. The six BSA regions in 1992 reduced to four. Cub Scout Academics program started in 1992. The 13th National Jamboree, held at Fort A.P.Hill, VA in 1993. the attendance totaled 32,000. The 14th National Jamboree, was held at Fort A.P.Hill, VA in 1997.







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Created: November 15, 1998
Last updated: July 30, 2002