Boy Scouts

I

Introduction

Boy Scouts, international movement dedicated to developing the character of boys and youths and training them for the responsibilities of adult life. The movement was begun in England in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell, who based his program on two already existing American organizations: Sons of Daniel Boone, founded by the American illustrator-naturalist Daniel Carter Beard, and Woodcraft Indians, started by the British-born Canadian writer Ernest Thompson Seton.

Scouting exists in more than 140 countries. The national organizations are autonomous but hold membership in the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which meets every two years. The World Scout Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland, serves as secretariat for the movement. International rallies, called jamborees, are held every four years.

II

Boy Scouts of America

Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was incorporated in 1910. Each Scout takes the Scout Oath: “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 calls upon all Scouts to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. The movement is without military or political connection and is not affiliated with any particular religious organization.

Although Scouting has no specific religious affiliation, the Boy Scouts of America bans from membership those who refuse to affirm a “duty to God” as part of the Scout Oath. The organization also excludes homosexuals. These restrictions came under legal challenges in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2000 the Supreme Court of the United States, by a 5 to 4 vote, ruled that the Boy Scouts can bar homosexuals from serving as Scout leaders. The Court said the organization is a private group with a First Amendment right to choose leaders based on its expressed values (see Constitution of the United States: Amendment 1). Critics asserted the Boy Scouts’ policy violated antidiscrimination laws.

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The Boy Scouts organization encourages boys to participate in vigorous outdoor activities. Camping is a regular part of the scout program, which also includes conservation, forestry, farm work, and aid in community services. During World War II (1939-1945), for example, the Boy Scouts participated in a variety of civilian activities. The program also stresses the development of skill in woodcraft, swimming, first aid, signaling, and other activities. The Boy Scouts’ motto is “Be Prepared.”

The Boy Scouts of America, with headquarters in Irving, Texas, is administered by a national council, which charters local councils. Local Scouting organizations are sponsored by churches, schools, civic groups, and other bodies, which are chartered by the local councils.

III

Scouting Programs

The Scouting movement in the United States is open to boys and youths beginning in the first grade or between 7 and 20 years of age. The movement has three main divisions: Cub Scouting (including Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos), Boy Scouting, and Venturing, each designed for a different age level.

A

Cub Scouting

Cub Scouting is for boys in the first through fifth grades. The programs offer boys participation in family-centered activities, community service, and camping. Boys belong to a den, usually a group of six to eight boys. The dens form a pack that meets monthly.

Tiger Cubs is a Cub Scouting program for boys in the first grade (or who are age seven). Each boy has an adult partner. The Tiger Cub, working with the adult, completes a series of 15 indoor and outdoor activities to earn a Tiger Cub badge. Tiger Cubs wear a blue uniform with a blue-and-orange cap and neckerchief.

After the first grade, boys in the Cub Scouts advance through the ranks of Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear. The programs emphasize activities in and around the boys' homes, with an increasing emphasis on outdoor activities as the boys grow older. The uniform for Bobcats and Wolves is blue with a yellow cap and neckerchief. Bears wear the same uniform with a blue cap and neckerchief.

Webelos (short for “We’ll Be Loyal Scouts”) are boys who are in the fourth or fifth grade. Webelos may wear either the blue Cub Scout uniform or the tan-and-olive Boy Scout uniform with an olive-and-plaid cap. After achieving Webelos rank, boys can earn the Arrow of Light Award, the highest rank in Cub Scouting.

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