This is a phenomenal, original, and intact Boy Scout Scrapbook belonging to Scout John Boutin of Pontiac, Michigan. This historically rich collection documents his active participation in Cub and Boy Scouts from approximately 1957 through 1958, offering a detailed glimpse into Midwestern scouting, local community events, and a cross-country family trip during the late 1950s.

The book itself has an embossed cover titled "SCRAP BOOK" and is filled with unique handwritten notes, newspaper clippings, official letters, and complete typed manuscripts.


Detailed Contents of the Scrapbook

I. Boy Scout/Cub Scout Events & Awards

II. Troop Skits and Plays

The scrapbook contains four complete, multi-page mimeographed scripts, likely performed by the Den or Pack, adding significant historical value:

  1. "The Mayflower": A play script about the Pilgrims' arrival, featuring characters Standish, Carver, Samoset, and Squanto.

  2. "THE COWBOY AND THE COOK": A romantic comedy skit featuring Jesse (the cowboy), Mollie (the cook), Sheriff Budd, and Pat Tom, concluding with a performance of the song "Buffalo Gals."

  3. "LUCKY MISHAP": A chaotic film-making skit involving a Director, Prop Man, and a terrified Leading Man.

  4. "Who'll Trade YULE-ADE?": A Christmas-themed play centered around merchant Mr. Grim, Mrs. Duty, and a customer, Miss Clinton.

III. Community & Travel Events

Condition: This is a vintage personal scrapbook, and the pages show expected signs of age, including toning, minor staining, and creasing. The mementos and scripts are affixed with original photo corners and aged tape, which is lifting in some areas. Overall, the album is intact and complete, offering rare and unique documentation of mid-century Cub Scouting life.


🎭 Transcriptions of Skit Scripts

1. "THE COWBOY AND THE COOK"

Page 1 (Excerpt from Middle)

Jesse: (dragging his horse and singing): Black Suzy is a pretty horse, and also very true, I knows he is a lazy horse, a very good horse, too. Come on Suzy, old girl. The horse won't go. Well, if you won't go, I'll have to pull you. But I tell you it's a doggone shame I have to drag you when you should be carrying me.

Black Suzy: Snickers

Jesse: I know it's late. You would like to be in your stall asleep, but you don't like to come often and this is a holiday. Be there! Miss Mollie, I am back. Let me in. I want to go to sleep. (There is no answer. Jesse goes up to the door and knocks.) Jesse: Hoi, Miss Mollie! I've come home to sleep. Please let me in. I'm tired, and Black Suzy is sleepy too. (Mollie appears at the window in the upper floor.) Mollie: Who is this knocking so late at my door? Jesse: It's me, Miss Mollie, I want to go to my home, I'm sleepy. Mollie: Well, you can't come in. You're a rotten Cowboy Jesse. Jesse: That's right, Miss Mollie, it's me. Please open the door.

Mollie: Indeed I will not. You are old enough to know what time to come home. Now just sleep out in the cold. Maybe that will teach you when to come home. (She goes away from the window.)

Jesse: Please, Miss Mollie, you are a mighty good cook. Please I don't like to stay out all night. Please--Pl----. What shall I do?

(Pat Tom the cowboy comes in from the side) Pat Tom [circled in red]: Howdy, friend cowboy, what's the noise? What's the trouble? Thought you had gone to bed.

Jesse: No I can't. Miss Mollie won't let me in.

Pat Tom [circled in red]: That's too bad. And there isn't another hotel in town. Don't know what you can do about it, except beg her pardon.

Jesse: I tried, but she won't listen. What shall I do?

Pat Tom [circled in red]: Try again. It's the best you can do.

Jesse: I will.

Pat Tom [circled in red]: Good night, Jesse. Hope you can beg her to let you in.

Jesse: Thanks Tom. Good night. I'll try again.

(Pat Tom goes out.)

Jesse: (speaking to Black Suzy): Come on, Old Timer, we'll try once again.

(He begins banging at the door.)

Page 2 (Excerpt from Middle)

Jesse: No there, Miss Mollie! (He bangs hard.)

(A voice is heard in the distance)

Sheriff Budd: (outside) Who's making all this noise? Stop in the name of the law! You're waking the town. It's bedtime. I'm Budd, the Sheriff, and I'll sure arrest you.

Jesse: This adds to my trouble. I better hide quick. (He walks to the end of the stage and gets behind where you see Black Susy's head and body disappear. Sheriff Budd, a big fellow, comes in.)

Sheriff Budd: Who's making this noise and disturbing the town? It's bedtime and that's just where people should be, in bed.

Jesse: (in a ghostly voice): Yippee-i-yee-i-yee, I'm the ghost from Kalamazoo, Eat Indians and cowboys like hallabaloo; Run, run or I'll get you.

Sheriff Budd: It's a ghost making the noise!

Jesse: (in a disguised voice): A ghost indeed. Run with speed.

Sheriff Budd: Don't mind arresting cowboys and hold-up men, but I sure am afraid of ghosts who can do all kinds of things. (He runs out.)

Jesse: (to Black Suzy): Now I must get in to Mollie's Hotel. I'm tired and sleepy. I'll knock again and see what luck I have.

(Pat Tom comes in again.)

Pat Tom [circled in red]: What in Sam Hill! Are you still out and not in bed?

Jesse: That's sure me and no luck at all. Mollie won't let me in and the Sheriff came to arrest me.

Pat Tom [circled in red]: Sheriff Budd is a bad man to fight. Where is he now?

Jesse: He ran away. I played him a little trick. He thought I was a ghost so he ran as quick as his legs could carry him.

Pat Tom [circled in red]: Well, you are smart enough to be boss of your outfit, but you're not smart enough to make Mollie open that door.

Jesse: You just wait, Tom, you just wait and I'll show you.

Pat Tom [circled in red]: Well, I got to go on an errand, Old Timer, and when I come back I'll stop by. If she still won't let you in, come back to my house and sleep on a blanket.

Jesse: Doggone, I'll sleep in a bed yet.

Pat Tom [circled in red]: O.K. with me. I'll be back soon. So long.

(Pat Tom goes out.)

Jesse: So Long.

Jesse: (Knocking on door) Mollie! Oh Miss Mollie', open that door. I can'

Page 3 (Excerpt from End)

Mollie: But you'll have to come home early as long as we are married.

Jesse: I'll not mind that at all, for you'll cook me the finest beef, and you'll bake me the finest pies and flapjacks, and I'll stay home to eat them.

Mollie: I'll do that gladly, for I love to cook!

Pat Tom [circled in red] (comes in): Well, Jesse, did you.....oh, I see!

Jesse: You see right old timer. I told you I won't sleep in the wet grass. Tomorrow I'll marry Mollie and I'll have the finest eat in all the West. The door will always be open for me and for you, too. Congratulations. Now let's all sing a little song to celebrate the happy wedding of Mollie and me tomorrow morning.

Song.

As I was walking down the street, down the street, down the street, My pretty Mollie I chanced to meet, under the silvery moon. I asked her if she would be my wife, be my wife, be my wife, So I'd be to her as my life, under the silvery moon. Me and Mollie sat on a stoop, sat on a stoop, sat on a stoop, Till the old man made us degaa the loopy union under the silvery moon.

Oh, Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight? Come out tonight, come out tonight, Oh, Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight, to dance by the light of the moon?

2. "WHO'LL TRADE YULE-ADE?"

Page 1 (Excerpt)

[Title Header]: WHO'LL TRADE YULE-ADE?

SALESGIRL: Fine. I see you have some of the Yule-Ade coming. MR. GRIM: I'm just about to mix it now. Beneath the counter he takes out three bell-shaped glasses filled with colored water and two small containers, each with a small bowl.) One part peace, one part goodwill, one part the joy of giving. (Pours the contents of each bowl into the pitcher, and a sprinkling of gaiety!) MR. GRIM: Excellent. And let me offer it to all who come in. MAN: I certainly will, Sir. (He rises, stools behind counter near door. Man knocks on door at back and goes off stage front. MRS. DUTY enters in haste. He heads for counter, but she stops by YULE-ADE MAN.) MRS. DUTY: Good morning madam. Wouldn't you like a glass of refreshing Yule-Ade before you begin your morning? MRS. DUTY: Heavens, no! It's much too busy to stop. Why last night I set the alarm clock at midnight, Christmas cards. I'll have you know, I'm CHAIRMAN of the home for the ORPHANS, I'm baking cookies for the P.T.A. party, doing all my shopping for a hundred other things. (She marches up to the merchandise counter, waving list.) SALESGIRL: May I help? MRS. DUTY: You certainly may! Look at this list of gifts I still have to buy. MRS. DUTY: Something to remind her. (She looks at a scarf.) No, the last one was all wrinkled. Perhaps a bracelet or two? SALESGIRL: That's a good idea. That's something I can send to all of them. MRS. DUTY: What did you have in mind? SALESGIRL: Would you like to see our display? They're making much easier. MRS. DUTY: Will you pick out any four and charge them to me, Mrs. Duty at this address. I've bought all of them the wrong size. SALESGIRL: Do you want them sent at once? MRS. DUTY: Yes, but before you send them, I'd like them gift-wrapped, and then send to my nephew. SALESGIRL: Don't you want to make sure the size is correct? MRS. DUTY: I'll be waiting.

Page 2 (Excerpt)

MISS CLINTON: Oh, maybe one of those wines... (Her attention is caught by a display) Look, just look at that Pamelita necklace! (Examines price tag.) Only ten dollars! Now I must have that! MAN: I'll take it. And wrap one of those dollar ties as a gift for Mr. Green. (Man leaves. Miss Clinton enters.) MAN: May I offer you a glass of Yule-Ade Sir! MR. GRIM: No, thanks! None of your Christmas hang-ups for me. All Christmas does is give me more work! Everyone coming in here wants to buy heir shirts in an other color! And of course, I'm obliged to give them some sort of a present or they'll call me old Scrooge behind my back. (He goes to counter, removes a book and begins to make some notes.) MISS CLINTON: (She has exited and also goes to counter) MISS DUTY: Is my package ready yet? MISS CLINTON: So quick. It's so lovely, but I've been terribly rushed. SALESGIRL: No, Miss. I don't want to waste my time...Well, perhaps I'll have a bit of refreshment across the aisle while I'm waiting. (She crosses to left and picks up and hands MISS CLINTON a glass.) MISS CLINTON: I'm ready for the package. (Salesgirl hands to her.) MR. GRIM: (at counter): I'd like to order 25 cents worth of woman's wallets to be sent to my place of business. (He gives her a book out book and he begins to give her directions.) Meanwhile, MRS. DUTY'S face has become more and more relaxed. (She turns to MISS CLINTON and smiles.) MRS. DUTY: I feel so much all of a sudden. Christmas is such a lovely time. It's almost sorry I have only a few gifts left to buy. It'll be a joy to me to pick out just what will give each person the most pleasure.

3. "The Mayflower"

Page 1 (Excerpt from Act I)

SCENE: Beach-large rock in foreground-Mayflower rides slowly across background back and forth a couple of times, then disappears. Slight pause with empty stage, then... (Enter John Carver) (Walks over rock across stage)

Carver: Look, Captain Miles Standish, land! It is good to feel solid land again. (Enter Miles Standish)

Standish: Aye, Governor Carver that it does, but keep your head down- maybe there are Indians. (Stoops across stage-onto rock and slips off) Got bodkin-these G. I. boots have slippery soles.

Carver: Land! Forsooth why didn't the captain allow us to come ashore days ago?

Standish: Because he was lost - the Navy! Bah - they know their way on the high seas, but when it comes to land, it's the Army that knows the way.

Carver: Aye - he was supposed to sail us to the mouth of the Hudson River where we were to start our colony, but do you think that he could even find the river!

Standish: (climbs rock and again falls off) (Sound effect of crash each time) Again (Standish feels from rock) Zounds - you can get a soldier climb rocks with these issued boots! A red on is simply arrogant! (Finally scrambles to top of rock) I see no river near here. He sure got us lost.

Carver: WE sailed from Plymouth on the 16th of September in this year of our Lord 1620 - and now our first land a few miles from here on November 19th.

Standish: Aye - and for days - the captain cruised about seeking the Hudson River. I tell you it's better to be on the high seas. (Climbs rock again - whoops - what ails this rock?)

Carver: Today is December 21st. This seems like a good place. Let's start our colony right here.

Standish: Aye - except for this rock which gets in my way.

Carver: Let us return to the Mayflower and tell the others to land here. (As they leave, Standish again trips over rock and falls)

Standish: Oof - this rock is a jinx. (Goes off stage muttering) (Exit both) (Enter two Indians, one with beads and blanket over arms.)

Samoset: Ho - you hear? They start colony here. Me set up souvenir shop good location.

Squantum: Ugh! Colony - tourists - place getting too crowded! Soon maybe a hundred people here - where they all live crowded together in ten, twenty square miles?

Samoset: Stop grabbing - make good business. Chief Massasoit open real estate tepee, sell small forty acre plots - make killing!

Squantum: Ugh - all you think of is wampum. In good old days warriors think of better things - wor - raids - scalps.

Page 2 (Excerpt from Act 3)

Samoset: Squantum - you dream too much of the old days - these the best days - you should learn to live it up. So good morning about part.

Squantum: Ugh - you talk just like my son - you no grow up. I tell you people too soft today. You were my words - seven sons, people no walk at all any more. They all learn to ride like cowboys, maybe even fly through air like bird! What moccasin makers do then! People no wear out moccasin any more! All be unemployed!

Samoset: Ho - Ho - you old fogey - you no like todays new deal. You rock bound conservative. No want change.

Squantum: Old ways best - you mix with these foreigners if you want not me. Samoset: Ho-you think your way, I think mine - I go set up souvenir stand. Tourists land soon now. (Exit).

ACT 3

SCENE: Same (5 days later) Enter John Carver: Carver: Good day's work methinks. All reached ashore safely. This Dec. 26th will be a memorable day. Our first day ashore in this new country. What was it William Bradford said? Yes, Pilgrims - "Pilgrims" by a religious journey he said. Henceforth we shall be known as Pilgrims rather than Puritans. (Pats the rock) So thank thee this, rock, for being here. Some how, it feels at peace and being able to step from the boat onto you. Ah, the fiery capt ain approaches. What a stout soul.

Standish: Aye - and for days - the captain cruised about seeking the Hudson River. I tell you it's better to be on the high seas.

Standish: (comes on stage looking back over shoulder. Speaks as though to himself) I will set up my forces and install one on where they will have a clear firing area.

Carver: Forces, cannon! What are you talking about.

Standish: (Sees Carver) Eh - eh - what? To - Do not cubbie about details, Army regulations clearly state that when in strange territory, defense forces must be stationed, cannon placed for maximum fire power. I act carry out the regulations.

Carver: But you are the only soldier in our group. And we have no cannon. How can you talk of forces and cannon!

Standish: No buts - governor, regulations do not mention no cannon - they say cannon. My military plans will show where my cannon are placed and how my forces are deployed, even though I be the only soldier armed with musket.

Carver: You have lost me completely.

Standish: Naturally - you are a civilian - you don't understand military planning. (Climbs on rock - slips off again) Ode - Zounds - this rock again!

Carver: (Shakes his head as he goes off stage) Ah, me. (Exits) Enter Samoset (As Standish picks himself up)

Samoset: Hello, Joe - you wanna buy necklace - fancy moccasin - souvenir?

Page 3 (Excerpt from End)

Standish: Halt - who goes there!

Samoset: Me - Samoset - me speak English good! Me heap friend.

Standish: Friend, eh - you're not dressed like us! You sure you're not hostile?

Samoset: Sure, me friend. Give big discount on souvenirs and tepee sites. (climbs on rock) See? Nice two family tepee over there - cheap - real bargain.

Standish: (Attempts to climb on rock. Falls off) Zounds! Not interested in ten te- I'm a soldier.

Samoset: Me warrior too, but me got tepee.

Standish: You sure you're not hostile?

Samoset: Me nice man, big heart. (Disappears-comes up with blanket over arm) See - good goods - hardly used - traded in by nice old gentlemen very earnest of it.

Standish: Po - ho - not interested.

Samoset: Say what name of big canoe?

Standish: The Mayflower.

Samoset: Ho - you come over in Mayflower? Squantum tell me some day many people say same thing.

Standish: Squantum? Who's Squantum?

Samoset: He old rock - ribbed conservative.

Standish: Rock - mention not that word. Methinks there is too much rock here already.

Samoset: You no want souvenir, Joe?

Standish: Don't tell you before.

Samoset: Hokey. (Exits humming) Hook - roll - rock, rock, hook. (Sound of loud bumping effect. Capt Standish again trips and falls off to loud clatter of so real effect) I'll call this rock or my name isn't

Miles Standish.

Carver: (enters trying to climb - continually falls off) This rock is bewitch. bewitched - (Kicks at rock) Ow! (Enter Carver)

Carver: Captain Standish - what ails thee?

Standish: This rock - methinks this is the devil's throne!

Carver: Bah, tut, such courage is not seemly!

Standish: Every time on board the Mayflower I stepped upon this rock without fail - but me, as soon as I set my foot upon it - Boom - (Tries again and falls) Zounds - it is bewitched!

Carver: (SITS UPON ROCK) See - I climbeth it easily.

Standish: Aye you can - so can the youngest child in the colony - but I cannot. Carver: What would you like me to do about it?

Standish: Remove it.

Carver: Remove it! That's easy.

Standish: You can't send it back to Plymouth if you will.

Carver: Plymouth! Of course. We men want on board the Mayflower at Plymouth and landed from the Mayflower on this rock. Henceforth it shall be known as PLYMOUTH ROCK! (Curtain)

THE END.


🎬 "LUCKY MISHAP" Skit Script Transcription

Page 1

[Title Header]: LUCKY MISHAP

(As curtain opens, DIRECTOR is seated in his chair megaphone on floor! LADY is on set, LEADING MAN stands near camera, (TIGHTENING UP HIS BELT) PROP MAN is on stage, waiting for directions.) (All are watching Nicholas Fornoff, Your Director!)

DIRECTOR: The script went home with the sound Director called to a convention yesterday you tired sick everything.

DIRECTOR: So today, we must do everything myself. I will band OVER DIRECTOR: Places everyone. I will be your sound man, too (to nature!). LEADING MAN: (enters from left dramatically, from floor!) comes to rest on center stage. LADY is alone, she looks around. Her dress is torn, she is pale, she looks as if she is suffering from hunger and fear.

DIRECTOR: Now, when Jack gets here, you must run from the wolves, you must fall down and scream when they get close.

LADY: Oh when will Jack be here?

DIRECTOR: He and her husband Jack burate in with a sound effect of terrible, bolts door. (Holds two boards, should scarcely.) The wolves is after him, remember that much. (Calls off stage) Prop man, sir, oh Prop Man sir, do you have red shoe and yellow bolts?

PROP MAN: (enters, carrying box of rice or mica) Yes, sir.

DIRECTOR: What are those, Jack? - is your cue for make sound like wolves.

You have snow ready? (Holds up a bag of cornflakes.)

PROP MAN: Yes, sir. (PROP MAN and LEADING MAN now throws rice in the box of rice.)

L. LADY: (goes to center stage & sits, holds stomach, puts hands on forehead and heart and speaks expressionsively) Oh-I-I'll-sick-to-back-

DIRECTOR: (looking up!): No you try. Do not speak as though your story is livary bursts - but be afraid! No, don't forget she is LADY!

L. LADY: (Then sneeks, slowly and her aside and goes toward the DIRECTOR)

DIRECTOR: Oh you have one of this wonderful Yule-Ade?

DIRECTOR: Say, that's not bad. Let's look at all new things.

L. LADY: Oh, Mr. Fornoff, I just don't see how I can suppose Jack has gone to get you a new microphone I'll help you. Think, now.

DIRECTOR: Yes! (breathlessly, clasping hands): Oh when will Jack be back?

L. LADY: Yes, that's what I thought in mind. Now we go through rooms. (L. LADY repeats line, sits down on chairs.)

DIRECTOR: Wait (enters, closes door,): The wolves are coming!

DIRECTOR: Shoot it. Is sound man here. (Sits down, rubs hands in satisfication): Is good. We need sound. Places everyone. (LEADING MAN goes to LADY. DIRECTOR sneaks through the door.)

DIRECTOR: You will fall down here, when sound man. (DIRECTOR sneaks through the door.)

DIRECTOR: Yes. I believe her fine...

DIRECTOR: (in horror, through megaphone). Cut out! Cut out!

DIRECTOR: You clumsy calf.

LEADING LADY: I stepped on her tail!

DIRECTOR: Places everyone. (PROP MAN and L. MAN exits.)

DIRECTOR: Well, we try looking toward audience instead of door. LADY enters on cue.

L. MAN: (enters on cue)

DIRECTOR: You are supposed to be alone, LADY. You think Jack is coming through wall?

DIRECTOR: Jennifer does not care how her man acts, be cold and hungry!

LEADING LADY: (fluffing her hair): I'll never be THAT cold and hungry.

DIRECTOR: Do it my way, or I replace you with Greta Flim.

LEADING LADY: (pouting): Oh, all right.

Page 2

PAGE 2

DIRECTOR: Now, we try just one more. Please do it right THIS time. Already have ten days behind shooting schedule. Outside I have waiting a dozen couples waiting to see the extra scenes if you don't obey me. This one! (Returns to chair and sneaks weakly.) Places everyone Lights, Camera, ACTION! (Again LADY performs. The wolves howl, door opens, hero enters, snow flies and howling louder. (He comes to a stop and falls on floor.)

DIRECTOR: (Pushes across stage): Cut! Cut! Cut!

PROP MAN: I'm so sorry sir I threw the box of snow by mistake,

LEADING MAN: (rises, points to his feet and looks 'round wildly): The door is at the door I mean the moors are at the door. (They help him into chair by table. He sits there, groggily.)

DIRECTOR: (Shakes himself with rage): Never have I seen such a blunderhead! If this happens one more time, and this time, I throw the snow. (Looks around.)

DIRECTOR: You do not even have red shoes or yellow bolts or microphones or list.

PROP MAN: You remember nothing. Now, you go get. (PROP MAN exit) DIRECTOR ushers them back to the scene. Ah. You want me to show a cannon to the rear.

DIRECTOR: (To bored CAMERAMAN) You have seen my Stetson hat, motor car, stallion at dawn, "Noon Highhorse," and "Afternoon of MAX in PONY" the most artistic horse pictures of the century.

DIRECTOR: (Takes off beret, jumps up and down on it, enraged) I told PAIR OF BROBS. You idiot! Get wir- I mean, are you going on strike again. (PROP MAN, tangled in twine, comes in. He runs into LEADING MAN.)

LEADING MAN: (enraged): Strike me again, will you? (He swings and they start to fight, both getting tangled in parachute, LADY)

DIRECTOR: Back! (Runs around set): Keep them apart. (They run off front behind front awning. CAMERAMAN turns on CAMERAMAN). (Laugh to be heard). You, (She grabs up megaphone, cries it over his head), what a mess, Better I could do with arms (She cries in pain, near collapse): What a mess, Better I could do with arms

DIRECTOR: THAT COLOR! What a storm! (He roars) I am sorry.

DIRECTOR: OUT! OUT! (Every one leaves the stage. DIRECTOR sneaks through the door.) Well, since the cast left the stage, I will call it RIGHT-MAN! (He closely looks to ground and cube re cluster around h im as

THE CURTAIN FALLS!

















_____________________






The Boy Scouts of America, doing business as Scouting America since 2025, is the largest scouting organization and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 1 million youth, including nearly 200,000 female participants. Founded in 1910, about 130 million Americans have participated in its programs, which are served by 465,000 adult volunteers.[2] The organization became a founding member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922. In 2025 the organization changed its name to Scouting America.[3][4]

The stated mission of Scouting America is to "prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."[5] Youth are trained in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. For younger members, the Scout method is part of the program to instill typical Scouting values such as trustworthiness, good citizenship, and outdoors skills, through a variety of activities such as camping, aquatics, and hiking. To further these outdoor activities, Scouting America owns four high-adventure bases: Northern Tier (Minnesota, Manitoba, and Ontario), Philmont Scout Ranch (New Mexico), Sea Base (Florida Keys, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Bahamas), and Summit Bechtel Reserve (West Virginia), as well as nearly 100 camps and reservations dedicated to scouts.[6]

The main Scouting programs are Cub Scouts for ages 5 to 11 years, Scouts BSA for ages 10 to 18, Venturing for ages 14 through 21, and Sea Scouts for ages 14 through 21. Scouting America units are operated by chartering local organizations, such as churches, clubs, civic associations, or educational organizations, to implement the Scouting program for youth within their communities. Units are led by volunteers appointed by the chartering organization (most prominently by the "Key 3", made up of the Unit Leader, Committee Chair, and Chartered Organization representative),[7] who are supported by local councils using both paid professional Scouters and volunteers. Additionally, Learning for Life is an affiliate that provides in-school and career education.[8]

In 2019, the Boy Scouts of America renamed its flagship program, Boy Scouts, to Scouts BSA to reflect its policy change allowing girls to join separate all-girl troops.[9][10] On February 8, 2025, its 115th anniversary, the BSA changed its name to Scouting America.[3] The Scout Oath, Law and program remain unchanged.[4]
Origins
Ernest Thompson Seton (left), Baden-Powell (seated) and Dan Beard (right)
Further information: Scouting, Scouting in the United States, and History of Scouting America

The progressive movement in the United States was at its height during the early 20th century.[11] With the migration of families from farms to cities, there were concerns among some people that young men were no longer learning patriotism, self-reliance, and individualism. Several groups attempted to fill this void. The YMCA was an early promoter of reforms for young men with a focus on social welfare and programs of mental, physical, social and religious development.[12]: 72–82  Others, included the Woodcraft Indians started by Ernest Thompson Seton in 1902 in Cos Cob, Connecticut, and the Sons of Daniel Boone founded by Daniel Carter Beard in 1905 in Cincinnati, Ohio[13], two notable independent scouting predecessors of Scouting America within the United States.
Boy Scouts, Troop 10, Columbus, Ohio, 1918

In 1907, Robert Baden-Powell founded the Scouting movement in England using elements of Seton's works among other influences.[14] In 1909, Chicago publisher W. D. Boyce was visiting London, where he encountered a boy who came to be known as the Unknown Scout.[15] Boyce was lost on a foggy street when an unknown Scout came to his aid, guiding him to his destination. The boy then refused Boyce's tip, explaining that he was a Boy Scout and was merely doing his daily good turn. Interested in the Boy Scouts, Boyce met with staff at the Boy Scouts Headquarters and, by some accounts, Baden-Powell. Upon his return to the US, Boyce was inspired by his experience and incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.[16] Edgar M. Robinson and Lee F. Hanmer became interested in the nascent BSA and convinced Boyce to turn the program over to the YMCA for development in April 1910. Robinson enlisted Seton, Beard, Charles Eastman, and other prominent leaders in the early youth movements. Former president Theodore Roosevelt, who had long complained of the decline in American manhood, became an ardent supporter.[17] In January 1911, Robinson turned the movement over to James E. West who became the first Chief Scout Executive and Scouting began to expand in the US[12]: 148  Among other programs in the US, the Woodcraft Indians and Sons of Daniel Boone, eventually merged with the BSA.[18]: 52 

Scouting America's stated purpose at its incorporation in 1910 was "to teach [boys] patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values."[19]: 7  Later, in 1937, Deputy Chief Scout Executive George J. Fisher expressed the BSA's mission: "Each generation as it comes to maturity has no more important duty than that of teaching high ideals and proper behavior to the generation which follows."[20] The current mission statement of Scouting America is "to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."[21][22]

At its peak, Scouting America had an active membership of over 4 million youth in 1973.[23] Today, popularity in outdoor events has waned and membership has dropped. However, Scouting America remains the largest scouting organization and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with about 1 million youth participants and over 400,000 adult volunteers as of 2024.[24]
Federally chartered corporation

    The purposes of the corporation are to promote, through organization, and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues, using the methods that were in common use by boy scouts on June 15, 1916.

36 U.S.C. § 30902

Scouting America holds one of the comparatively rare congressional charters under Title 36 of the United States Code.[25][26] On behalf of Boy Scouts of America, Paul Sleman, Colin H. Livingstone, Ernest S. Martin, and James E. West successfully lobbied Congress for a federal charter, which President Woodrow Wilson signed on June 15, 1916. One of the principal reasons for seeking a congressional charter was to deal with competition from other Scout organizations including the United States Boy Scouts and the Lone Scouts of America.[27] The 1916 statute of incorporation established this institution among a small number of similarly chartered patriotic and national organizations,[28] such as the Girl Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, the American Legion, the Red Cross, Little League Baseball, and the National Academy of Sciences. The federal incorporation was originally construed primarily as an honor; however, it does grant the chartered organization some special privileges and rights, including freedom from antitrust and monopoly regulation and complete control over the organization's symbols and insignia, [29] though it neither implies nor accords Congress any special control over Scouting America, which remains free to function independently.[30]
Membership
Main programs
A Venturer traverses a COPE High Ropes course.

Scouting America uses four primary programs to achieve its aims in Scouting:

    Cub Scouting is available to children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
    Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts) is the flagship program of Scouting America for youth ages 11 to 17; 10-year-olds can join after March 1 of their fifth grade year or if they have earned the Arrow of Light award.[31]
    Venturing is the program for ages 14 to 20.[32]
    Sea Scouting is the program for ages 14 to 20 focused on nautical activities.[33]

There are about 100,000 physically or mentally disabled Scouts throughout the United States. Anyone certified as disabled "may enroll in Scouting and remain in its program beyond the regulation age limits. This provision allows all members to advance in Scouting as far as they wish."[34]
Other programs

Scouting America offers several other programs and subprograms beyond regular membership:

    The Order of the Arrow is the organization's honor society for experienced campers, dedicated to the ideals of brotherhood and cheerful service. To be considered for membership one must live their life by the Scout Law, accomplish several requirements, and be elected by members of their unit.[35]
    Lone Scouting is a program designed to allow those who would otherwise not be able to become Scouts or Cub Scouts—usually due to residence in an overseas/isolated community or unusual circumstances—to participate in the Scouting experience.[27]
    STEM Scouts is a pilot program of Scouting America that focuses on STEM learning and career development for boys and girls in elementary, middle, and high school.[36][37]
    Learning for Life is a school and work-site based program that is a subsidiary of Scouting America. It utilizes programs designed for schools and community-based organizations that are designed to prepare youth for the complexities of contemporary society and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation, and self-esteem.[38][34][39] Exploring is the worksite-based program of Learning for Life with programs based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience.[40] Learning for Life is not considered a regular Scouting program; it does not use the Scout Oath, Scout Law, uniforms, or insignia of regular Scouting. All Learning for Life programs are open to youth and adults without restriction based on gender, residence, sexual orientation, or other considerations other than age requirements.[40][41]

Membership controversies
Main article: Scouting America membership controversies
LGBT Boy Scouts and their supporters at 2017 Capital Pride parade carrying flags and A Scout is equal sign

Unlike Learning for Life, membership in the regular Scouting America programs had been more restricted and controversial. Until the late 2010s, Cub Scouting or the program then-named Boy Scouting was open to boys only, but girls were permitted to join the Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Explorers programs in 1970. Women could also serve as adult volunteers in all programs in approximately the same time frame. On October 11, 2017, Scouting America announced that girls would be allowed to become Cub Scouts, starting in 2018, and be in the Scouts BSA program, starting on February 1, 2019.[42][43][44][45][46][47]

Scouting America's religious requirements of its members have been controversial and inconsistent. Many volunteers within the organization have welcomed atheist and agnostic scouts. However, in 2018, the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board "reaffirm[ed] its unequivocal commitment to the Declaration of Religious Principle as a fundamental component of the mission of the Boy Scouts of America".[48] At the same meeting, it also stated that "[t]he recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgement of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members"[48]. This position is inconsistent with the fact that the BSA has had Buddhist troops since 1920, although Buddhism is a nontheistic religion which does not assert belief in a creator God.[49] The BSA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Unitarian Universalist Association in 2016 which specifically gives ultimate authority over a participant's spiritual welfare to the individual Unitarian Universalist congregation. The MOU also specifically includes within Unitarian Universalist chartered troops humanism as an acceptable form of spirituality as well as Earth-centered religions.[50]

In 2000, the Supreme Court ruled in Boy Scouts of America v. Dale that Boy Scouts and all similar, private voluntary organizations have the constitutionally protected right under the First Amendment of freedom of association to set membership standards.[51] In 2004, the BSA adopted a new policy statement, including a "Youth Leadership" policy that disallowed members to continue in leadership positions if they held themselves as "open and avowed homosexuals".[52]

At the Scouts annual meeting in April 2012, a leader from the Northeast presented a resolution that "would allow individual units to accept gays as adult leaders".[53][54] However, in July 2012, at the culmination of a review started in 2010, an 11-person committee convened by the BSA reached a "unanimous consensus" recommending retaining the gay-exclusion policy.[55][56] Intel,[57] UPS,[58] and Merck[59][60] cut financial ties with Scouting America over this decision. Within the BSA National Executive Board, members James Turley, CEO of Ernst & Young, and Randall Stephenson, CEO of AT&T and who was then "on track to become president of the Scout's national board in 2014",[61] and later did become president, publicly opposed the policy and stated their intention "to work from within the BSA Board to actively encourage dialogue and sustainable progress" in changing the policy.[62] On January 28, 2013, the BSA announced it was considering rescinding the ban on homosexuals, allowing chartered organizations to determine local policy.[63]

On May 23, 2013, over 60% of the 1,400-member BSA National Council voted to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation while emphasizing that any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, is not allowed. The resolution went into effect on January 1, 2014,[64][65] but Scout leaders who were "open and avowed homosexuals" were still prohibited. The policy specifically states that BSA does not inquire into a person's sexuality.[66] Gay rights groups hailed the decision, but vowed to press on until all gay members were accepted. Some churches and conservative members threatened to quit the Boy Scouts in response.[67] On June 12, 2013, the Southern Baptist Convention passed non-binding resolutions urging the BSA not to change their policy.[68][69] In September 2013, a new scouting group called Trail Life USA was created, in support of what founders call "traditional, Christian" scouting.[70][71][72] Subsequently, some Christian denomination congregations replaced their Boy Scouts of America troops with those of Trail Life USA.[73]

In May 2015, Boy Scouts of America President Robert Gates said it was time to end the ban on gay leaders. Gates said it "cannot be sustained" any longer. On July 10, 2015, the Boy Scouts of America Executive Committee agreed, and referred the matter to the National Executive Board.[74] On July 27, 2015, the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board voted to lift the organization's blanket ban on openly gay leaders and employees. Local chartering organizations are still permitted to set their own standards based on religious principle for selecting the adult volunteers for their unit.[75]

On January 30, 2017, the Boy Scouts of America announced that transgender children who identify as boys would be allowed to enroll in boys-only programs, effective immediately. Previously, the sex listed on an applicant's birth certificate determined eligibility for these programs; going forward, the decision would be based on the gender listed on the application.[76] Joe Maldonado became the first openly transgender child identifying as a boy to join the Scouts on February 7, 2017.[77] He had been rejected from the Boy Scouts in 2016 for being transgender, but the policy was changed after his story became nationally known.[78]

On October 11, 2017, the Boy Scouts of America announced that girls would be welcomed into Cub Scouts beginning in late 2018, with an early adopter program beginning on January 15, 2018, in councils that wished to participate early. The announcement included the statement that girls in Cub Scouting will simply be called "Cub Scouts". The flagship program of Boy Scouts of America, previously known as "Boy Scouting", became known as Scouts BSA on February 1, 2019, when the program opened to girls. Members of Scouts BSA are known as "Scouts".[79] On November 6, 2018, the Girl Scouts organization filed a federal trademark lawsuit[80] seeking to block the BSA from rebranding itself simply as "Scouts";[81] the two organizations had previously litigated the use of the term scout.[82]

On May 7, 2024, the BSA announced that it would change its name to Scouting America. The name change officially went into effect on February 8, 2025, the 115th anniversary of the organization. The Scout Oath, Law and program remain unchanged. The uniforms also remain the same but are embroidered with the new name.[83][84][85] The change does not affect the name of their flagship program, "Scouts BSA" which was renamed from "Boy Scouts" in 2019.
Program
Aims, methods, and ideals
See also: Advancement and recognition in Scouting America
Boy Scout, 1974, wearing uniform of the time

    "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." -Scout Oath

    "A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent." -Scout Law

Boy Scouts of America (1921), a silent film by Vitalux Movies outlining various practices in the BSA program
Boy Scouts Troop at Mt. Vernon Virginia

The objectives of Scouting America are referred to as the Aims and Methods of Scouting: Character, Citizenship, Personal Fitness, Leadership.[86] Scouting America pursues these aims through an informal education system called the Scout method, with variations that are designed to be appropriate for the age and maturity of each membership division.[21][87]

Cub Scouts wear a uniform that gives each Scout a level of identity within the den, the pack and the community. The Scouts learn teamwork by meeting and working together in a den of four to ten boys or girls under adult leadership. They learn and apply the ideals codified in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law through an advancement system using age-based ranks earned by completing required and elective adventures. Some advancement is done in the home and is intended to involve the entire family and many Cub Scout activities include family members.[32]

In the Scouts BSA program, Scouts learn to use the ideals spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Outdoor Code, the Scout motto ("Be prepared"), and the Scout slogan ("Do a good turn daily"). They wear a uniform and work together in patrols of four to ten Scouts with an elected patrol leader, who then appoints an assistant patrol leader. Scouts share responsibilities, apply skills learned at meetings and live together in the outdoors. The advancement system provides opportunities for personal growth and self-reliance.[88] Scouts interact with adult leaders who act as role models and mentors, but they are expected to plan their own activities within the troop and to participate in community service.[88]

Venturers are expected to know and live by the Scout Oath and Law. Before May 2014,[89] members of the Venturing program followed the now discontinued Venturing Oath and Venturing Code.[90] Venturers associate and work directly with adult advisors, but the crew is led by elected youth officers who are given opportunities to learn and apply leadership skills. Venturers plan and participate in interdependent group experiences dependent on cooperation. An emphasis on high adventure provides opportunities for team-building and practical leadership applications. A series of awards provide opportunities for recognition and personal growth.[91] Each award requires the Venturer to teach what they have learned to others, thereby returning the skill and knowledge back to the community and enabling the Venturer to master those skills.[91]

In October 2012, the National Council announced that, as a result of the findings and recommendations of a select committee made up of volunteer Scouters, the Cub Scout and Venturing programs would transition to use of the Scout Oath and Law, and in the case of the Venturers, the Boy Scout three-finger salute and sign as well. The Venturing change occurred in May 2014; and the Cub Scout change in mid-2015.[92]
Ranks
Main article: Ranks in Scouts BSA

There are seven ranks that a Scout in the Scouts BSA program may attain (note that Eagle Palms are not considered ranks[93]). To obtain a rank, a Scout must complete the requirements for that rank, as well as have a Scoutmaster Conference and a Board of Review (with the exception of Scout Rank).[94] To obtain a rank you must first acquire the rank previous to it, with the exception of Scout rank in which a Scout can earn at anytime once they have completed the requirements for it. The ranks are in the following order: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Scout, Life Scout, and Eagle Scout. An increasing number of merit badges, as well as being in troop leadership positions, is required for the latter 3 ranks, plus other requirements. Certain ranks require specific merit badges and leadership positions.[94]
Eagle Scout
Main article: Eagle Scout
The Eagle Scout rank badge

Eagle Scout is the highest rank one can receive in Scouts BSA. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million youth. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership, all before or by age 18. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements.[95][96]
National Scout jamboree
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.
Main article: National Scout jamboree (Scouting America)

The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of Scouts and Venturers from across the US. It is usually held every four years, with some adjustment for special years such as the 2010 National Scout Jamboree that celebrated Scouting America centennial. The first jamboree was held in 1937 at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.[97] There were 27,232 Scouts and Leaders present at the first National Jamboree.[98] In 1950, the Boy Scouts of America hosted their second National Jamboree at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The event was to commemorate the organization's 40th anniversary.[98] Since then, jamborees have been held in varying locations. From 1981 until 2010, the jamboree was held at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. A permanent location owned by Scouting America was sought in 2008 for future jamborees, high adventure programs and training. The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve near Beckley, West Virginia, became the permanent site beginning with the 2013 National Scout Jamboree.[99]
High adventure
Main article: High Adventure bases of Scouting America

Scouting America operates several high-adventure bases at the national level. Each offers a wide range of programs and training; a typical core program may include sailing, wilderness canoeing or wilderness backpacking and camping trips. These bases are administered by the High Adventure Division of the National Council.[100]

The high-adventure bases of Scouting America are Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases, Sea Base, and The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve.[101]
Boy Scouts of the Wildcat Patrol
Training
Main article: Leadership training (Scouting America)

Scouting America offers a wide variety of mandatory and optional training programs in youth protection, outdoor skills and leadership.
Adult leader training

Every adult leader must complete Youth Protection Training. Position-specific training is also required for all direct-contact leaders. Upon completion of basic training, a leader may wear the Trained emblem on his/her Scouting America uniform.[102]

Supplemental skill-specific training is also available to Scouting America volunteers to gain knowledge in outdoors skills including camping, hiking, first aid, Leave No Trace, swim safety, climbing safety, hazardous weather, and other skills.[103]

The highest level of Scouting America training is Wood Badge,[104] focused on helping participants develop leadership skills while participating in an outdoor program over five days. Some councils offer high-adventure training for adults using the Powder Horn program.[105] Leaders can also take the Seabadge advanced leadership and management course.[106]
Youth leadership training

Scout youth leaders may attend the unit-level Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. Local councils offer the advanced National Youth Leadership Training and the National Council offers the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience conducted at Philmont Training Center. Scouting America also offers the NYLT Leadership Academy which trains youth staff members from across the country for council-level NYLT courses.[107]

Venturers and Sea Scouts may attend the unit-level Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships. Crew officers can attend Crew Officer Orientation, and then a council-provided Kodiak leadership training program.[108]

Order of the Arrow members may attend the National Leadership Seminar, run multiple times each year by each region.[109]
National Camping School

Scouting America operates a National Camping School program which trains people how to run various departments or areas at resident camps. Some online training is offered, but most areas require an in-person week-long training program at one of the National Camping Schools.[110][111] After successfully completing a week-long program, a person is entitled to wear the National Camping School patch. The regular-size patch may be worn on the right breast shirt pocket, in the temporary patch spot.[112] National Camping School certification is valid for five years.[113]
COPE

COPE, which stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience, is a program that consists of a series of tests of strength, agility, coordination, and problem-solving, individually and within groups.[114]
Outdoor program
See also: Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly!, and Outdoor Code

Scouts see nature as an adventurous place, and it is expected that when they get older the experience from their youth will make them nature lovers. Scouts envisage nature as a heritage.[115] [116]

    "On breaking up camp leave two things behind you: 1. Nothing. 2. Your thanks." — Lord Baden-Powell in 1919.

Organization
National Council
Scouting America National Office in Irving, Texas

The National Council is the corporate membership of Scouting America and consists of volunteer Scouters who meet annually. The day-to-day operations of the National Council are administered by the Chief Scout Executive and other national professional staff. National Council members include volunteers who are elected national officers and executive board members, regional presidents, the local council representatives, members at large, and honorary members. The national headquarters has been in Irving, Texas since 1979.

Since the founding of Scouting America in 1910, the President of the United States has served as the organization's honorary chair during his term in office, former presidents serve as honorary vice chairs for their lifetimes.[117]
Governance and the National Executive Board
Main article: National Executive Board of Scouting America

The Scouting America National Executive Board governs the organization. The 2015 National Executive Board consisted of 79 members.[118]

The board is led by the national president, a volunteer elected by the National Council. Board members included regular elected members, regional presidents, and up to five appointed youth members. The Chief Scout Executive is the board secretary and non-voting member. The National Executive Board has a number of standing committees that correspond to the professional staff organization of the National Council.

Present and past members of the National Executive Board include Utah Senator Mitt Romney,[119] Ernst & Young CEO Jim Turley and AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson.[120] Other members included Latter-day Saint Church President Thomas S. Monson.[121]
National Service Territories
Main article: National Service Territories

For administrative purposes, Scouting America is divided into sixteen National Service Territories (NSTs) including international areas for scouts with parents serving outside the US. Each NST encompasses multiple states or portions of states/counties.[122]

Until 2021, Scouting America was divided into four regions for administrative purposes—Central, Southern, Western, Northeast.[123]
Local councils
Main article: Council (Scouting America)
Boy Scouts of America Atlanta, Georgia Area Council headquarters

The Scouting America program is administered through 236 local councils, each covering a geopolitical area that may vary from a single city to an entire state. Councils receive an annual charter from the National Council and are usually incorporated as a charitable organization.

The council level organization is similar to that of the National Council. The council executive board is headed by the council president and is made up of annually elected local community leaders.[124] The board establishes the council program and carries out the resolutions, policies, and activities of the council. Board members serve without pay and some are volunteer Scouters working at the unit level. Youth members may be elected to the council executive board according to the council by-laws.

The Scout executive manages council operations—including finance, property management, advancement and awards, registrations, and Scout Shop sales—with a staff of other professionals and para-professionals. Volunteer commissioners lead the unit service functions of the council, help maintain the standards of Scouting America, and assure a healthy unit program.[125]

Scouting America also charters two councils operating overseas, largely serving military base and diplomatic community families in Europe and Asia. The Transatlantic Council, headquartered in Italy, serves Scouting America units in Europe and Africa; the Far East Council, headquartered in Japan, serves units across Asia, including Troop 60 in New Delhi, India.[126] The Aloha Council in Hawaii also serves Scouting America units in the American territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and in the sovereign countries of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau.[127]

The Greater New York Councils are unique in that they are divided into five boroughs with each led by a borough Scout executive and each borough then divided into districts.

Councils are divided into districts with leadership provided by the district executive, district chairman, and the district commissioner.[128] Districts are directly responsible for the operation of Scouting units and, except for the district executive, are mostly staffed with volunteers.[124] The voting members of each district consist of volunteer representatives from each chartered organization having at least one Scouting America unit, plus annually elected members-at-large who in turn elect the district chairman. Boroughs and districts are subdivisions of the local council and do not have a separate corporate status.[129]
See also: List of defunct councils (Boy Scouts of America)
See also: List of council camps (Boy Scouts of America)
Chartered organizations and units
See also: Chartered organizations of Scouting America
Scouts of the first chartered troop from the Catholic parish church Saint Mark in Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1910

Scouting America partners with community organizations, such as religious congregations, fraternal groups, service clubs, and other community associations, to provide the Scouting program for the particular neighborhood or community in which the particular organization wishes to reach out to youth and families. The connection with religious congregations stems back to at least 1910, when a Catholic parish church in Saint Paul, Minnesota chartered the first troop in the city.[130][131]

Organizations hold charters issued by Scouting America and are known then as chartered organizations. Each chartered organization provides the meeting place for Scouting America youth, oversees the volunteer leaders, and agrees to follow the basic Scouting America safety policies and values-based program, and the organization is considered the "owner" of its local program, much like a franchise.[132]

Within each chartered organization, there may be one or more "units". A unit is a group of youth and adults who are collectively designated as a Cub Scout pack, Scouts BSA troop, Venturing crew, or Sea Scout ship. Each chartered organization may charter as many units as it wishes, but usually only 3 or 4 (one unit for each program level). Scouting America councils provide the leader training, inter-unit activities, camping programs, volunteer and professional support, and insurance coverage. Units also create their own activities (such as monthly camping trips, outings, or service projects), and most meet weekly at the place of the chartered organization for youth to learn basic skill development and practice leadership in small groups known as dens and patrols.[132]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the first partner to sponsor Scouting in the United States. It adopted the program in 1913 as part of its Mutual Improvement Association program for young men,[133] and it was the largest single sponsor of Scouting until it ceased sponsoring Scouting units[134][135] at the end of 2019.[136]
Leadership
Main article: Leadership in Scouting America

In all Scouting units above the Cub Scout pack (i.e. units serving adolescent Scouts), leadership of the unit comprises both adult leaders (Scouters) and youth leaders (Scouts). In fact, this is a critical component of the program. In order to learn leadership, the youth must actually serve in leadership roles. Adult leaders may be either men or women in all positions.[132]

A properly run Scouts BSA troop is run by the Senior Patrol Leader, who is elected by the troop, and their assistant, who may either be elected or appointed. These and the other youth leaders are advised and supported by the adult leaders. "Scouts are youth-led."[137]
Finance

The National Council is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is funded from private donations, membership dues, corporate sponsors, and special events with total revenues of $237 million.[138][139]

In addition to donations from individuals, Scouting America receives extensive donations from major corporations. In 2010, their top corporate donors were, in order, Intel, Emerson, Verizon, 3M, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Pfizer, Valero, UPS, U.S. Bank, Eli Lilly, GE, and Monsanto.[140]
Impact on American life
Further information: Scouting in popular culture, List of Scouts, and List of Eagle Scouts
FEMA Boy Scouts of America video

Scouting and Boy Scouts are well known throughout American culture and approximately 130 million Americans have participated in Scouting America programs at some time in their lives.[6] The term "Boy Scout" is used to generally describe someone who is earnest and honest, or who helps others cheerfully; it can also be used as a pejorative term for someone deemed to be overly idealistic.[141]

Prominent Americans in diverse walks of life, from filmmaker Steven Spielberg (who helped launch a merit badge in cinematography) to adventurer Steve Fossett to U.S. presidents, were Scouting America members as youths.[142][143] Over two-thirds of all astronauts have had some type of involvement in Scouting,[144] and eleven of the twelve men to walk on the Moon were Scouts, including Eagle Scouts Neil Armstrong and Charlie Duke.[145][146] The pinewood derby—a wood car racing event for Cub Scouts—has been declared "a celebrated rite of spring" and was named part of "America's 100 Best" by Reader's Digest.[147]

President Gerald Ford said, "I can say without hesitation, because of Scouting principles, I know I was a better athlete, I was a better naval officer, I was a better congressman, and I was a better prepared President."[148]
Norman Rockwell's Beyond the Easel, 1969
Boy Scout Troop 68 (1974)

Famed American illustrator Norman Rockwell's works were closely associated with the Boy Scouts of America for much of the 20th century.[149]: 43  Beginning in 1913, Rockwell began illustrating covers of Boys' Life, the magazine for BSA youth. He also drew the organization's annual calendar illustrations between 1925 and 1976.[149]: 89 

In 1969, as a tribute to Rockwell's 75th birthday, officials of Brown & Bigelow and the Boy Scouts of America asked Rockwell to pose in Beyond the Easel for a calendar illustration. As part of the US Bicentennial celebrations in 1976, Rockwell's Scouting paintings toured the nation and were viewed by 280,000 people.[149]: 155  In 2008, a twelve-city US tour of Rockwell's works was scheduled.[150]

Alvin Townley wrote in Legacy of Honor about the large positive impact of Eagle Scouts in America. Townley cited such examples as how Scouts, especially Eagle Scouts, were disproportionately represented among Hurricane Katrina's volunteer relief workers; just as they are disproportionately represented among members of the United States Senate.[19]: 152  Former Governor Rick Perry of Texas is an Eagle Scout who defended BSA policies and restrictions against ACLU criticisms in his book, On My Honor: Why the American Values of the Boy Scouts Are Worth Fighting For.[151]
Duration: 22 minutes and 58 seconds.22:58
Boy Scouts of the Eagle Patrol
Eagle Scouts

Mark Mays, CEO of Clear Channel Communications, told a magazine interviewer in May 2008 that, "Particularly in the very impactful ages of youth 11 to 14 years old, when they can really go astray and you're taking the time to spend with them and focus on cultural core values like reverent, trustworthy, loyal, and helpful—all of those different things ... Scouting has a huge positive impact on boys and their lives, and that in turn positively impacts our communities and society as a whole."[152]

Mayor of New York City and business tycoon Michael Bloomberg, said that Scouting America's Scout Law required of all Scouts—a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent—are "all the American values ... Americans have quaintly simplistic ways and direct ways of phrasing things ... I think it's one of the great strengths of this country."[19]: 116 

Peter Applebome, an editor of The New York Times, wrote in 2003 of his experience as an adult participating with his son in Scouting activities, "I feel lucky to have had this unexpected vehicle to share my son's youth, to shape it, and to be shaped by it as well."[153] He concluded that, although Scouting is viewed by some as old-fashioned, "Scouting's core values ... are wonderful building blocks for a movement and a life. Scouting's genuinely egalitarian goals and instincts are more important now than they've ever been. It's one of the only things that kids do that's genuinely cooperative, not competitive."[153]: 319–320 

At the turn of the 20th century, Halloween had turned into a night of vandalism, with destruction of property and cruelty to animals and people.[154] Around 1912, the BSA, Boys Clubs and other neighborhood organizations came together to encourage a safe celebration that would end the destruction that had become so common on this night.[155]

Scouting America is quite particular about how and when the Scout uniforms and insignia may be used in film and other portrayals; and for that reason, most films and television productions made in the US utilize "ersatz" Scouting organizations. Examples of this include the "Order of the Straight Arrow", portrayed in the King of the Hill cartoon series, and the "Indian Guides" depicted in the 1995 Chevy Chase film, Man of the House. Exceptions include Disney's Follow Me, Boys! (1966; re-released 1976) and the closing shot of The Sopranos, which shows Cub Scouts in full uniform.
Good Turns
Smokey Bear with members of Scouting America and the Camp Fire Girls celebrating the 50th anniversary of their founding in 1960

From the inception of the Scouting movement, Scouts have been urged to "Do a Good Turn Daily", the slogan for Scouting America. The first national Good Turn was the promotion of a safe and sane Fourth of July in 1912. During World War I, Every Scout to Save a Soldier was a slogan used to motivate children involved in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to help sell War savings stamps.[156] Scouting for Food is an ongoing annual program begun in 1986 that collects food for local food banks.[157]

In 1997, the BSA developed Service to America with a commitment to provide 200 million hours of service by youth members by the end of the year 2000. As part of Service to America, the BSA provided service projects in conjunction with the National Park Service. In October 2003, the Department of the Interior expanded the program with the creation of Take Pride in America, opening service to all Americans.[158] Service to America became Good Turn for America in 2004 and expanded to address the problems of hunger, homelessness, and inadequate housing and poor health in conjunction with the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations.[159][160]
Incidents and concerns

On February 1, 2019, the Boy Scouts of America renamed its flagship program, Boy Scouts, to Scouts BSA to reflect its policy change, allowing girls to join separate, all-girl troops.

On February 18, 2020, the National BSA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. On November 16, 2020, the National BSA disclosed in their bankruptcy filings that more than 92,000 former Scouts had reported sexual abuse by members of the organization. In December 2021, the insurer for the Boy Scouts of America agreed to pay $800 million into the fund for survivors.[161] In 2022, the Boy Scouts of America agreed to pay an additional $2.4 billion into the fund as part of a bankruptcy settlement with payments beginning in September 2023.[162]
Sexual abuse cases
Main articles: Boy Scouts of America sex abuse cases and Leadership training (Scouting America)

Scouting sexual abuse cases are situations where youth involved in Scouting programs have been sexually abused by someone who is also involved in the Scouting program. J.L. Tarr, a US Chief Scout Executive in the 1980s, was quoted in an article regarding sexual assault cases against Scout leaders across all 50 states: "That's been an issue since the Boy Scouts began."[163] Several reports have surfaced over the years regarding incidents of sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts of America, including incidents of repeat offenders.[164][165] There have also been several high-profile court cases that resulted in convictions and settlements involving such incidents.[164][165] On October 19, 2012, the Boy Scouts of America were forced by court order to release more than 20,000 pages of documentation about 1,200 alleged child sexual abuse cases within the organization from between 1965 and 1985.[166] Legal claims against Scouting America for such matters continue to the present day.[167][168] After its bankruptcy in February 2020, more than 92,000 sexual abuse claims were filed with the bankruptcy court before the November 16, 2020, deadline to receive claims.[169][170]

In the 1980s, Scouting America developed its Youth Protection program to educate youth, leaders, and parents about the problem and to introduce barriers to sexual abuse of children using the Scout program to reach victims. "Two deep" leadership dictates that no adult member can be alone with any youth member (other than their child). Shortly after joining, youth must discuss with their parents a pamphlet on sexual abuse. Before joining, adults must take a youth protection training course, which must be renewed every two years. Since 2003, new adult members must pass a criminal background check (adults who were already members had to pass a background check by 2008). The Youth Protection Plan from the organization is linked to in a CDC report on such programs.[171]
Financial problems

In recent decades, membership in Scouting America and income have declined.[172]

In addition, the organization spent millions of dollars to contest and settle lawsuits arising from sexual misconduct by BSA volunteers and employees dating back to the 1960s. From 2015 to 2017, it paid nearly $12 million to the law firm Ogletree Deakins for litigation counsel.[173] In its 2018 annual report, BSA officials said that the organization's future financial situation would depend on the outcome of various litigation and its costs. The annual report said that the BSA may have "to pay damages out of its own funds to the extent the claims are not covered by insurance or if the insurance carriers are unable or unwilling to honor the claims."[174]

Accordingly, the BSA hired a law firm in December 2018 to investigate filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.[175] Such a bankruptcy could stop litigation of at least 140 lawsuits and prevent further lawsuits.[176] In October 2019, the BSA raised membership rates to cover its increased operational expenses, particularly insurance costs.[177]

On February 18, 2020, the organization filed for bankruptcy in the Bankruptcy court of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, listing liabilities of between $100 million and $500 million and assets of $1 billion to $10 billion. The bankruptcy filing came as the organization faced hundreds of sexual abuse lawsuits. As a result of the filing, all civil litigation against the organization was suspended.[159][178][179][180] Local Councils and units remained largely unaffected as they are standalone units.[181] BSA contends that it alone should be financially responsible for any settlements in the sex abuse case lawsuits.[182] Plaintiffs have complained that BSA is hiding its assets through its affiliates.[183][184] Critics of the filing derisively described the organization and its move as "bankrupt, but not because it's broke."[185]
Anti-bullying movement

After reports surfaced in the 1970s and 1980s about bullying in the Boy Scouts, Boy Scouts of America tried to develop a no-tolerance bullying policy.[186] In the 1990s, organization leaders acknowledged it had a problem with bullying, due in part to a pre-1970s "boys will be boys" attitude by adult leaders who believed that older boys who "picked on" younger or weaker Scouts "toughened someone up" and that boys who reported bullying were "snitches" and "tattletales".[187]

In July 1987, a Boy Scout at the Goshen Scout Reservation was severely beaten in his sleep by several other Scouts. The Goshen staff responded by changing the layout of its campsites to prevent having sites in isolated areas, assigning camp staff members to each visiting troop as "advisors", and to watch for fights or other trouble resulting from conflicts at the various campsites.[188]

In the 21st century, the Boy Scouts have adopted a "Bullying Awareness Program" which trains adults to recognize the signs of bullying, especially in isolated environments such as extended campouts in the wilderness or at summer camp. Parents are also advised on what to do and whom to contact should a Scout state other Scouts are bullying them. Dealing with the bullies themselves is also addressed, in particular, those bullies who "game the system", pretending to be compassionate and apologetic for bullying victims when adults confront them, only to return to such behaviors when the adults are no longer present.[189]
LDS departure

In 2018, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—the largest charter organization supporting BSA—cut ties with the BSA, substantially contributing to a net loss of nearly a million scouts and leaders. The decision was made partly in response to BSA membership policy changes, such as allowing girls, openly gay, and transgender people to participate in the organization. However, a joint statement released by the First Presidency of the LDS Church on May 8, 2018, reflects the LDS Church's official stance on the departure and states, in the last paragraph "While the Church will no longer be a chartered partner of BSA or sponsor Scouting units after December 31, 2019, it continues to support the goals and values reflected in the Scout Oath and Scout Law and expresses its profound desire for Scouting's continuing and growing success in the years ahead."[190][191]