Scouting Americas History
A brief, non-complete, history
As an organization Scouting Americas (formally known as Boy Scouts of America) has a long history of teaching the youth of America the values of service, preparedness, resourcefulness, and other aspects of ethical living.
Below is only a few of the most important moments in Scouting’s History
1909 – 1910
The “Unknown Scout”
According to legend, American businessman William D. Boyce once got lost in the streets of London in 1909 and was guided to his destination by a British Scout. Boyce was impressed enough by the existing British Scouting organization—which had been established in the UK in 1907 by Lieutenant-General Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell—to found an American version of it. In 1910, the Scouting America was born.
1910
Scouting in America Established
Scouting America was established. In the very first National Executive Board meeting report, there was a discussion about finding ways to retain older boys with age-specific program and challenges appropriate for them.
1912
The First Eagle Scout
Arthur Rose Eldred becomes the first Eagle Scout.
1930
Cub Scouting Begins
Cub Scouting in the US is founded.
1935
Senior Scouting
Senior Scout programs for boys 15 and older are created, including the Sea Scouts, Air Scouts, Explorer Scouts, and Rover Scouts.
1971
Young Women in Explorers
Young women are allowed to join the Explorer Scouts as full members.
1998
Venturing
The Exploring program is redesigned and turned into Venturing.
2013
End of ban
The BSA ends its ban on gay members, allowing openly gay boys to officially become boy Scouts.
2018
Scouts BSA
The Boy Scouts program name is officially changed to Scouts BSA in preparation for girls joining.
2019
Scouts BSA Welcomes Girls
Girls can officially join Scouts BSA