Celebrating 115 Years of Scouting: Developing Leaders and Character in Youth

Scouting America: A Legacy of Leadership and Adventure

Announcing a significant milestone, Scouting America proudly celebrates its 115th anniversary this February, marking a transformative journey of youth leadership, character development, and countless adventures since its inception in 1910. This organization is the foremost youth program in the United States, offering access to unique experiences that focus on developing young individuals' ethical and moral decision-making skills.

With its renaming from Boy Scouts of America to Scouting America, the organization emphasizes its ongoing evolution to meet the needs of modern youth while holding true to its foundational values, encapsulated in the Scout Oath and Law. "As we celebrate this monumental occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering young people to navigate today's complexities with integrity and courage," expressed Roger Krone, President and CEO of Scouting America.

Commitment to Developing Values and Skills

Since its foundation, Scouting America has strived to nurture character and instill values in young people through various engaging activities. From camping excursions to pinewood derby car races, scouts learn essential life skills while fostering personal growth and teamwork. Whether participating in a trail hike or embarking on community service projects, each experience is designed to encourage goal setting and resilience.

This legacy of guidance and development has impacted over 130 million Americans. Today, more than 1 million youth benefit from Scouting programs, supported by a vast network of approximately 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers across local councils nation-wide.

Celebratory Events and Iconic Landmarks

To commemorate this special occasion, a week-long celebration has been organized, with a multitude of iconic landmarks across the United States illuminated in red, white, and blue in honor of Scouting America's achievements. These sites include notable attractions like Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, and Times Square's Nasdaq billboard. Engaging activities also extend to social media, encouraging both Scotters and non-Scouts to share their cherished scouting moments using the hashtags provided online.

Invitation to Join the Movement

As Scouting America looks toward the next 115 years, it calls upon families, individuals, and communities to join its mission. Regardless of whether they are continuing a Scouting tradition or exploring Scouting for the first time, all are invited to be part of this enduring community. The organization's commitment to creating a safe, engaging environment for youth to thrive remains unwavering, bolstered by recent initiatives aimed at inclusivity and empowerment for all young people.

In closing, Scouting America illuminates the path for future generations, empowering them with the essential skills and values required to become responsible and engaged citizens of tomorrow. For those interested in learning more about how to get involved, please visit BeAScout.org to explore Scouting’s diverse offerings and to sign up.

Let us not just reminisce about the past, but kindle a renewed spirit of adventure and leadership as we collectively look ahead to a promising future in Scouting America!