The Scouting movement was founded by Lord Baden-Powell in 1907 in England. Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910 and is the largest youth organization in the country; and is part of the World Scouting Movement, which is the largest youth organization in the world. The mission of the Boy Scouts of 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 Scout Law. Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has had fully participating members with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. The first Chief Scout Executive, James E. West, had a disability. At age 7, his mother passed away and he was sent to an orphanage. Here it was discovered that he had an incurable disease in one leg that crippled him for life.
"Scouting is a Game with a Purpose" - Lord Robert Baden-Powell
The purpose of Scouting is to make better citizens, citizens who are self reliant, and know how to work as both a leader and follower. Safety is emphasized in all activities but the purpose is always to teach the Scouts valuable skills while having fun. Scouting is for any boy from age 7 till 18. Venture Scouts is open to any Boy or Girl aged 14-21.
The Boy Scouts of America is divided up into 4 different Programs:
(Click here for information on Cub Scouts.)
(Click here for information on Boy Scouts.)
(Click here for information on Venturing.)