Celebrate 100 Years with The Boy Scouts

On Feb. 8, the Boy Scouts of America will celebrate 100 years of scouting, self-empowerment and service. The organization, which was incorporated by W. D. Boyce in 1910, started with 34 representatives of boys’ work agencies and now has more than four million youth members and volunteers. In addition to almost 1.7 million Cub Scouts and 70,000 Varsity Scouts, the organization supports about 845,000 Boy Scouts. Today, the BSA also celebrates its history through the National Scouting Museum, which was built in 2002 and is located next to the national office in Irving, Texas.

The Boy Scouts emphasize five core values for its members: leadership, character, community, service and achievement. Additionally, the organization encourages six “essential needs,” which form the foundation of all of the boy scouts’ badge endeavors: mentoring, lifelong learning, faith traditions, serving others, healthy living, building character.

“A Year of Celebration,” a yearlong commemoration of all the participants, leaders and volunteers who have made the Boy Scouts the runaway success it is, kicked off in September of last year and runs through Dec. 31. This month, the U.S. National Mint began making Boy Scouts of America silver dollars, and on Feb. 9, the day after the 100th anniversary, the BSA will host a gala in Washington, D.C. The events will continue throughout the spring and summer, with the announcement of the National Hall of Leadership inductees, Jamboree 2010 and A Shining Light Across America broadcast and webcast. Adventure Base 100 is a traveling exhibit also celebrating the anniversary. The 10,000 square-foot facility acts as a hands-on, interactive camp for visitors. The base’s trek began on Jan. 1, and it will continue to traverse the country throughout the year.

If you or any of your fellow Detroit Boy Scout members or volunteers are looking for activities during this anniversary year, check out the following schedule for more information.

Feb. 8 – 100th Anniversary of incorporation

Feb. 9 – Gala 2010 in D.C.

July 25 – Grand Centennial Parade in D.C.

July 26 – Start of Jamboree 2010

July 31 – A Shining Light Across America

August 4 – End of Jamboree 2010

November – End of Adventure Base 100 tour