The Scouting Movement was started in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell, a lieutenant -general in the British Army. While serving in Africa, Baden-Powell wrote several military books on reconnaissance and scout training. It was discovered that many of his books were being read by boys. Inspired by this, Baden-Powell wrote the book Scouting For Boys, published in 1908, specifically for youth readership. During the writing of this book he tested his ideas with a camping trip on Brownsea Island in Southern England with the local Boys' Brigade and sons of his friends. This camping trip began on August 1, 1907 and is now seen as the beginning of the Boy Scouts. Baden-Powell formally founded the Boy Scouts as an organization in 1908.
In the book Scouting For Boys, Baden-Powell describes the Scot method of outdoor activities aimed at developing character, citizenship, reverence and personal fitness qualities among youth. Boy Scouts should be helpful; understand their society, heritage and culture; have respect for the rights of others; and be positive leader-citizens. Many boys joined Scouting activities, resulting in the movement growing rapidly and becoming the world's largest youth organization.
In 1909, Chicago publisher W. D. Boyce was visiting London; he got lost and an unknown Scout came to his aid, guiding him to his destination. The boy refused Boyce's tip, explaining that he was a Boy Scout and was merely doing his daily good turn. Impressed by this boy's action, Boyce investigated the Scouting organization. Boyce became so impressed with the organization that upon his return to America, he and other prominent leaders founded the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.
The BSA stated purpose at it's incorporation in 1910 was "to teach [boys] patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values". The current mission statement of the BSA 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"
In 1913, the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church recognized a shared goal with the BSA and became the chartering organization for Troop 1. Cub Scout Pack 1 began it's activities in 1960. For more than 100 years the Scouting program offered by this Church has touched the lives of many boys, young men, and adults alike.
In the book Scouting For Boys, Baden-Powell describes the Scot method of outdoor activities aimed at developing character, citizenship, reverence and personal fitness qualities among youth. Boy Scouts should be helpful; understand their society, heritage and culture; have respect for the rights of others; and be positive leader-citizens. Many boys joined Scouting activities, resulting in the movement growing rapidly and becoming the world's largest youth organization.
In 1909, Chicago publisher W. D. Boyce was visiting London; he got lost and an unknown Scout came to his aid, guiding him to his destination. The boy refused Boyce's tip, explaining that he was a Boy Scout and was merely doing his daily good turn. Impressed by this boy's action, Boyce investigated the Scouting organization. Boyce became so impressed with the organization that upon his return to America, he and other prominent leaders founded the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.
The BSA stated purpose at it's incorporation in 1910 was "to teach [boys] patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values". The current mission statement of the BSA 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"
In 1913, the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church recognized a shared goal with the BSA and became the chartering organization for Troop 1. Cub Scout Pack 1 began it's activities in 1960. For more than 100 years the Scouting program offered by this Church has touched the lives of many boys, young men, and adults alike.
From the Scout Sunday program Feb. 2010
