🧭 Boy Scouts – A Century of Character, Leadership, and Adventure
Boy Scouts refers to the global youth movement founded in 1908 by British Army officer Robert Baden-Powell. The organization aims to support young people in their physical, mental, and spiritual development, so they may play constructive roles in society. In the United States, the movement began in 1910 with the establishment of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), now known as Scouting America.
🌍 Origins and Global Expansion
The Scouting movement started with Baden-Powell’s publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, following an experimental camp on Brownsea Island in 1907. The book’s success led to the rapid formation of Scout troops across the UK and eventually worldwide. Today, Scouting organizations exist in over 170 countries, united under the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM).
🇺🇸 Scouting in the United States
Inspired by the British model, American publisher William D. Boyce founded the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910. The organization grew rapidly, incorporating various youth groups and receiving a congressional charter in 1916. In 2025, to reflect its inclusive membership, the BSA rebranded as Scouting America.
🛠️ Programs and Structure
Scouting America offers programs for youth aged 5 to 21, including:
- Cub Scouts: Ages 5–10
- Scouts BSA: Ages 11–17
- Venturing: Ages 14–20
- Sea Scouts: Ages 14–20
- Exploring: Ages 10–20
🏕️ Activities and Traditions
Scouting activities include camping, hiking, community service, and skill-building exercises. Scouts earn merit badges and ranks, culminating in prestigious awards like the Eagle Scout. National and international events, such as jamborees, foster camaraderie and cultural exchange among Scouts.
📚 Learn More
Boy Scouts or Boy Scout may refer to:
- Members, sections or organisations in the Scouting Movement
- Scout (Scouting), a boy or a girl participating in the worldwide Scouting movement
- Scouting America, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, or a member of it.
- A member of the Scouts BSA program, an age group of Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts
- Another organisation in the Scouting Movement, although many of these organizations also have female members. There are thousands of national Scouting organizations or federations, mostly grouped into seven international Scouting associations, along with some non-aligned organizations and Groups. More information on these organizations and groups can be found in:
- List of World Organization of the Scout Movement members
- International Union of Guides and Scouts of Europe#Member organizations
- Order of World Scouts#List of members
- World Federation of Independent Scouts#List of members
- World Organization of Independent Scouts#Members
- Confederation of European Scouts#Member organizations
- List of non-aligned Scouting organizations
- The Scouting Movement in a country, see: Category:Scouting and Guiding by country
- Boy Scout Lane, an isolated road located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, mentioned in various ghost stories
- Boy Scout Preserve, a park in Pasco County, Florida.
- USS Boy Scout (SP-53), a U.S. Navy section patrol craft in service from 1916 to c. 1920