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The
Boy Scouts of America celebrates 97 years
of service during Scouting Anniversary Week,
February 4–10. In celebration, Scouts across
the nation will participate in special ceremonies
and award presentations designed to highlight
the service Scouts and Scouting volunteers
provide in their communities.
"The
purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is
the same today as it was 97 years ago,"
said Chief Scout Executive Roy L. Williams."So
many things have changed in our world—Scouting
has remained constant and true to its mission
of serving youth and helping them learn
to make better decisions throughout their
lives," Williams said.
The
Boy Scouts was founded in Great Britain
in 1907 by British military hero, Lord
Robert Baden-Powell. Two years later, William
D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher traveling
in London, became lost in a fog. A young
boy helped him find his way. When Boyce
thanked the boy for his aid and offered
him a tip, the boy explained that it was
his duty as a Scout to help others, and
he declined the tip.
Impressed
with the boy’s actions, Boyce met with Baden-Powell
and laid the groundwork to bring Scouting
to the United States. With the help of Ernest
Thompson Seton, Daniel Carter Beard, and
James E. West, the Boy Scouts of America
was established on February 8, 1910.
Today,
more than 4.5 million youth enjoy the fun
and excitement of Scouting. Boy Scouts of
America—Celebrating 97 Years of Serving
Youth and Families.
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