Scouting's history goes back to the turn of the 20th
century to a British Army officer, Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell.
While stationed in India, he discovered that his men did not know basic
first aid or the elementary means of survival in the outdoors.
Baden-Powell realized he needed to teach his men many frontier skills,
so he wrote a small handbook called Aids to Scouting, which emphasized resourcefulness, adaptability, and the qualities of leadership that frontier conditions demanded.
After returning from the Boer War, where he became famous
by protecting the small town of Mafeking for 217 days, Baden-Powell was
amazed to find that his little handbook had caught the interest of
English boys. They were using it to play the game of scouting.
Baden-Powell had the vision to see some new
possibilities, and he decided to test his ideas on boys. In August 1907,
he gathered about 20 boys and took them to Brownsea Island in a
sheltered bay off England's southern coast. They set up a makeshift camp
that would be their home for the next 12 days.
The boys had a great time! They divided into patrols and
played games, went on hikes, and learned stalking and pioneering. They
learned to cook outdoors without utensils. Scouting began on that island
and would sweep the globe in a few years.
The next year, Baden-Powell published his book Scouting for Boys,
and Scouting continued to grow. That same year, more than 10,000 Boy
Scouts attended a rally held at the Crystal Palace; a mere two years
later, membership in Boy Scouts had tripled.
About this same time, the seeds of Scouting were growing
in the United States. On a farm in Connecticut, a naturalist and author
named Ernest Thompson Seton was organizing a group of boys called the
Woodcraft Indians; and Daniel Carter Beard, an artist and writer,
organized the Sons of Daniel Boone. In many ways, the two organizations
were similar, but they were not connected. The boys who belonged had
never heard of Baden-Powell or of Boy Scouts, and yet both groups were
destined to become Boy Scouts one day soon.
But first, an American businessman had to get lost in the
fog in England. Chicago businessman and publisher William D. Boyce was
groping his way through the fog when a boy appeared and offered to take
him to his destination. When they arrived, Boyce tried to tip the boy,
but the boy refused and courteously explained that he was a Scout and
could not accept payment for a Good Turn.
Intrigued, the publisher questioned the boy and learned
more about Scouting. He visited with Baden-Powell as well and became
captured by the idea of Scouting. When Boyce boarded the transatlantic
steamer for home, he had a suitcase filled with information and ideas.
And so, on February 8, 1910, Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of
America.
The "unknown Scout" who helped him in the fog was never
heard from again, but he will never be forgotten. His Good Turn is what
brought Scouting to our country.
After the incorporation of the BSA, a group of
public-spirited citizens worked to set up the organization. Seton became
the first Chief Scout of the BSA, and Beard was made the national
commissioner.
The first executive officer was James E. West, a young
man from Washington who had risen above a tragic boyhood and physical
disability to become a successful lawyer. He dedicated himself to
helping all children to have a better life and led the BSA for 32 years
as the Chief Scout Executive.
Scouting has grown in the United States from 2,000 Boy
Scouts and leaders in 1910 to millions strong today. From a program for
Boy Scouts only, it has spread into a program including Tiger Cubs, Cub
Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers.
Back in England, younger boys were eager to become Boy
Scouts. In 1914, Baden-Powell began implementing a program for younger
boys that was based on Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book. The Wolf
Cub program began in 1916, and since that time, Wolf Cubbing has spread
to other European countries with very little change.
In America, hundreds of Cub Scout-age boys and their
families were clamoring for a program of their own. As early as 1920,
Scout executives at the first national training conference discussed the
needs of younger boys. The BSA, however, felt it wise to postpone any
action until there was more objective evidence.
In 1925, Dr. Huber W. Hurt, a research psychologist and
veteran Scouter, was authorized to study existing organizations for
younger boys, such as Boy Rangers, Boy Pioneers, American Eagles, and
Boys' Clubs. He found that only one boy in 50 participated regularly in
any type of organized leisure-time program. He also found that younger
boys responded better to leadership and program efforts than older boys.
He worked closely with Ernest Thompson Seton. Both men recommended that
the BSA adopt a program for younger boys, with older Boy Scouts as
leaders, to tie into home, church, school, and Boy Scouting.
The National Executive Board authorized the Chief Scout
Executive to thoroughly investigate the matter. An advisory committee
worked with the BSA to develop a plan and produce the necessary
literature. Advice was obtained from leading psychologists,
sociologists, teachers, school superintendents, professors of education,
college executives, and recreation and welfare directors.
By 1929, the new Cubbing program (it wasn't called "Cub
Scouting" until several years later) was taking shape and was introduced
as a demonstration project in a limited number of communities. Its
structure was similar to today's Cub Scouting, except that dens were led
by Boy Scout den chiefs. The plan included a neighborhood mothers'
committee to encourage Cubs and den chiefs.
In 1930, Cub Scouting was formally launched, with 5,102
boys registered at the end of that first year. By 1933 the time had come
to promote Cub Scouting throughout the country as a part of Scouting.
All experimental restrictions were removed, and the first national
director of Cub Scouting was appointed.
Den mother registration was optional for the first few
years. By June 1938, 1,100 den mothers had registered and soon became an
important part of Cub Scouting.
The first dens met weekly at a member's home, where boys
played games and enjoyed crafts and ceremonies. The pack met weekly or
semimonthly for games, den competitions, awards, stunts, and other
activities. Cubs advanced from Bobcat (for all new members) to Wolf (age
9), Bear (age 10), and Lion (age 11) and joined a Boy Scout troop at
age 12.
In 1949, the age requirement was lowered to between 8 and
10 for Cub Scouts. In 1982, Tiger Cubs was started based on shared
leadership of boy-adult partner teams and the school year calendar. In
1986, Cub Scouts could register as second-grade boys.
Cub Scouting in America is different from the younger-boy
programs of other countries because it is centered in the home and
neighborhood. With the encouragement of family and leaders, boys enjoy a
program that covers a wide variety of interesting things. It suggests
activities that boys enjoy doing on their own when adults are not
supervising them. These activities are particularly suited to boys of
Cub Scout age and are different from those they will encounter in Boy
Scouting.
A strong influence from Kipling's Jungle Book remains today. The terms "Law of the Pack," "Akela," "Wolf Cub," "grand howl," "den," and "pack" all come from the Jungle Book.
At the same time, the Gold and Silver Arrow Points, Webelos emblem, and
Arrow of Light emblem are taken from our American Indian heritage.
Although Scouting has changed over the years, the ideals
and aims have remained the same: character growth, citizenship training,
and personal fitness. Scouting is updated periodically to keep pace
with a changing world. It isn't the same as it was on Brownsea Island in
1907, but the ideals are still based on principles that Baden-Powell
had been taught as a boy.
Scouting's founder was never able to completely overcome
his surprise at Scouting's worldwide appeal. As it swept the globe,
Scouting brought him new adventures and responsibilities as Chief Scout
of the World. He traveled extensively and kept in touch with Scouting
around the world.
Eventually, Baden-Powell's health began to fail. He set
up a winter home at Nyeri, Kenya, in 1938, where he spent his remaining
years until his death in 1941. Scouts of different races carried him to
his final resting place in the small cemetery at Nyeri. His grave is
marked with a simple headstone that bears his name and the Scout sign
for "I have gone home." Today, in Westminster Abbey, a tablet records
his name, along with the names of some of the greatest Britons of all
time.
After Baden-Powell's death, a letter was found in his
desk that he had written to all Scouts. It included this passage: "Try
and leave this world a little better than you found it." These words are
a fitting epitaph, for as he won the respect of the great by his
strength, he won the hearts of youth by his example.
|
1910 |
Boy Scouts of America
incorporated on February 8. Baden-Powell visits America to talk with
leaders. President Taft becomes first honorary president of the BSA;
Theodore Roosevelt first honorary vice-president. |
1912 |
Boys' Life magazine becomes official publication. |
1918 |
James E. West, Chief Scout Executive, secures the rights for the American printing of the British Wolf Cub's Handbook for sale to U.S. Wolf Cub packs. |
1924 |
The National Executive Board
proposes "adoption of a younger boy program at the earliest date, should
be kept entirely distinct from Scouting, should prepare for graduation
into the Scout movement." |
1927 |
A portion of a Laura Spelman
Rockefeller grant of $50,000 supports a research and development project
on the younger boy program. Dr. Huber William Hurt named full-time
executive for the committee. |
1929 |
The National Executive Board approves demonstration Cub units. |
1930 |
The National Executive Board
approves the Cub program "controlled experiment" as of February 10. The
board authorizes Cub packs to register with the BSA starting April 1.
Uniforms for boys are issued ($6.05 complete) and 5,102 boys and 1,433
pack leaders in 243 packs are registered during the first year. |
1932 |
First Cubmaster's Pack Book and Den Chief's Den Book. |
1933 |
"Experimental" restrictions removed as of May 25th; Cubbing to be "aggressively promoted as a part of the Boy Scout program." |
1936 |
Registration of den mothers made "optional"; before this year, den mothers not permitted to register. |
1937 |
First Den Mother's Den Book. Cubmobile racer introduced. |
1939 |
Pow wows and roundtables begin in many councils. |
1940 |
Themes introduced into Cubbing. |
1941 |
Webelos rank created for 11-year-old boys with the Lion badge. |
1942 |
Boys allowed rank corresponding to age if late entry into the program (no need for catch-up). |
1943 |
In program literature, first reference by name to blue and gold banquet. Packs sell War Bonds and War Stamps. |
1944 |
Literature and uniform shortages
due to wartime priorities. Packs collect grease, newspapers, and
milkweed floss for the war effort. Many packs have Victory Garden
programs. |
1945 |
"Cubbing" changed to "Cub Scouting." |
1947 |
Uniform revision: long trousers for boys. |
1948 |
All den mothers must register with the BSA (registration optional previously). |
1949 |
Age levels for Cub Scouting
changed to 8, 9, and 10, with boys entering Boy Scouting at 11. At the
end of the 20th year, for the first time Cub Scouting has more than a
million boys registered at some time during the year, a 25 percent gain
over the previous year. |
1950 |
Cub Scout Promise changed to add the line "to do my duty to God and my country." |
1953 |
First pinewood derby held in California. |
1954 |
Webelos den created for 10-year-old boys. |
1955 |
Pinewood derby becomes part of
Cub Scout program. More than two million Cub Scouts are registered
during the year for the first time. |
1956 |
Webelos day camp program introduced. First Cub Scouting books in Braille. |
1957 |
Increased emphasis on Cub Scouting for boys with disabilities. |
1960 |
Golden Jubilee of Scouting and 30th Anniversary of Cub Scouting in the United States. |
1964 |
National Summertime Pack Award created to encourage year-round Cub Scouting. Cub Scout Swim Plan introduced. |
1965 |
For the first time Cub Scouting breaks through the three-million mark for boys registered during the year. |
1967 |
Cub Scout advancement program overhauled. Lion rank discontinued in favor of new Webelos Scout program. |
1968 |
National Executive Board approves Cub Scout day camps. Membership fees increase to $2 for adults and $1 for boys. |
1970 |
Project SOAR (Save Our American Resources) launched throughout Scouting. |
1971 |
Cub Scout Promise drops "to be square"; adds "to help other people." |
1972 |
Cub Scouts account for 51 percent of BSA youth membership. |
1974 |
Cub Scout Bicycle Safety and Cub Scout Physical Fitness programs introduced. |
1975 |
Webelos-to-Scout transition program launched. |
1976 |
Women could now serve as Cubmasters and assistant Cubmasters. |
1977 |
Cub Scout program year changed to coincide with the school year. |
1978 |
Five ranks established in Cub Scouting: Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Arrow of Light Award. |
1980 |
Golden Jubilee of Cub Scouting
in the United States. The 30 millionth Cub Scout since 1930 is
registered. The first Cub Scout Action Books for boys in low-income,
rural, and Hispanic areas. |
1982 |
The 75th Anniversary of World Scouting. Tiger Cubs BSA introduced at National Council meeting in Atlanta. |
1984 |
Extended camping approved for Webelos Scouts. |
1985 |
The 75th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. New Cub Scout Sports program. |
1986 |
Cub Scouting expands to serve
all elementary school grades. Webelos program expands to two years to
include fourth-grade and fifth-grade boys. |
1987 |
BSA Family program developed. |
1988 |
Webelos Woods introduced to aid in Webelos-to-Scout transition. Tiger Tracks introduced. |
1989 |
World Crest emblem approved for wear by all Scouts and Scouters. |
1991 |
Cub Scout Academics introduced. Ethics in Action program. It Happened to Me Youth Protection video. Guide to Safe Scouting created. |
1993 |
Pack charters extend to include Tiger Cubs. |
1994 |
National Den Award introduced. |
1995 |
Tiger Mania. Tiger Cub groups become dens. Boys' Life creates Cub Scout edition. |
1997 |
Cub Scout Academics and Sports program opens to Tiger Cubs. |
2000 |
Pack family camping approved. "Climb on Safely" introduced to allow Cub Scouts to climb and rappel in a controlled environment. |
2001 |
Character Connections and Core
Values introduced. Wood Badge for the 21st Century for all leaders in
Scouting. Tiger Cub rank introduced. |
2002 |
Age-appropriate guidelines adopted. Leave No Trace Frontcountry Guidelines and Leave No Trace Award introduced. |
2003 |
Character Connections activities included as part of Cub Scout advancement requirements. |
2004 |
National "Good Turn for America"
launched. 75th Anniversary Award and Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award
introduced. A new Cub Scout Hispanic outreach initiative known as Soccer
and Scouting is launched. |
2005 |
Cub Scouting celebrates its 75th Anniversary: "75 Years of Fun, Family, and Friends." |
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