The Boy Scouts Of America (BSA) was founded in 1910 as part of the Scout Movement that had been founded in England by Robert Baden-Powell. It is currently the largest youth organization in the United States. The organization is primarily run by volunteers, although there are central employees to coordinate and organize the group's affairs. The BSA's stated objectives are to develop "character, citizenship, and personal fitness." Scouting.org: Boy Scouts

The Boy Scouts received a federal charter in 1916, which explicitly states the organization’s purpose:

"Promote, through organization, and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues, using the methods that were in common use by boy scouts on June 15, 1916."Scouting.org: Chartered Organizations and the Boy Scouts of America

Achievements are recognized by ranks, badges, and other special awards as a boy progresses from a Tiger Cub to Eagle Scout. The BSA has come under fire for its policies that prohibit membership by atheists, agnostics, and "known or avowed" homosexuals. The courts have repeatedly held that the Scouts are a private organization, which can limit membership as it pleases, but there has recently been an upsurge in litigation concerning their right to utilize public buildings and public lands for their programs.

• "On my honor I will do my best
• To do my duty to God and my country
• and to obey the Scout Law
• To help other people at all times
• To keep myself physically strong,
• mentally awake, and morally straight." Scouting.org: Mission & Vision

"A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent." Scouting.org: Mission & Vision

Be Prepared

• 1910: Boy Scouts Of America Incorporates on February 8

• 1912: Boy's Life Purchased

• 1912: First Eagle Scout Award

• 1916: Congress Grants a Federal Charter to the BSA

• 1930: Cub Scout Level Added to BSA as "Cubbing"

• 1950: U.S. Postal Service Issues First Boy Scout Stamp

• 1955: First Pinewood Derby is Held

• 1971: Girls Become Eligible to Register as Explorer Scouts

• Santa Fe Trail Council, BSA: Scouting Humor

• On My Honor: Scouting Jokes

• TheSpoof!: Boy Scouts Lost Survive on Roasted Bear

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