Happy 103rd birthday, Boy Scouts of America!

Attention, Willard Scott: Grab some Smuckers because the Boy Scouts of America is 103 years old today.

On this date in 1910, the country’s coolest youth-serving organization was born. More than 10 decades later, the BSA is still here and going strong.

Each Feb. 8 offers a timely opportunity to look back on the year in Scouting. (Just like I did on Feb. 8, 20122011 and 2010.)

Year 102 was another exciting one for the organization and for me personally.

Last year was the 100th anniversary of the Eagle Scout award. We named a new Chief Scout Executive. And we saw the launch of three new merit badges: Welding, Kayaking, and Search and Rescue. Be sure to visit my Calendar of New Merit Badges to learn about those three and find out which are coming this year.

As for me, the 102nd year of Scouting was my 22nd year associated with the program. Last year I attended the Summit Shakedown, took Wood Badge at Philmont, and visited the National Annual Meeting in Florida.

But enough about me… 

 

How are packs, troops, teams, and crews celebrating today?

I asked on Facebook to find out:

  • “We at Troop 311 have an Eagle court of honor. Very proud our newest Eagle Scout.” — Sheila M.
  • “Having a Nerf battle with my Cub Scout troop this evening and spending the day preparing my PowerPoint to teach Citizenship in the Nation at Merit Badge University next weekend!” — Ashley L.
  • “I’ll be celebrating by serving my community working EMS during the blizzard!” — Bryan Wilson
  • “It’s a good day for Scouting. I’m writing up my ticket items before heading back to Gilwell next weekend. I have an appointment after school with a very excited Tiger Cub to design his first Pinewood Derby car. And I scheduled a meeting with a pastor to discuss a new troop to kick off the next 103 years!” — Howard C.
  • “Enjoying the Winter Carnival festivities at Michigan Technological University and enjoying meeting new people, especially Eagle Scouts. There are so many Eagle Scouts on campus. It’s awesome!” — DeAnna H.C.
  • “We are having a cake-decorating competition. Votes are cast with money. Top 3 cakes receive prizes, usually camping gear. All the monies raised are then turned over to the Friends of Scouting campaign. It’s a win-win situation. Everyone has fun, the Scouts get to eat all the cake they want, the campaign makes a nice chunk of money, and the parents get to go home with hyper kids!” — Anthony L.F.
  • “Using the great opportunity this Nor’Easter has provided to teach our Crew winter survival techniques, including common dangers, first aid, and how to build shelters! (And then, hopefully, if the roads are clear, travelling to our favorite cave system to go spelunking!)” — JC R.
  • Lots more great responses here.

About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.