What would your city be like without Scouts?

In Scouting’s April 1921 edition, a U.S. District Court judge states, “No city can afford to be without its Boy Scouts.”

Judge Foster argues, “I have never come in touch with a man who had Scout training without finding him efficient and proud that he had been a Scout.

“If every boy in the United States could be taught Scouting, we could be assured of a patriotic, virile citizenry that would be a lasting bulwark against all enemies from within and without.”

Set in the context of the 1921s — in the post-World War I, Roaring Twenties climate — it’s not too hard to imagine how Scouts (and plentiful Good Turns) helped strengthen communities.

Help us examine this statement in the context of today’s cities.

Share your comment: What would your city be like without Scouts? How do your Scouts improve the community in which they serve?


Have you viewed some of the historical editions of Scouting magazine housed in our digital archive? You won’t be disappointed.


About Aaron Derr 425 Articles
Aaron Derr is the senior editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines, and also a former Cubmaster and Scouts BSA volunteer.