Boy Scouts of America 76511 226102808 2008-07-16T20:55:09Z Gadget850 339034 /* Aims, methods, and ideals */ rework Boy Scouting and Venturing {{for|the Boy Scouting division within the BSA|Boy Scouting (Boy Scouts of America)}} {{FixBunching|begin}} {{Infobox WorldScouting |image=BSA universal emblem.svg |caption= |name=Boy Scouts of America |headquarters=[[Irving, Texas]] |country=United States |members=4,619,730 youth<br />1,190,992 adults<br />137,393 units<br />(2006)<ref name="2006YIR">{{cite web |url=http://marketing.scouting.org/research/demog/02-030.pdf |title=2006 BSA Year in Review |accessdate=2008-01-05 |publisher=Boy Scouts of America}} Numbers include traditional Scouting and [[Learning for Life]] memberships.</ref> |f-date=February&nbsp;8, 1910 |founders=yes |founder=[[William D. Boyce]]<br />[[Ernest Thompson Seton]]<br />[[Daniel Carter Beard]] |chiefscout=[[Robert J. Mazzuca]] |chiefscouttitle=[[Chief Scout Executive]] |chiefscout2=[[John Gottschalk]] |chiefscouttitle2=[[National president of the Boy Scouts of America|President]] |website=[http://scouting.org/ Official Website] |affiliation=[[World Organization of the Scout Movement]] }} {{FixBunching|mid}} {{BSAseries}} {{FixBunching|end}}<!--NB—THE DATES IN THIS ARTICLE ARE NON-AUTOFORMATTED--> The '''Boy Scouts of America''' ('''BSA''') is the largest [[List of youth organizations|youth organization]] in the United States, with over five million members in its age-related divisions. Since its founding in 1910 as part of the international [[Scouting|Scout Movement]], more than 110&nbsp;million Americans have been members of the BSA.<ref name="honor">{{cite book |last=Townley |first=Alvin |authorlink=Alvin Townley |url=http://www.legacyofhonor.com/ |title=Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts |publisher=St. Martin's Press |location=New York |year=2007 |isbn=0-312-36653-1 |accessdate=2008-06-22 |page=12}}</ref> The BSA seeks to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. For younger members, the [[Scout method]] is used to inculcate typical Scouting values such as self-esteem, personal honor, citizenship and outdoors skills through a variety of activities such as camping, aquatics and hiking.<ref name="vision">{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.org/Legal/mission.aspx |title=Mission Statement and Vision Statement |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref><ref name="aims">{{cite web |url=http://clipart.usscouts.org/ScoutDoc/BSA_Aims/aims.pdf |title=Aims of the Boy Scouts of America |publisher=[[U.S. Scouting Service Project]] |accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> The BSA is a constituent member of the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]]. The traditional Scouting divisions are ''Cub Scouting'' for boys ages 7–10, ''Boy Scouting'' for boys ages 10–17 and ''Venturing'' for young men and women ages 14–21. [[Learning for Life]] is a non-traditional subsidiary that provides in-school and career education.<ref name="2006YIR"/><ref name="grolier">{{cite web |url=http://nbk.grolier.com/cgi-bin/article?assetid=a2003470-h |title=Boy Scouts |work=The New Book of Knowledge |publisher=Grolier Online |accessdate=2008-02-24}} (registration required)</ref> The BSA operates traditional Scouting locally through units sponsored and operated by churches, clubs, civic associations, educational organizations and the like. Units are led entirely by volunteers, supported by local councils using both paid professionals and volunteers. The influence of Scouting on American society is frequently cited by both its advocates and critics. In addition to nostalgic memories of campfires kindling friendships, prominent leaders in various fields of endeavor have credited the skills they learned in Scouting as helping mold them into successful citizens. Critics have called the BSA's membership restrictions pertaining to avowed atheists and homosexuals unjustly discriminatory, resulting in litigation in various state and federal courts. ==Origins== {{see|Scouting in the United States|History of the Boy Scouts of America}} The [[Progressivism in the United States|progressive movement]] in the United States was at its height during the early twentieth century. With the migration of families from rural to urban centers, there were concerns among some people that young men were no longer learning patriotism and individualism. The [[YMCA]] was an early promoter of [[Social welfare provision|social welfare]] and other reforms involving young men that focused on programs of mental, physical, social and religious development.<ref name="macleod">{{cite book |author=Macleod, David L. |title=Building Character in the American Boy: The Boy Scouts, YMCA and Their Forerunners, 1870–1920 |publisher=University of Wisconsin Press |date=1983 |isbn=0-299-09400-6 }}</ref>{{rp|72–82}} {{Quote box2 |width=22em |bgcolor=white |title=Scout Oath |title_bg=olive |title_fnt=white |align=right |halign=center |quote=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. | source= —''Boy Scout Handbook'', 11th edition''}} {{Quote box2 |width=22em |bgcolor= white |title=Scout Law |title_bg=olive |title_fnt=white |align=right |halign=center |quote=A Scout is<br />Trustworthy{{·}} Loyal{{·}} Helpful{{·}} Friendly{{·}} Courteous{{·}} Kind{{·}} Obedient{{·}} Cheerful{{·}} Thrifty{{·}} Brave{{·}} Clean{{·}} Reverent | source= —''Boy Scout Handbook'', 11th edition''}} Scouting had two notable predecessors in the U.S.— the [[Woodcraft Indians]] started by [[Ernest Thompson Seton]] in 1902,<ref>{{cite book |author=Anderson, H. Allen |title=The Chief: Ernest Thompson Seton and the Changing West |publisher=Texas A&M University Press | date=1986 |isbn=0-89096-239-1 }}</ref> and the [[Sons of Daniel Boone]] founded by [[Daniel Carter Beard]] in 1905. In 1907, British General [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Robert Baden-Powell]] founded the Scouting movement in England using elements of Seton's works.<ref name="NT">{{cite journal|last=Beardsall |first=Jonny |date=2007 |title=Dib, dib, dib... One Hundred Years of Scouts at Brownsea |journal=The National Trust Magazine|publisher=[[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty]] |issue=Spring 2007|pages=525-55}}</ref> Several small local Scouting programs for boys started independently in the U.S. soon after— most of these these later merged with the BSA after it was formed.<ref name="americanadv">{{cite book |author=Peterson, Robert W. |authorlink=Robert W. Peterson (writer) |title=The Boy Scouts: An American Adventure |publisher=American Heritage |date=1984 |isbn=0-8281-1173-1 }}</ref>{{rp|52}} In 1909, Chicago publisher [[William D. Boyce|W. D. Boyce]] was visiting London, where he encountered the [[Unknown Scout]] and learned of the Scouting movement.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Peterson |first=Robert W. |authorlink=Robert W. Peterson (writer) |year=2001 |url=http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0110/d-wwas.html |title=The Man Who Got Lost in the Fog |journal=[[Scouting (magazine)|Scouting]] |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> Soon after his return to the U.S., Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February&nbsp;8, 1910.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rowan |first=Edward L |year=2005 |title=To Do My Best: James E. West and the History of the Boy Scouts of America |publisher=Las Vegas International Scouting Museum |isbn=0-9746479-1-8 }}</ref> [[Edgar M. Robinson]] and [[Lee F. Hanmer]] became interested in the nascent BSA movement and convinced Boyce to turn the program over to the YMCA for development in April 1910 . Robinson enlisted Seton, Beard and other prominent leaders in the early youth movements. In January 1911, Robinson turned the movement over to [[James E. West (Scouting)|James E. West]] who became the first [[Chief Scout Executive]] and Scouting began to expand in the U.S.<ref name="macleod"/>{{rp|148}} The BSA's stated purpose at its incorporation in 1910 was "...&nbsp;to teach [boys] patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values&nbsp;...".<ref name="honor"/>{{rp|7}} Later, in 1937, Deputy Chief Scout Executive [[George J. Fisher]] expressed the BSA's mission, "Each generation as it comes to maturity has no more important duty than that of teaching high ideals and proper behavior to the generation which follows".<ref name=Jambo37>{{cite book|title=The National and World Jamborees in Pictures|publisher=Boy Scouts of America|location=New York|year=1937|page=p. 131}}</ref> The current mission statement of the BSA is "to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."<ref name="vision"/> ==Membership== ===Traditional membership=== [[Image:VarsityScoutspreparingtoheadoutbackpacking2004.jpg|right|thumb|[[Varsity Scouting (Boy Scouts of America)|Varsity Scouts]] preparing to go [[Backpacking (wilderness)|backpacking]]]] In the BSA, Scouting is considered to be one movement with three main membership divisions: *'''[[Cub Scouting (Boy Scouts of America)|Cub Scouting]]''' is the largest of the three divisions, available to boys from first–grade through fifth–grade or seven through ten years old. The program is designed to pursue the aims of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Cub Scouting is divided into age-based levels of Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, and Webelos Scouts.<ref name="vision"/> <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/intro.asp |title=Cub Scout Advancement |publisher=[[U.S. Scouting Service Project]] |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> *'''[[Boy Scouting (Boy Scouts of America)|Boy Scouting]]''' is the [[wikt:flagship|flagship]] division of the BSA for boys ages 10 to 18. It uses outdoor activities such as camping, aquatics and hiking to achieve the aims of character, citizenship and personal fitness training.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.org/Media/FactSheets/02-503.aspx |title=What is Boy Scouting?|work=Fact Sheet |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> '''[[Varsity Scouting (Boy Scouts of America)|Varsity Scouting]]''' is modified Boy Scouting program available to boys from 14 to 18 that adds [[high adventure]] and sporting activities.<ref name="Varsity Program">{{cite web |url=http://usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/varsity.asp |title=Varsity Letters and Pins |date=2007-08-05 |publisher=U. S. Scouting Service Project |accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> The '''[[Order of the Arrow]]''' is the Boy Scout national honor society for experienced campers, based on [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]]<!--- American Indian is the preferred usage by the BSA. Read the linked article for a thorough discussion.---> traditions, and dedicated to the ideal of cheerful service and brotherhood.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.org/Media/FactSheets/02-512.aspx |title=Order of the Arrow|work=Fact Sheet |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> *'''[[Venturing (Boy Scouts of America)|Venturing]]''' is the division for young men and women ages 14 through 21.<ref name="28-406">{{cite book|url=http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/28-406.pdf |title=Boy Scouts of America Youth Application |id=#28-406B |accessdate=2008-03-10 |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |quote=Venturers and Sea Scouts registered in a crew or ship prior to their 21st birthday may continue as members after their 21st birthday until the crew or ship recharters or until they reach their 22nd birthday, whichever comes first.}}</ref> Its purpose is to provide positive experiences to help youth mature and to prepare them to become responsible adults.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.org/Media/FactSheets/02-388.aspx |title=What is Venturing |work=Fact Sheet |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> '''[[Sea Scouting (Boy Scouts of America)|Sea Scouting]]''' is the nautical oriented part of this division.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://seascout.org/|title=Sea Scouts, BSA|work=Sea Scouts, BSA|accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> There are about 100,000 physically or mentally disabled Scouts throughout the United States. Anyone certified as disabled "may enroll in Scouting and remain in its program beyond the regulation age limits. This provision allows all members to advance in Scouting as far as they wish."<ref name="grolier">&nbsp;</ref> Advancement is measured by the achievement to the best of the Scout's abilities. ===Membership controversies=== {{details|Boy Scouts of America membership controversies}} The Boy Scouts of America has been both criticized and supported for its membership policies which prohibits participation by atheists or agnostics and by "known or avowed" homosexuals. The BSA also prohibits girls from participating in Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting.<ref name="core">{{cite web |url=http://www.bsalegal.org/core-values-286.asp |work=BSALegal.org |title=Core Values |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bsa-discrimination.org/ |work=BSA Discrimination |title=Discrimination in the BSA |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> The BSA contends that these policies are essential in its mission to instill in young people the [[Value (personal and cultural)|values]] of the Scout Oath and Law.<ref name="core"/> The organization's legal right to have these policies has been upheld repeatedly by both state and federal courts. These membership policies have led to litigation over the terms under which the BSA can access governmental resources including public lands.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Sherman |first=Mark |date=2006-10-16 |title=Supreme Court will not Review Berkeley Sea Scouts' Case |journal=San Francisco Chronicle via Associated Press |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2006/10/16/state/n075532D70.DTL|accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> ===Learning for Life=== [[Learning for Life]] is a school and work-site based program that is a subsidiary of the BSA. It utilizes programs designed for schools and community-based organizations that are designed to prepare youth to for the complexities of contemporary society and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation, and self-esteem.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.learning-for-life.org/ |title=Learning for Life&nbsp;— Exploring |publisher=Learning For Life |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> [[Exploring (Learning for Life)|Exploring]] is the worksite-based program of Learning for Life with programs based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience.<ref name="lfl outside">{{cite web |url=http://www.bsa-discrimination.org/html/lfl.html |title=Learning For Life |publisher=BSA Discrimination |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> Learning for Life is not considered a traditional [[Scouting]] program; it does not use the [[Scout Promise]], [[Scout Law]], uniforms, or insignia of traditional Scouting. All Learning for Life programs are open to youth and adults without restriction based on gender, residence, sexual orientation, or other considerations other than age requirements.<ref name="lfl outside"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.learning-for-life.org/exploring/promos/99-993.pdf |title=What Is Exploring? |publisher=Learning For Life |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> ==Aims, methods, and ideals== The stated objectives of the BSA are referred to as ''Aims of Scouting'': character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The BSA pursues these aims through an informal education system called the [[Scout method]], with variations that are designed to be appropriate for the age and maturity of each membership division.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usscouts.org/usscouts/aboutbsa/vision.asp |title=BSA Vision Statement |work=[[U.S. Scouting Service Project]] |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref><ref name="ldrtrng">{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.org/BoyScouts/NewLeaderTraining/basic.aspx |title=Basic Leader Training |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-03-04}}</ref> One of the more visible methods of Cub Scouting is the [[Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America#Cub Scout uniform|uniform]] that gives each boy a level of identity within the den, the pack and the community. The boys learn teamwork by meeting and working together in a den of eight to ten boys under adult leadership. They learn and apply the ideals codified in the [[Cub Scout Promise]] and the [[Law of the Pack]], <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/cspromiselaw.asp |title=The Cub Scout Promise The Law of the Pack and The Cub Scout Motto |date=2007-08-05 |work=U.S. Scouting Service Project |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> and in the Character Connections program that develops the core values of citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health and fitness, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect and responsibility.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usscouts.org/usscouts/advance/cubscout/CharacterConnections.asp |title=Character Connections |date=2007-08-05 |work=U.S. Scouting Service Project |accessdate=2008-07-14}}</ref> The advancement system uses both age-based ranks and an optional Academics and Sports Program designed for the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usscouts.org/usscouts/advance/cubscout/intro.asp |title=Cub Scout Advancement |date=2007-11-10 |publisher=U.S. Scouting Service Project |accessdate=2008-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usscouts.org/usscouts/advance/cubscout/a-sindex.asp |title=Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program |date=2007-11-10 |publisher=U.S. Scouting Service Project |accessdate=2008-07-14}}</ref> Most advancement is done in the home and is intended to involve the entire family and many Cub Scout activities include family members. Cub Scout units are sponsored by a community organization that as part of their youth program that involves the neighborhood and community. Boy Scouts learn to use the ideals spelled out in the [[Scout Oath]], the [[Scout Law]], the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsoathlaw.asp |title=Boy Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan and the Outdoor Code |date=2007-08-05 |work=U.S. Scouting Service Project |accessdate=2008-07-14}}</ref> They wear a [[Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America#Boy Scout and Varsity Scout uniform|uniform]] and work together in patrols of eight to ten boys with an elected patrol leader. Scouts share responsibilities, apply skills learned at meetings and live together in the outdoors. The advancement system provides opportunities for personal growth and self-reliance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usscouts.org/usscouts/advance/boyscout/intro.asp|title=Boy Scout Advancement|date=2008-01-17|work=U.S. Scouting Service Project|accessdate=2008-07-14}}</ref> Scouts interact with adult leaders who act as role models and mentors, but they are expected to plan their own activities within the troop and to participate in community service. Opportunities are provided for leadership training with practical application. Venturers are expected to know and live by the [[Venturing Oath]] and [[Venturing Code]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usscouts.org/usscouts/venturing/WordDocs/WhatIsVenturingFact.doc |format=doc |title=What is Venturing|work=[[U.S. Scouting Service Project]]|accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> They associate and work directly with adults as partners, but the crew is led by elected youth officers who are given opportunities to learn and apply leadership skills. Venturers plan and participate in interdependent group experiences dependent on cooperation. An emphasis on high adventure provides opportunities for team-building and practical leadership applications. A series of awards provide opportunities for recognition and personal growth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usscouts.org/usscouts/advance/venturing/intro.asp |title=Venturing and Sea Scouting Awards |date=2007-08-09| work=U.S. Scouting Service Project |accessdate=2008-07-14}}</ref> Each award requires the Venturer to teach what they have learned to others returning the skill and knowledge back to the community and enabling the Venturer to master those skills. ==Organization== ===National Council=== [[Image:BlackwaterRiverCanoe5.jpg|thumb|Boy Scouts canoeing on the [[Blackwater River (Virginia)|Blackwater River, Virginia]]]] The National Council is the corporate membership of the Boy Scouts of America and is administered by paid professional Scouters and volunteer Scouters. Members include the elected National Executive Board, the regional executive committees, the local council representatives, members at large, and honorary members. The National program is directed by the National Executive Board and administered by the [[Chief Scout Executive]] using a staff of professional Scouters. The BSA was granted a [[Congressional charter]] in 1916, now codified as 36 U.S.C. Chapter 309,<ref name="fedcharter">{{usctc|36|309|}} Federal charter, Boy Scouts of America</ref> stating that their purpose is to: <blockquote>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&nbsp;15, 1916.</blockquote> The charter authorized and set standards for the incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America. A provision in the federal charter gives the BSA the "exclusive right to use emblems, badges, descriptive or designating marks, and words or phrases" that they adopt. The BSA is governed by the National Executive Board and directed by the [[national president of the Boy Scouts of America|national president]], elected by representatives from the local councils.<ref name="bsaorg">{{cite web |last=Nelson |first=Bill |url=http://usscouts.org/aboutbsa/bsaorg.asp| title=Organization of the Boy Scouts of America |work=U.S. Scouting Service Project |accessdate=2008-03-12}}</ref> Board memberships include regular elected members, presidents, the Advisory Council chair, and the chairman of the Board of Regents of the [[National Eagle Scout Association]]. The board may also include up to five appointed youth members. Professional Scouters of the National staff are nonvoting members. The National Executive Board has five group standing committees: the Administration Group Committee, Program Group Committee, Human Resources Group Committee, Regional Presidents' Group Committee, and Relationships/Marketing Group Committee.<ref name="r&r">{{cite book |title=Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |date=1985}}</ref> Each of these committees is in turn directly responsible for a corresponding support group that provides administrative functions. Group committees may in turn be responsible for support standing committees and groups divided into divisions. ===Groups and divisions=== The Program Group is responsible for delivering the Scouting program and includes the Boy Scouting, Cub Scouting, and Venturing Divisions. The Scoutreach Division emphasizes service to rural and urban areas and to minority populations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoutreachbsa.org/ |title=Scoutreach Division— BSA |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> The African American Focus works with African American populations in partnerships with the NAACP, various the African American churches and other groups. The Hispanic/Latino Focus includes the ¡Scouting&nbsp;– Vale La Pena! emphasis for Hispanic youth that provides Spanish language resources such as handbooks, training material, and videos.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoutingvalelapena.org/ |title=Scouting&nbsp;— Vale La Pena |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2006-03-13}}</ref> The Soccer and Scouting emphasis is a partnership with the [[National Soccer Coaches Association of America]] to provide alternatives for Cub Scout age Hispanic youth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerandscouting.org/index.html |title=Soccer and Scouting |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> The Asian American Focus reaches out to Indo-Chinese American, Vietnamese American, Chinese American, and Korean American communities. The Rural Scouting focus targets small communities and includes the [[American Indian Scouting Association]] in partnership with the [[Girl Scouts of the USA]]. [[Image:ToothofTime.jpg|thumb|Tooth of Time at [[Philmont Scout Ranch]]]] The High Adventure Division administers [[Philmont Scout Ranch]], [[Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases]], and [[Florida National High Adventure Sea Base]]. The Jamboree Division provides support for the [[World Scout Jamboree|world]] and [[National Scout jamboree (Boy Scouts of America)|national]] jamborees. The International Division is responsible for relations with other Scout and Guide organizations; it includes the Interamerican Scout Foundation and [[American Scouting overseas#American Scouting overseas|Direct Service]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.interamfoundation.org/ |title=Interamerican Scout Foundation |publisher=Interamerican Scout Foundation |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> The Relationships Division is responsible for relations with supporting organizations outside the BSA, including the AFL-CIO, Elks, VFW, and all religious associations and awards. The National Supply Group is responsible for developing and selling uniforms, apparel, insignia, literature, and equipment. It sells equipment and supplies through National Scout Shops, local council trading posts, authorized independent resellers, and online at ScoutStuff.org.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoutstuff.org |title=ScoutStuff.org |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2006-03-13}}</ref> Supply Group also licenses trademarks for use by other commercial vendors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bsalicensing.org |title=BSALicensing.org |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-03-05}}</ref> The Administrative Group provides internal administration service and support.<ref name="Privacy">{{cite web|url=http://www.search.org/files/pdf/2000conference.pdf|title=2000 Conference|format=pdf|date=May 06, 2004|publisher=National Conference on Privacy, Technology & Criminal Justice Information|accessdate=2008-07-04}}</ref> It includes the Marketing and Communications Division responsible for marketing the BSA program,<ref name="Marketing">{{cite web|url=http://marketing.scouting.org/|title=The Merits of Marketing|publisher=Marketing & Communications Division|accessdate=2008-07-04}}</ref> administering the national websites and publishing ''[[Scouting (magazine)|Scouting]]'' for adult leaders and ''[[Boys' Life]]'' for youth. The National Scouting Museum is located in Irving, Texas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bsamuseum.org/ |title=National Scouting Museum|publisher=National Scouting Museum |accessdate=2008-03-07}}</ref> Exhibits include [[Norman Rockwell]] paintings, high adventure sections, hands-on learning experiences, interactive exhibits, and a historical collection tracing uniforms, themes, and documents from the beginning of the Scouting movement in America. Among the museum's artifacts are the Eagle Scout medal of [[Arthur Rose Eldred]], the first [[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|Eagle Scout]].<ref name="eaglescoutorg">{{cite web |url=http://www.eaglescout.org/history/first_eagle.html |title=BSA's first Eagle Scout |publisher=Eagle Scout Resource Center |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> ===Regions and areas=== [[Image:BSA Region Map.svg|thumb|Boy Scouts of America regions as of 1992]] For administrative purposes, the BSA is divided into four regions—Western, Central, Southern, and Northeast.<ref name="bsaorg"/> Each region is then subdivided into areas. Each region has a volunteer president, assisted by volunteer officers and board members, and the day-to-day work of Scouting is managed by the regional director, assistant and associate regional directors, and area directors. Regions and areas are subdivisions of the National Council and do not have a corporate status separate from the BSA.<ref name="r&r"/> *Central Region covers all of Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia. *Northeast Region covers all of Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Puerto Rico, Transatlantic Council, and the Virgin Islands, and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nerbsa.org/ |title=Northeast Region |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> *Southern Region covers all of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://srbsa.org/ |title=Southern Region |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> *Western Region covers all of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Far East Council and the Pacific Basin, and parts of Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrbsa.org/ |title=Western Region |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> ===Local councils=== {{maincat|Local councils of the Boy Scouts of America}} The BSA program is administered through 308&nbsp;local councils, with each council covering a geopolitical area that may vary from a single city to an entire state. Councils receive an annual charter from the National Council and are usually incorporated as a charitable organization.<ref name="bsaorg"/> The council level organization is similar to that of the National Council. The council executive board is headed by the council president and is made up of annually elected local community leaders.<ref name="r&r"/> The board establishes the council program and carries out the resolutions, policies, and activities of the council. Board members serve without pay and some are volunteer Scouters working at the unit level. Youth members may be selected to the council executive board according to the council by-laws. The Scout executive manages council operations—including finance, property management, advancement and awards, registrations, and Scout Shop sales—with a staff of other professionals and para-professionals. [[Commissioner Service|Commissioners]] lead the unit service functions of the council, help maintain the standards of the BSA, and assures a healthy unit program.<ref name="Commish">{{cite web|url=http://www.scouting.org/commissioners.aspx|title=Commissioners|date=2008|publisher=Boy Scouts of America|accessdate=2008-07-04}}</ref> The BSA charters two councils for Scouts who live overseas, largely on military bases in Europe and Asia. The [[American Scouting overseas#Transatlantic Council|Transatlantic Council]], headquartered in Germany, serves BSA units in much of Europe,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tac-bsa.org/|title=Transatlantic Council|publisher=Transatlantic Council, BSA |accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> and the [[American Scouting overseas#Far East Council|Far East Council]], headquartered in Japan, serves units in the western Pacific areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fareastbsa.org/|title=Far East Council|publisher=Far East Council, BSA |accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> The [[American Scouting overseas#Direct Service|Direct Service]] branch makes the Scouting movement available to U.S. citizens and their dependents living in countries outside these jurisdictions or in isolated areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.directservicebsa.org/|title=Direct Service, BSA|publisher=Boy Scouts of America|accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> The [[Scouting in Hawaii#Aloha Council|Aloha Council]] in Hawaii also serves BSA units in the American territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and in the sovereign countries of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alohacouncilbsa.org/|title=Aloha Council|publisher=Aloha Council, BSA |accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> The Greater New York Councils are unique in that they are divided into five [[Borough (New York City)|boroughs]] with each led by a borough Scout executive.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bsa-gnyc.org/openrosters/view_homepage.asp?orgkey=1161 |title=Greater New York Councils|publisher=Greater New York Councils, BSA |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> Each borough is then divided into districts. Councils are divided into districts with leadership provided by the district executive, district chairman, and the district commissioner.<ref name="bsaorg"/> Districts are directly responsible for the operation of Scouting units and, except for the district executive, are mostly staffed with volunteers.<ref name="r&r"/> The voting members of each district consist of volunteer representatives from each chartered organization having at least one BSA unit, plus annually elected members-at-large who in turn elect the district chairman. Boroughs and districts are subdivisions of the local council and do not have a separate corporate status. ===Units and chartered organizations=== The unit is the main operating group of the BSA.<ref name="bsaorg"/> Units use different names for each membership level—Cub Scouts are organized as packs, Boy Scouts as troops, Varsity Scouts as teams, Venturers as crews, and Sea Scouts as ships. Each unit is operated by a community-based organization such as a business, service organization, school organization, labor group, or religious institution that has applied for and received an annual charter from the BSA.<ref name="CharteredUnits">{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.org/Media/FactSheets/02-507.aspx |title=Chartered Organizations and the Boy Scouts of America|date=2008 |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref><ref name="Cornell30902">{{cite web|url=http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/36/usc_sec_36_00030902----000-.html|title=Section 30902 Purposes|publisher=Cornell University Law School|accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref><ref name="fedcharter"/> This chartered organization is responsible for selecting leadership, providing a meeting place, and promoting a good program. The chartered organization representative is the manager of Scouting in a chartered organization and serves as a liaison between the unit, the chartered organization, and the BSA. Chartered organizations use the Scouting program to support the goals and objectives of the organization. As of December&nbsp;31, 2007, the BSA's membership report by chartered organization indicated that approximately 62&nbsp;percent of units are sponsored by religious institutions: {|class="sortable" border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3 style="border-top:3px double #999; border-collapse:collapse; text-align:left; font-size:smaller;" summary="BSA traditional Scouting membership as of December 2007&nbsp;— top 25 chartered organizations" |+ BSA traditional Scouting membership as of December 2007&nbsp;— top 25 chartered organizations |- style="vertical-align:bottom; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" ! Organization !! Packs !! Cub youth !! Troops !! Scout youth !! Crews !! Vtr youth !! Total units !! Total youth |- style="background-color: #dcdcdc;" |[[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] ||9959||135115||18726||199141||8028||66473||36713||400729 |- |[[United Methodist Church]] ||5307||232758||5201||125989||1187||9673||11695||368420 |- style="background-color: #dcdcdc;" |[[Roman Catholic Church]] ||4617||189985||3878||97185||905||10141||9400||297311 |- |Parent-teacher groups<br /><small>other than PTA</small>||3911||162534||874||21527||340||8671||5125||192732 |- style="background-color: #dcdcdc;" |Groups of citizens ||2454||85060||1249||24297||1035||20159||4738||129516 |- |[[Baptist|Baptist churches]] ||2114||69296||1969||33813||350||3467||4433||106576 |- style="background-color: #dcdcdc;" |[[Lutheranism|Lutheran churches]] ||1875||71680||1888||46834||436||3710||4199||122224 |- |[[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian churches]] ||1531||68556||1893||53031||408||3514||3832||125101 |- style="background-color: #dcdcdc;" |Business and industry ||1432||42328||931||17298||1096||13712||3459||73338 |- |Private schools||1568||46883||698||15171||804||30458||3070||92512 |- style="background-color: #dcdcdc;" |[[American Legion]] ||1248||45762||1220||23023||311||4130||2779||72915 |- |[[Lions Clubs International]] ||1288||48539||1224||24174||190||1996||2702||74709 |- style="background-color: #dcdcdc;" |Other community organizations ||922||30192||680||14671||814||16421||2416||61284 |- |[[Parent-Teacher Association]]s ||1779||73075||330||6336||41||971||2150||80382 |- style="background-color: #dcdcdc;" |[[Community centre|Community centers]] ||725||17521||509||9268||211||4444||1445||31233 |- |[[Rotary International]] ||625||27061||618||15570||179||3225||1422||45856 |- style="background-color: #dcdcdc;" |[[Fire station|Fire departments]] ||607||21636||583||11499||217||1889||1407||35024 |- |[[United Church of Christ]] ||565||24039||653||16224||119||966||1337||41229 |- style="background-color: #dcdcdc;" |[[Episcopal Church in the United States of America|Episcopal Church]] ||551||24167||608||17261||161||1666||1320||43094 |- |[[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)]] ||571||21648||584||12038||131||1027||1286||34713 |- align="center" |colspan="9" |<small>''Source: Boy Scouts of America Membership Report''</small><ref>{{cite web|title=Boy Scouts of America Membership Report&nbsp;– 2007 |date=2008-01-07 |url=http://www.praypub.org/pdf_docs/BSA_Membership_Report_2007.pdf |publisher=P.R.A.Y. |accessdate=2008-05-22}}</ref> |} Units are administered by a unit committee appointed by the chartered organization. The unit committee, led by the committee chairman, oversees the unit program and activities and manages record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment, and registration. Each unit is led by a registered and trained leader—a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Coach, Advisor, or Skipper. These leaders, with one or more assistants, are appointed by the unit committee and must be approved by both the chartered organization and the local council. Leaders are required to complete training that gives an overview of the Scouting program, initial and advanced skills required for their position and the [[Youth Protection program (Boy Scouts of America)|Youth Protection program]]. Additional certifications are required for events such as camping, swimming, boating and climbing. A continuing curriculum is available for additional skills including mentoring, youth leadership, supporting Scouts with disabilities or AD/HD, conducting faith services and [[Leave No Trace]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://olc.scouting.org/|title=BSA Online Learning Center|publisher=Boy Scouts of America|accessdate=2008-07-14}}</ref> ==Finance== The National Council is incorporated as a [[501(c)|501(c)(3)]] [[non-profit organization]] and is funded from private donations, membership dues, corporate sponsors, and special events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://charityreports.bbb.org/public/Report.aspx?CharityID=1120&bureauID=9999|title= BBB Wise Giving Report for Boy Scouts of America |date=March 2008|work=[[Better Business Bureau]]|accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> In 2005, the BSA ranked as the twelfth-largest non-profit organization in the US, with total revenues of $665.9&nbsp;million. As of January 2007, the American Institute of Philanthropy listed former Chief Scout Executive [[Roy Williams]] as having the fifth-highest compensation of any nonprofit chief in the United States, at $916,028.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.charitywatch.org/criteria.html#top20 |title=Top 25 compensation packages |work=American Institute of Philanthropy |accessdate=2008-06-28 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070116173244/http://www.charitywatch.org/criteria.html |archivedate=2007-01-16}}</ref> In 2005, Williams' pay was 0.26%&nbsp;of total expenses, whereas the national average among charities was a higher 0.34%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/content.view/catid/68/cpid/304.htm |title=CEO compensation |work=Charity Navigator |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> Williams was honored in August 2005 as one of the top fifty most effective non-profit leaders by the ''Non-Profit Times''. ==Impact on American life== {{see|Scouting in popular culture|List of Scouts|List of Eagle Scouts (Boy Scouts of America)}} Scouting and Boy Scouts are well-known throughout American culture. The term "Boy Scout" is used to generally describe someone who is earnest and honest, or who helps other cheerfully; it can also be used as a pejorative, sarcastic term.<ref name="simon">{{cite news|first=Scott |last=Simon |title=Remembering the Boy Scouts |date=2008-06-14 |publisher=[[National Public Radio]] |url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91514659 |accessdate=2008-06-14}}</ref> Over two-thirds of all astronauts have had some type of involvement in Scouting,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/informal/features/F_NASA_and_Scouting.html |title=NASA and Scouting: A Strong Alliance |publisher=NASA |accessdate=2008-03-19}}</ref> and eleven of the twelve men to walk on the Moon were Scouts, including Eagle Scouts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Charles Duke|Charlie Duke]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scouting.org/Media/FactSheets/02-558.aspx |title=Astronauts and the BSA |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Cowing |first=Keith |url=http://www.nasawatch.com/archives/2006/05/celestron_and_b.html |title=Celestron and Boy Scouts Venture Where NASA cannot (Or will not) |publisher=Nasawatch |accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> The [[pinewood derby]]—a wood car racing event for Cub Scouts—has been declared "a celebrated rite of spring" and was named part of "America's 100 Best" by ''[[Reader's Digest]]''.<ref>{{cite web |year=2006 |url=http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/cub-scouts-pinewood-derby-race/article36030.html |title=Best Mother-Son Finish |publisher=Reader's Digest |accessdate=2008-02-29}}</ref> President [[Gerald Ford]] said, "I can say without hesitation, because of Scouting principles, I know I was a better athlete, I was a better naval officer, I was a better Congressman, and I was a better prepared President."<ref>{{cite web |last=Rumsfeld |first=Donald R |authorlink=Donald Rumsfeld |url=http://www.defenselink.mil/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=13 |title=Speech: Boy Scout National Meeting Breakfast As Delivered by Secretary of Defense and Eagle Scout Donald H. Rumsfeld |publisher=[[United States Department of Defense]] |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> [[Image:Norman Rockwell- Beyond the Easel.jpg|upright|thumb|left|Norman Rockwell's ''Beyond the Easel'']] Famed American illustrator [[Norman Rockwell]]'s works were closely associated with the Boy Scouts of America for much of the 20th century.<ref name=Abrams>{{cite book |author=[[William Hillcourt]] |title=Norman Rockwell's World of Scouting |publisher=Harry N. Abrams |location=New York |year=1977 |isbn=0-810-91582-0}}</ref>{{rp|43}} Beginning in 1913, Rockwell began illustrating covers of ''[[Boys' Life]]'', the magazine for BSA youth. He also drew the organization's annual calendar illustrations between 1925 and 1976.<ref name=Abrams />{{rp|89}} In 1969, as a tribute to [[Norman Rockwell]]'s 75th birthday, officials of {{nowrap|[[Brown & Bigelow]]}} and the Boy Scouts of America asked Rockwell to pose in ''Beyond the Easel'' for a calendar illustration. As part of the [[United States Bicentennial|U.S. Bicentennial]] celebrations in 1976, Rockwell's Scouting paintings toured the nation and were viewed by 280,000 people.<ref name=Abrams />{{rp|155}} In 2008, a twelve-city U.S. tour of Rockwell's works is scheduled.<ref name="RockCsatari">{{cite journal|date=March–April, 2008|title=Rockwell and Csatari: A tour de force|journal=[[Scouting (magazine)|Scouting]]|pages=6|url=http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0803/index.html|accessdate=2008-06-22}}</ref> [[Alvin Townley]] wrote in ''Legacy of Honor'' about the large positive impact of Eagle Scouts in America. Townley cited such examples as how Scouts, especially Eagle Scouts, were disproportionately represented among [[Hurricane Katrina]]'s volunteer relief workers; just as they are disproportionately represented among members of the [[United States Senate]].<ref name="honor"/>{{rp|152}} [[Mark Mays]], CEO of [[Clear Channel Communications]], told a magazine interviewer in May 2008 that, "Particularly in the very impactful ages of youth 11&nbsp;to&nbsp;14 years old, when they can really go astray and you're taking the time to spend with them and focus on cultural core values like reverent, trustworthy, loyal, and helpful&nbsp;—all of those different things&nbsp;...&nbsp;Scouting has a huge positive impact on boys and their lives, and that in turn positively impacts our communities and society as a whole".<ref name="MarkMays">{{cite journal |date=May–June 2008 |title=Leading the Way |journal=[[Scouting (magazine)|Scouting]] |pages=33 |url=http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/current/a-leading.html |accessdate=2008-06-22}}</ref> Mayor of New York City and business tycoon [[Michael Bloomberg]], said that the BSA's Scout Law required of all Boy Scouts—a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent—are "all the American values&nbsp;...&nbsp;Americans have quaintly simplistic ways and direct ways of phrasing things&nbsp;...&nbsp;I think it's one of the great strengths of this country".<ref name="honor"/>{{rp|116}} [[Peter Applebome]], an editor of ''[[The New York Times]]'', wrote in 2003 of his experience as an adult participating with his son in Scouting activities, "I feel lucky to have had this unexpected vehicle to share my son's youth, to shape it, and to be shaped by it as well".<ref name="Applebome">{{cite book|last=Applebome|first=Peter|title=Scout's Honor: a father's unlikely foray into the woods|publisher=Harcourt|location=Orlando, FL|authorlink=Peter Applebome |date=2003|pages=325 |isbn=0-15-100592-3}}</ref> He concluded that, although Scouting is viewed by some as old-fashioned, "Scouting's core values&nbsp;...&nbsp;are wonderful building blocks for a movement and a life. Scouting's genuinely egalitarian goals and instincts are more important now than they've ever been. It's one of the only things that kids do that's genuinely cooperative, not competitive."<ref name="Applebome"/>{{rp|319-320}} ===Good Turns=== [[Image:Philly Scout.png|thumb|"The Ideal Scout", a statue by [[R. Tait McKenzie]] in front of the Bruce S. Marks Scout Resource Center in the [[Cradle of Liberty Council]]]] From the inception of the Scouting movement, Scouts have been urged to "Do a Good Turn Daily". The first national Good Turn was the promotion of a safe and sane [[Independence Day (United States)|Fourth of July]] in 1913. Scouting for Food is an on-going annual program begun in 1986 that collects food for local food banks. In 1997, the BSA developed Service to America with a commitment to provide 200&nbsp;million hours of service by youth members by the end of the year 2000. As part of Service to America, the BSA provided service projects in conjunction with the [[National Park Service]] (NPS). In October 2003, the Department of the Interior expanded the program with the creation of [[Take Pride in America]], opening service to all Americans.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.takepride.gov/index.cfm |title=Take Pride in America |publisher=Department of the Interior |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> The BSA developed Good Turn for America in 2004 to address the problems of hunger, homelessness, and inadequate housing and poor health in conjunction with the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goodturnforamerica.org/ |title=Good Turn for America |publisher=Boy Scouts of America |accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commons|Category:Boy Scouts of America images|Boy Scouts of America}} *{{dmoz|/Recreation/Scouting/Organizations/Boy_Scouts_of_America/|Boy Scouts of America}} *{{dmoz|/Recreation/Scouting/Resources|Scouting resources}} * [http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf4m3nb0b4 Boy Scouts of America Collection of Ephemeral Material, 1838-1993](call number M0855; 8.5 linear ft.) are housed in the [http://library.stanford.edu/depts/spc/spc.html Department of Special Collections and University Archives] at [http://library.stanford.edu/ Stanford University Libraries] {{InteramericanScout}} {{BSAbystate}} {{scouting|us}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Boy Scouts of America}} [[Category:AmeriCorps organizations]] [[Category:Boy Scouts of America|Boy Scouts of America]] [[Category:Camping]] [[Category:Canoeing]] [[Category:Disability]] [[Category:Hiking organizations]] [[Category:Lists of organizations]] [[Category:WOSM member organizations]] [[Category:Organizations established in 1910]] [[Category:Irving, Texas]] [[de:Boy Scouts of America]] [[fr:Boy Scouts of America]] [[it:Boy Scouts of America]] [[hu:Amerikai Cserkészszövetség]] [[sv:Boy Scouts of America]] [[vi:Hội Nam Hướng đạo Mỹ]] [[zh:美國童軍]]