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90-615: Seabadge is the advanced leadership and management course for adult leaders of the Boy Scouts of America 's Sea Scout program. The award is a small silver-colored pin-on badge with the Sea Scout emblem (the Boy Scout universal badge over an anchor) superimposed on a trident and surrounded by a laurel wreath . The silver trident within a circle of blue olive leaves is the ancient symbol of Neptune's leadership over his dominions of

180-450: A Board of Review (with the exception of Scout Rank). To obtain a rank you must first acquire the rank previous to it, with the exception of Scout rank in which a Scout can earn at anytime once they have completed the requirements for it. The ranks are in the following order: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Scout, Life Scout, and Eagle Scout. An increasing number of merit badges, as well as being in troop leadership positions,

270-640: A council-provided Kodiak leadership training program Order of the Arrow members may attend the National Leadership Seminar, run multiple times each year by each region. The Boy Scouts of America operates a National Camping School program which trains people how to run various departments or areas at the Scouts BSA summer camps . Some online training is offered, but most areas require an in-person week-long training program at one of

360-820: A founding member organization of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922. The stated mission of the Boy Scouts of America 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." Youth are trained 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,

450-620: A group of experienced Sea Scout leaders met at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, California. Their goal was to come up with an advanced management training experience for Sea Scout leaders. A curriculum was devised and the first Seabadge conference was held later that year at the U.S. Coast Guard training facility on Governor's Island, Alameda, California. A subsequent conference was held at U.S. Coast Guard Station, Los Angeles, California, and then spread all over

540-600: A national high adventure base where crews of Scouts and Venturers take part in backpacking expeditions and other outdoor activities. It is the largest youth camp in the world by size. Philmont's terrain is mountainous, ranging in elevation from 6,500 feet (2,000 m) to 12,441 feet (3,792 m). Philmont is also home to the Philmont Training Center, which is the main center for BSA's national-level training for volunteers and professionals. In addition to its BSA programs, Philmont continues to operate as

630-594: A participant's spiritual welfare to the individual Unitarian Universalist congregation. The MOU also specifically includes within Unitarian Universalist chartered troops humanism as an acceptable form of spirituality as well as Earth-centered religions. In 2000, the Supreme Court ruled in Boy Scouts of America v. Dale that Boy Scouts and all similar, private voluntary organizations have

720-527: A person's sexuality. Gay rights groups hailed the decision, but vowed to press on until all gay members were accepted. Some churches and conservative members threatened to quit the Boy Scouts in response. On June 12, 2013, the Southern Baptist Convention passed non-binding resolutions urging the BSA not to change their policy. In September 2013, a new scouting group called Trail Life USA

810-671: A ranch, maintaining a stock of cattle , horses , burros and bison . Sea Base High Adventure is a high adventure program base in the Florida Keys . The main Sea Base is located in Islamorada, Florida on the end of Lower Matecumbe Key . Other bases include the Brinton Environmental Center located on Summerland Key (which oversees Big Munson Island located 5.5 miles (8.9 km) southeast) and

900-448: A sea-blue trident on a silver gray background, on the BSA uniform. The Seabadge knot was one of the few that do not actually use a representation of a square knot. Unofficial knot emblems are still worn by many recipients. These have a contrasting background of tan, green, white, or navy blue to match the uniform shirt. Unofficial emblems featuring two or three tridents to indicate staff and course directors are also available. In 1970,

990-431: A series of tests of strength, agility, coordination, and problem-solving, individually and within groups. Scouts see nature as an adventurous place, and it is expected that when they get older the experience from their youth will make them nature lovers. Scouts envisage nature as a heritage. "On breaking up camp leave two things behind you: 1. Nothing. 2. Your thanks." — Lord Baden-Powell in 1919. The National Council

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1080-695: A significant interest in the mission and success of the Northern Tier National High Adventure program. The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. (PSA) is a non-profit New Mexico charity with the purpose to provide a continued support of Philmont Scout Ranch. Membership is open to all those who have served on staff at Philmont. In addition to traditional staff positions, membership is also open to those who have served on staff of Autumn Adventure, Kanik, Philmont Training Center, National Junior Leader Instructor Camp (NJLIC), and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE). The PSA

1170-552: A summer Aquabase program with weeklong sailing trips today. The Triple Crown of National High Adventure award was created in 1995 and later the Grand Slam of National High Adventure award was created in 2014 by the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc. to both promote the Boy Scouts of America's National High Adventure programs and help identify those Scouts with a thirst for high adventure who may be interested in serving on

1260-514: A training center. The property consists of a 10,600-acre (43 km ) reclaimed mine site near Beckley, West Virginia . The purchase was enabled by a $ 50 million grant from Stephen Bechtel, Jr. The Summit is being developed by Arrow WV, a BSA subsidiary. Consol Energy donated $ 15 million to build a 700-foot-long (210 m) bridge to connect the main activity area to the eastern property. Northern Wisconsin National Canoe Base

1350-532: Is Wood Badge , focused on helping participants develop leadership skills while participating in an outdoor program over five days. Some councils offer high-adventure training for adults using the Powder Horn program. Leaders can also take the Seabadge advanced leadership and management course. Scout youth leaders may attend the unit-level Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. Local councils offer

1440-590: Is a high adventure program base located at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The Summit was purchased in 2009 and the high adventure base began operation in 2014. The New River Gorge region offers white water rafting rated from Class II to Class V along the more than 50 miles of river within the New River Gorge National River area. Other outdoor activities that are popular to

1530-669: Is a gathering of Scouts and Venturers from across the US. It is usually held every four years, with some adjustment for special years such as the 2010 National Scout Jamboree that celebrated the BSA centennial. The first jamboree was held in 1937 at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. There were 27,232 Scouts and Leaders present at the first National Jamboree. In 1950, the Boy Scouts of America hosted their second National Jamboree at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania . The event

1620-443: Is offered by the four BSA Regions each year. It is delivered as a weekend course to those Sea Scout leaders who have completed basic training for Sea Scout leaders. Trained Scouters in other BSA programs can also take the course. The focus of the course is leadership and management for Sea Scout leaders. It is not meant to be a course in seamanship — this is covered by the basic leader training courses and seamanship courses offered by

1710-516: Is open to all persons who have served on the seasonal or permanent staff of any Northern Tier National High Adventure program, including the Charles L. Sommers National High Adventure Base, Donald Rogert Canoe Base (Atikokan, Ontario), Northern Expeditions (Bissett, Manitoba), Northern Wisconsin National Canoe Base, and Maine National High Adventure Base. Affiliate membership is open to all former adult crew advisors from any Northern Tier National High Adventure program and any adult who wishes to maintain

1800-491: Is open to all those with an affiliation to Florida Sea Base, including current staff, former staff, members of the community, volunteers, and past participants. The Summit Bechtel Reserve Staff Association was chartered on October 14, 2014, "with the purpose to "promote a continuing interest in and support for the vision, mission and programs of the Summit Bechtel Reserve... by and among those who have served

1890-578: Is required for the latter 3 ranks, plus other requirements. Certain ranks require specific merit badges and leadership positions. Eagle Scout is the highest rank one can receive in Scouts BSA. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million youth. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership, all before or by age 18. This includes an extensive service project that

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1980-643: Is strongly encouraged to complete a general overview training called This is Scouting , and a Fast Start training specific to his/her program level. Position-specific training is required for all direct-contact leaders. Upon completion of basic training, a leader may wear the Trained emblem on his/her BSA uniform. Supplemental skill-specific training is also available to BSA volunteers to gain knowledge in outdoors skills including camping, hiking, first aid, Leave No Trace, swim safety, climbing safety, hazardous weather, and other skills. The highest level of BSA training

2070-742: Is the corporate membership of the Boy Scouts of America and consists of volunteer Scouters who meet annually. The day-to-day operations of the National Council are administered by the Chief Scout Executive and other national professional staff. National Council members include volunteers who are elected national officers and executive board members, regional presidents, the local council representatives, members at large, and honorary members. The national headquarters has been in Irving, Texas since 1979. High-adventure bases of

2160-419: Is the oldest national high adventure base operated by the BSA. Northern Tier offers mostly wilderness canoe trips, although other activities such as cold weather camping exist as well. Typical canoe trips cover 50 to 150 miles (80 to 240 km) and take 6 to 10 days. With each crew is a highly skilled technician/instructor called an "Interpreter". Philmont Scout Ranch is a mountainous ranch located near

2250-411: Is the only National High Adventure base alumni association that does not offer membership to those who have not served on staff. The Sea Base Alumni and Friends Association, Inc. (SBAFA) is a non-profit Florida charity with the purpose to provide continued support of Florida National High Adventure Sea Base. Objectives include supporting the staff, programs and interest of Florida Sea Base. Membership

2340-482: The 2013 National Scout Jamboree . The Boy Scouts of America operates several high-adventure bases at the national level. Each offers a wide range of programs and training; a typical core program may include sailing, wilderness canoeing or wilderness backpacking and camping trips. These bases are administered by the High Adventure Division of the National Council. Current high-adventure bases of

2430-562: The Red Cross , Little League Baseball , and the National Academy of Sciences . The federal incorporation was originally construed primarily as an honor; however, it does grant the chartered organization some special privileges and rights, including freedom from antitrust and monopoly regulation and complete control over the organization's symbols and insignia, though it neither implies nor accords Congress any special control over

2520-1058: The Scout method is part of the program to instill typical Scouting values such as trustworthiness, good citizenship, and outdoors skills, through a variety of activities such as camping, aquatics, and hiking. To further these outdoor activities, the BSA has four high-adventure bases : Northern Tier ( Minnesota , Manitoba , and Ontario ), Philmont Scout Ranch ( New Mexico ), Sea Base ( Florida Keys , US Virgin Islands , and Bahamas ), and Summit Bechtel Reserve ( West Virginia ), as well as nearly 100 camps and reservations dedicated to scouts. The main Scouting divisions are Cub Scouting for ages 5 to 11 years, Scouts BSA for ages 10 to 18, Venturing for ages 14 through 21, and Sea Scouts for ages 14 through 21. The BSA operates Scouting by chartering local organizations, such as churches, clubs, civic associations, or educational organizations, to implement

2610-409: The Scout method , with variations that are designed to be appropriate for the age and maturity of each membership division. Cub Scouts wear a uniform that gives each Scout a level of identity within the den, the pack and the community. The Scouts learn teamwork by meeting and working together in a den of four to ten boys or girls under adult leadership. They learn and apply the ideals codified in

2700-545: The US Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadron . Seabadge is awarded after the participant had completed both 1. the weekend classroom program and 2. a set of 5 participant set and advisor approved Sea Scout focused action goals called a 'rutter' 'log' or 'praxis', similar to the 'ticket' in Wood Badge. The second requirement was dropped for a time, but is now again required to complete

2790-474: The Upper Peninsula of Michigan . The base provided training, outfitting, and guiding for these trips as well as sleeping and meal facilities for groups of 6-12 crew members, including an adult leader, as they prepared to start or end canoe trips. They also provided transportation to and from starting and ending points. Training included an intensive Voyageur course for the youth leader of a group during

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2880-844: The Woodcraft Indians started by Ernest Thompson Seton in 1902 in Cos Cob, Connecticut , and the Sons of Daniel Boone founded by Daniel Carter Beard in 1905 in Cincinnati , Ohio. , two notable independent scouting predecessors of BSA within the United States. In 1907, Robert Baden-Powell founded the Scouting movement in England using elements of Seton's works among other influences. In 1909, Chicago publisher W. D. Boyce

2970-423: The 1,400-member BSA National Council voted to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation while emphasizing that any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, is not allowed. The resolution went into effect on January 1, 2014, but Scout leaders who were "open and avowed homosexuals" were still prohibited. The policy specifically states that BSA does not inquire into

3060-481: The BSA announced that girls would be allowed to become Cub Scouts, starting in 2018, and be a part of the Scouts BSA Program, starting on February 1, 2019. BSA's religious requirements of its members have been controversial and inconsistent. Many volunteers within the BSA organization believe that atheists and agnostics are welcome, and because of this, in many troops they are. However, in 2018,

3150-477: The BSA's Learning for Life, membership in the regular BSA programs had been more restricted and controversial. Until the late 2010s, Cub Scouting or the program then-named Boy Scouting was open to boys only, but girls were permitted to join the Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Explorers programs in 1970. Women could also serve as adult volunteers in all programs in approximately the same time frame. On October 11, 2017,

3240-542: 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." 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." At its peak, Boy Scouts had an active membership of over 4 million youth in 1973. Today, popularity in outdoor events has waned and membership has dropped. However, BSA remains

3330-602: The BSA, which remains free to function independently. Boy Scouts of America uses four primary programs to achieve its aims in Scouting: 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." The Boy Scouts of America offers several other programs and subprograms beyond regular membership: Unlike

3420-599: The Bahamas Sea Base in Marsh Harbour , Abaco , Bahamas . Main programs include sailing— including open water and reef sailing —island camping, snorkeling, and SCUBA. The Florida Sea Base Conference Center has become an alternative training site to the Philmont Training Center. Most conferences it hosts are for professionals or national level committees, but it also hosts conferences for outside groups. The Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base

3510-1024: The Boy Scouts of America The Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases are a collection of high adventure bases in Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba. It is made up of Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Ely, Minnesota operating in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Quetico Provincial Park , Don Rogert Canoe Base in Atikokan , Ontario operating in Quetico Provincial Park , and Northern Expeditions Base in Bissett, Manitoba operating in Atikaki Provincial Wilderness Park and points beyond. Collectively, it

3600-406: The Boy Scouts of America include Philmont Scout Ranch , Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases , Florida National High Adventure Sea Base , and The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve . The BSA offers a wide variety of mandatory and optional training programs in youth protection, outdoor skills and leadership. Every adult leader must complete Youth Protection Training , and then

3690-460: The Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board "reaffirm[ed] its unequivocal commitment to the Declaration of Religious Principle as a fundamental component of the mission of the Boy Scouts of America". At the same meeting, it also stated that "[t]he recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgement of His favors and blessings are necessary to

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3780-511: The Boy Scouts of America announced that girls would be welcomed into Cub Scouts beginning in late 2018, with an early adopter program beginning on January 15, 2018, in councils that wished to participate early. The announcement included the statement that girls in Cub Scouting will simply be called "Cub Scouts". The flagship program of Boy Scouts of America, previously known as "Boy Scouting", became known as Scouts BSA on February 1, 2019, when

3870-486: The Boy Scouts of America's National High Adventure Bases. The Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc. (SAA) is a non-profit Minnesota charity with the purpose to provide a continuing interest in and support for the mission and programs of the Northern Tier National High Adventure program, the Boy Scouts of America's oldest National High Adventure program. Objectives include preserving and promoting wilderness camping, high adventure, and training opportunities; spreading

3960-724: The Lakes Gateway National High Adventure Base was located on Shaw Branch of Lake Barkley near Cadiz, Kentucky. It opened in 1973 as a cooperative effort between the BSA and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The base hosted Boy Scout Troops, Explorer Posts, and some Girl Scout Troops for weeklong adventure treks. Participants had the option to choose backpacking, pontoon boat camping, canoe camping, or sail boat camping and utilized itineraries on both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in both Kentucky and Tennessee. Although Land Between

4050-790: The Lakes ceased operations formally in 1983, their last summer with campers was 1979. Former LBL Staff members removed the High Adventure Base welcome sign in the summer of 1980 and donated it to the National Scouting Museum in Murray, Kentucky. After the LBL Base was closed, most of the equipment was donated to the Florida Sea Base and to Roy C. Manchester Boy Scout Camp on Kentucky Lake, which still operates

4140-558: The National Camping Schools. After successfully completing a week-long program, a person is entitled to wear the National Camping School patch. The regular-size patch may be worn on the right breast shirt pocket, in the temporary patch spot. National Camping School certification is valid for five years. COPE, which stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience, is a program that consists of

4230-722: The Northeast presented a resolution that "would allow individual units to accept gays as adult leaders". However, in July 2012, at the culmination of a review started in 2010, an 11-person committee convened by the BSA reached a "unanimous consensus" recommending retaining the current policy. Intel , UPS , and Merck cut financial ties with the BSA over the policy decision. Within the BSA National Executive Board, members James Turley, CEO of Ernst & Young , and Randall Stephenson , CEO of AT&T and who

4320-589: The Scout Law, to help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight." -Scout Oath "A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent." -Scout Law The objectives of the BSA are referred to as the Aims and Methods of Scouting : Character, Citizenship, Personal Fitness, Leadership. The BSA pursues these aims through an informal education system called

4410-582: The Scout Oath and the Scout Law through an advancement system using age-based ranks earned by completing required and elective adventures. Some advancement is done in the home and is intended to involve the entire family and many Cub Scout activities include family members. In the Scouts BSA program, Scouts learn to use the ideals spelled out in the Scout Oath , the Scout Law , the Outdoor Code ,

4500-595: The Scout motto ("Be prepared"), and the Scout slogan ("Do a good turn daily"). They wear a uniform and work together in patrols of four to ten Scouts with an elected patrol leader, who then appoints an assistant 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. Scouts interact with adult leaders who act as role models and mentors, but they are expected to plan their own activities within

4590-470: The Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements. Upon the introduction of girls into Scouts BSA in February 2019, a temporary time extension for Eagle rank

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4680-697: The Scouting program for youth within their communities. Units are led by volunteers appointed by the chartering organization, who are supported by local councils using both paid professional Scouters and volunteers. Additionally, Learning for Life is an affiliate that provides in-school and career education. In 2019, the Boy Scouts of America renamed its flagship program, Boy Scouts, to Scouts BSA to reflect its policy change allowing girls to join separate, gender-specific troops. In 2023, BSA agreed to pay $ 2.46 billion to settle claims by some 82,000 former Boy Scouts who said they had been sexually abused by BSA officials and volunteers. On May 7, 2024, BSA announced that

4770-554: The US, Boyce was inspired by his experience and incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910. Edgar M. Robinson and Lee F. Hanmer became interested in the nascent BSA and convinced Boyce to turn the program over to the YMCA for development in April 1910. Robinson enlisted Seton, Beard, Charles Eastman , and other prominent leaders in the early youth movements. Former president Theodore Roosevelt , who had long complained of

4860-564: The United States. The national committee on Sea Scouts saw the merit in this program and appointed a special subcommittee to gather the best practices of the courses that had been held. The result was the creation of the Seabadge Conference Guide, which is the definitive outline for delivering the Seabadge conference. Since 1970, the course has been revised several times, with the current course revised in 2002. Seabadge

4950-535: The Venturer to teach what they have learned to others, thereby returning the skill and knowledge back to the community and enabling the Venturer to master those skills. In October 2012, the National Council announced that, as a result of the findings and recommendations of a select committee made up of volunteer Scouters, the Cub Scout and Venturing programs would transition to use of the Scout Oath and Law, and in

5040-713: The advanced National Youth Leadership Training and the National Council offers the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience conducted at Philmont Training Center. The Boy Scouts of America also offers the NYLT Leadership Academy which trains youth staff members from across the country for council-level NYLT courses. Venturers and Sea Scouts may attend the unit-level Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships. Crew officers can attend Crew Officer Orientation, and then

5130-411: The area include Rock climbing , rappelling (abseiling) , mountain biking , hiking, geocaching , and orienteering . Some of the additional activities added with help from Scout feedback at the 2010 Jamboree , are skateboarding , freestyle BMX , mountainboarding , ATV riding, paddle boarding , dragon boats racing , and ziplines. The Summit is also the site for the national Scout jamboree and

5220-527: The best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members" . This position is inconsistent with the fact that the BSA has had Buddhist troops since 1920, and Buddhism is a nontheistic religion which does not assert belief in a creator God . The BSA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Unitarian Universalist Association in 2016 which specifically gives ultimate authority over

5310-407: The canoe trip area covered millions of acres, most trips were concentrated in the 400,000-acre (1,600 km ) area going about 12 miles (19 km) north, 10 miles (16 km) east, 18 miles (29 km) west, and 10 miles (16 km) south of the base. The base celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1980 and enjoyed its most popular years in 1980–81, but usage declined rapidly and the permanent base

5400-508: The case of the Venturers, the Boy Scout three-finger salute and sign as well. The Venturing change occurred in May 2014; and the Cub Scout change in mid-2015. There are seven ranks that a Scout in the Scouts BSA program may attain (note that Eagle Palms are not considered ranks ). To obtain a rank, a Scout must complete the requirements for that rank, as well as have a Scoutmaster Conference and

5490-405: The constitutionally protected right under the First Amendment of freedom of association to set membership standards. In 2004, the BSA adopted a new policy statement, including a "Youth Leadership" policy that disallowed members to continue in leadership positions in the event they were to hold themselves out as "open and avowed homosexuals. At the Scouts annual meeting in April 2012, a leader from

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5580-413: The core of the program for many years. It was a highly successful program that exposed thousands of Scouts to the lakes, rivers, and mountains of the North Maine woods, providing them with a lifetime appreciation of wild lands, no trace camping, and self-sufficiency and safety in the wilderness. Maine National High Adventure was operated as a national base until 1991, when the National BSA Office shut down

5670-473: The course and receive the Seabadge. Boy Scouts of America The Boy Scouts of America ( BSA , colloquially the Boy Scouts ) is one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 1 million youth, including 176,000 female participants. The BSA was founded in 1910; about 130 million Americans have participated in its programs, which are served by 477,000 adult volunteers. BSA became

5760-541: The decline in American manhood, became an ardent supporter. In January 1911, Robinson turned the movement over to James E. West who became the first Chief Scout Executive and Scouting began to expand in the US Among other programs in the US, the Woodcraft Indians and Sons of Daniel Boone, eventually merged with the BSA. The BSA's stated purpose at its incorporation in 1910 was "to teach [boys] patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values." Later, in 1937, Deputy Chief Scout Executive George J. Fisher expressed

5850-422: The early 20th century. With the migration of families from farms to cities, there were concerns among some people that young men were no longer learning patriotism, self-reliance, and individualism. Several groups attempted to fill this void. The YMCA was an early promoter of reforms for young men with a focus on social welfare and programs of mental, physical, social and religious development. Others, included

5940-485: The largest scouting organization and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with about 1.2 million youth participants and about one million adult volunteers as of 2021 . The purposes of the corporation are to 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

6030-545: The matter to the National Executive Board. On July 27, 2015, the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board voted to lift the organization's blanket ban on openly gay leaders and employees. Local chartering organizations are still permitted to set their own standards based on religious principle for selecting the adult volunteers for their unit. On January 30, 2017, the Boy Scouts of America announced that transgender children who identify as boys would be allowed to enroll in boys-only programs, effective immediately. Previously,

6120-449: The methods that were in common use by boy scouts on June 15, 1916. 36 U.S.C.   § 30902 The BSA holds one of the comparatively rare congressional charters under Title 36 of the United States Code . On behalf of the BSA, Paul Sleman, Colin H. Livingstone, Ernest S. Martin, and James E. West successfully lobbied Congress for a federal charter for the BSA which President Woodrow Wilson signed on June 15, 1916. One of

6210-420: The organization will change its name to Scouting America . While the name change will officially go into effect on February 8, 2025, on its 115th anniversary, all are encouraged to use the name immediately. The Scout Oath, Law and program will remain unchanged. The uniforms will also remain the same but will be embroidered with the new name. The progressive movement in the United States was at its height during

6300-416: The others were on private lands under special arrangements, which typically included maintenance work by the Scouts. Examples of closer frequently used waterways include White Sand, Lost Canoe, Pallette, Escanaba, Presque Isle, Crab, Trout , Boulder, and Wild Rice lakes and the Manitowish and Trout Rivers. In the 1960s, staff tried to open up new routes using creeks, with occasionally hilarious results. While

6390-409: The principal reasons for seeking a congressional charter was to deal with competition from other Scout organizations including the United States Boy Scouts and the Lone Scouts of America . The 1916 statute of incorporation established this institution among a small number of similarly chartered patriotic and national organizations, such as the Girl Scouts , Civil Air Patrol , the American Legion ,

6480-465: The program opened to girls. Members of Scouts BSA are known as "Scouts BSA" or "Scouts". On November 6, 2018, the GSUSA filed a federal trademark lawsuit seeking to block the BSA from rebranding itself simply as "Scouts"; this is not the first time the two organizations have legally contested the use of the term scout . "On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty, to God and my country, and to obey

6570-786: The program. In 1993, the Matagamon base reopened as Maine High Adventure, an outdoor program run today by the Katahdin Area Council . There is an active staff association called Maine High Adventure Staff Association that is dedicated to the history of the Maine National High Adventure Area, and to the support of the current Maine High Adventure Area. Land Between the Lakes Gateway National High Adventure Base The Land Between

6660-485: The sea combined within a circle of friendship. The three prongs of the trident are symbolic of the three purposes of the BSA— citizenship, character and fitness development. The trident also symbolizes that the Seabadge recipient is a spearhead of Sea Scouts in attaining the program objectives of the Boy Scouts of America. Those who completed the course prior to 2012 were issued a corresponding cloth sew-on square knot insignia,

6750-509: The sex listed on an applicant's birth certificate determined eligibility for these programs; going forward, the decision would be based on the gender listed on the application. Joe Maldonado became the first openly transgender child identifying as a boy to join the Scouts on February 7, 2017. In 2016, he was rejected from the Boy Scouts for being transgender, but the policy was changed after his story became nationally known. On October 11, 2017,

6840-447: The spirit of "The Far Northland" throughout Scouting, and offering the time, talent, and treasure of its membership to the Northern Tier National High Adventure program. Through its members, it has been instrumental as the first alumni association to launch capital campaigns in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America to enhance high adventure base facilities and establish an endowed seasonal staff scholarship program. Active membership

6930-401: The staff of Northern Tier High Adventure Bases and other National High Adventure Bases. The Triple Crown of National High Adventure award honors those who have participated in a high adventure program at three of the Boy Scouts of America's four National High Adventure Bases. The Grand Slam of National High Adventure award honors those who have participated a high adventure program at all four of

7020-483: The summer of 1986. The penultimate canoe trip was with Troop 912 from Manitowoc, Wisconsin from 8/10/1986 to 8/16/1986. The Maine National High Adventure Area was established in 1970 due to the efforts of BSA Scout Executive Bud Jeffrey, Seven Island Lands Company President John Sinclair, and Bill Wadsworth and John Donnell of the BSA National Office. The first of three Maine National High Adventure bases

7110-535: The town of Cimarron , New Mexico covering approximately 137,500 acres (556 km ) of wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico , near the town of Cimarron . The main part of the ranch, formerly the property of oil baron Waite Phillips , was donated to the Scouting organization in 1938. Along with other donations and purchases, it is currently in use as

7200-715: The troop and to participate in community service. Venturers are expected to know and live by the Scout Oath and Law. Before May 2014, members of the Venturing program followed the now discontinued Venturing Oath and Venturing Code . Venturers associate and work directly with adults advisors, 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. Each award requires

7290-579: The week prior to the group's trip. Additional programs for Scouts included whitewater trips on the lower Flambeau Flowage, swimming at the White Sand Lake beach, informal sandlot football and softball games between staff members and Scouts at the base, and winter camping in the cabins left by the CCC. Canoe trips launched from the base utilized hundreds of different lakes and rivers and about 300 campsites. About half of these sites were on public lands;

7380-771: Was allowed for up to 2 years for all scouts who were older than 16 but not yet 18 years of age on February 1, 2019. Of the 21 merit badges Eagle Scouts are required to earn, 14 of the badges must include: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in Society, Communication, Cooking, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Environmental Science OR Sustainability, Personal Management, Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, Camping, and Family Life. The National Scout Jamboree

7470-483: Was closed in 1983. Numerous interrelated factors contributed to its demise, including Scout leaders and executives lobbying for closure in favor of other bases, declining usage, increased residential development in the area used for its canoe trips, and a heavy snowfall during the 1982-83 winter that collapsed the roof of the dining hall, which was never rebuilt. While the permanent base was closed, expeditions continued to be led using guides from Charles Sommers base until

7560-457: Was created, in support of what founders call "traditional, Christian" scouting. Subsequently, some Christian denomination congregations replaced their Boy Scouts of America troops with those of Trail Life USA. In May 2015, Boy Scouts of America President Robert Gates said it was time to end the ban on gay leaders. Gates said it "cannot be sustained" any longer. On July 10, 2015, the Boy Scouts of America Executive Committee agreed, and referred

7650-408: Was established at the site of the former Foster's Matagamon Sporting Camp on the north side of Matagamon Lake, and was called Maine Matagamon National High Adventure Base. This base operated as a single unit in 1971 and 1972. An additional base was established at Pittston Farm on Seboomook Lake in 1973, and a third on Sysladobsis Lake, was operated in 1971 and 1979. Matagamon and Seboomook bases were

7740-456: Was opened in 1940 on the site of a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp on the south end of the east shore of White Sand Lake in northern Wisconsin. The closest town to that site is Boulder Junction, Wisconsin . The base was originally named MIWI after the initials of the four states in the region. In 1943 it was renamed Region 7 Canoe Base. The base had also been referenced in publications as Region Seven Explorer Canoe Base. Around 1967 it

7830-466: Was renamed Northern Wisconsin National Canoe Base, as publications begin referencing the new name during this period. By that time, thousands of Scouts were embarking on wilderness canoe trips from the canoe base every summer, principally from the Chicago area due to its proximity. The primary program was wilderness canoe trips, through the lakes and rivers of northern Wisconsin and the southern edge of

7920-507: Was then "on track to become president of the Scout's national board in 2014" and later was, publicly opposed the policy and stated their intention "to work from within the BSA Board to actively encourage dialogue and sustainable progress" in changing the policy. On January 28, 2013, the BSA announced it was considering rescinding the ban on homosexuals, allowing chartered organizations to determine local policy. On May 23, 2013, over 60% of

8010-432: Was to commemorate the organization's 40th anniversary. Since then, jamborees have been held in varying locations. From 1981 until 2010, the jamboree was held at Fort A.P. Hill , Virginia . A permanent location owned by the BSA was sought in 2008 for future jamborees, high adventure programs and training. The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve near Beckley, West Virginia , is now the permanent site beginning with

8100-584: Was visiting London, where he encountered a boy who came to be known as the Unknown Scout . Boyce was lost on a foggy street when an unknown Scout came to his aid, guiding him to his destination. The boy then refused Boyce's tip, explaining that he was a Boy Scout and was merely doing his daily good turn. Interested in the Boy Scouts, Boyce met with staff at the Boy Scouts Headquarters and, by some accounts, Baden-Powell. Upon his return to

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