Boy Scouts of America

What is the history of the Boy Scouts of America?

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded in 1910 in response to the growing popularity of the scouting movement in the United Kingdom. The first official Boy Scout troop was organized in the United States in 1911. The BSA was created to provide a program for community development and leadership training, using the Scout Oath and Law as its foundation. The organization has grown to become one of the largest youth organizations in the world, with approximately 2.3 million members. The Boy Scouts of America has a long and rich history, which includes numerous accomplishments and awards. The BSA has been awarded two Presidential Citations, two Congressional Gold Medals, and numerous other awards for service to the nation. During the 20th century, the organization was responsible for producing over 50 million Eagle Scouts. During World War II, the BSA provided assistance to U.S. Armed Forces by providing troops with scouting skills and training. In 2019, the Boy Scouts of America announced a new name and program for its older youth program, Scouts BSA, to be more inclusive to girls and families. The organization also opened its programs to those within the LGBTQ+ community in 2017.