In times of war, soldiers would use scouts to spy on the enemy and be on the lookout for danger. To do that, scouts had to have savvy outdoor skills. So back in 1907, a guy named General Robert Baden-Powell decided all boys should know how to survive in difficult conditions. Get the 411 on the Boy Scouts here!
Boy Scouts - Boys Will Be Boys
Boy Scouts began when Robert Baden-Powell took 20 boys on a camping trip to the south coast of England. The boys were from different social backgrounds, but he wanted to help all of them develop their character, courage and fitness level though outdoor activities like camping, hiking and water sports. Boy Scouts are organized into troops and they do all their Scouting activities together. Every time they learn a new activity or skill, like how to swim or how to make a fire, they earn a merit badge. Though it started with only 14, there are now over 121 merit badges you can earn!
Boy Scouts - From Boys to Men
There are three levels of Boy Scouts, but there are rankings within each level, based on your age.
- Cub Scouts - Cubs are seven to 10 years old. You make your way up from Tiger Cub to Wolf Cub to Bear Cub and finally to Webelo.
- Boy Scouts - Once you're 11 and have earned a special award called the Arrow of Light, you become a Boy Scout. It's for 11-17 year olds. The ranks within Boy Scouts include Tenderfoot, Star, Life and Eagle.
- Venturers - Venturing helps young peeps become young adults. It's for both guys and girls aged 14-20 years old. You gain experience in six areas - social, citizenship, service, leadership, fitness and outdoor.
Boy Scouts - Did U Know?
- The Boy Scout motto is the same as the Girl Scout's - Be prepared.
- Scoutcraft is a term used to describe all the skills that a Scout should know. It includes things like first aid, map reading and using a compass.
- Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta designed the Boy Scout's uniform in 1980.
- Want to join? Check out the official websites of Boy Scouts of America and Scouts Canada!
Related Stories:
- Volunteer - Changing the Boy Scouts
- Get Involved With Girl Scouts
- Boys & Girls of America
- More Places to Get Involved!
