Happy Birthday Boy Scouts of America

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.

By Rachel Campbell
It was a dark, foggy night in 1909 and William D. Boyce was lost. The wealthy American entrepreneur was touring London, England before his voyage to Africa. Out of the fog appeared a young man, a Scout, who inquired to see if Boyce needed any assistance. After assisting Boyce to his hotel, Boyce tried to tip the young man. The boy refused, replying that he was a Scout and he would not be paid for doing a good turn.
Boyce was so impressed with the Scout that, after meeting with Lord Baden Powell, he ventured back to the United States and organized the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.
Since that day, the BSA has influenced countless scores of young men, many of which have found their future careers through merit badges. Presidents and other civic leaders have been Scouts. Actors and entertainers have been Scouts.
The program has altered slightly through the years, but the values have remained the same.

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.