NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY
February 8th annually recognizes National Boys Scouts Day. Since 1910, boys across America have been doing good deeds, learning survival skills, and developing moral foundations through the Boy Scout of America.
#NationalBoyScoutsDay
The Boy Scouts of America has roots in the British Boy Scouts organization which was created in 1908 after the success of the book Scouting for Boys by Robert Baden-Powell.
On a foggy day in London an American newspaperman, William Dickson Boyce, became lost when a Boy Scout came to his assistance. With the boy’s guidance, Boyce arrived at his destination. When Boyce offered payment for the assistance, the Boy Scout refused explaining it was a good deed.
Boyce was inspired to organize similar youth groups into one organization. On February 8, 1910, Boyce filed papers of incorporation, and the Boy Scouts of America was born.
Boy Scouts have had a profound impact on the United States. Many presidents and other dignitaries have been Boy Scouts. A total of 181 Astronauts have also been a part of the Boy Scout program.
Boy Scouting Facts
Timeline
- Boy Scouts of America incorporated in 1910
- First Boy Scout Handbook published in 1911
- Boys’ Life premiered in 1911
- First Eagle Scout, Arthur R. Eldred in 1912
- Scouting magazine premiered in 1913
- Registration of Scouts began, 25¢ annual fee was 1913
- Order of the Arrow began in 1915
- Federal charter granted by Congress in 1916
- The first season at what would become Northern Tier High Adventure Base started in 1923
- Boy Scout membership tops 1 million in 1925
- Cub Scout program began in 1930
- Philmont donated to the BSA in 1938
- First BSA Wood Badge course taught in 1948
- First Pinewood Derby® held in 1953
- Webelos program added to Cub Scouting in 1954
- Exploring program began in 1959
- Florida National High Adventure Sea Base officially opened in 1980
- Tiger Cubs program added to Cub Scouting in 1982
- Alexander M Holsinger became the 1 millionth Eagle Scout in 1982
- Learning for Life program began in 1991
- Venturing program began in 1998
- 100 millionth member registered in 2000
- Anthony Thomas became the 2 millionth Eagle Scout in 2009
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY
- Celebrate the Boy Scouts!
- Recall your time as a Boy Scout and share the lessons you learned.
- Give a shout-out to a Boy Scout leader.
- Share the skills you learned with others.
- Volunteer to be a leader.
- Learn more about the Boys Scouts organization.
- Use #NationalBoyScoutsDay to join the conversation on social media.
NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY HISTORY
February 8th recognizes the anniversary of the date William Dickson Boyce filed the letters of incorporation. February is also Boy Scout Month.
Boy Scouts FAQ
Q. Who founded the Boys Scouts?
A. Robert Baden-Powell started the scouting movement in 1857. The first Boy Scout organization in the United States was established on February 8, 1910.
Q. How many ranks are in the Boy Scouts?
A. The seven ranks in Boy Scouts are Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.
Q. Are the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts the same thing?
A. Cub Scouts is a division of Boy Scouts and is designed for younger children between kindergarten and fifth grade.
February 8th Celebrated History
1735
The first opera is performed in the American Colonies. Presented by the English Ballad Opera Company, they performed Flora, or Hob in the Well. A courtroom above the Shepheard’s Tavern in Charleston, South Carolina hosted the production.
1944
In 1944, the American journalist Henry McAlpin became the first Black correspondent accredited to the White House.
1910
William D. Boyce incorporates Boy Scouts of America after meeting with Robert Baden-Powell.
1976
The Martin Scorsese film Taxi Driver premieres starring Robert De Niro, Cybill Shepherd, and Jodie Foster. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards and two Golden Globes.
February 8th Celebrated History
Rebecca Lee Crumpler – 1831
In 1864, she became the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Dr. Crumpler opened her practice in Boston and published A Book of Medical Discourses.
Jules Verne – 1828
The French science fiction author wrote a series of popular adventure novels including Journey to the Center of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and Around the World in 80 Days.
James Dean – 1931
Best known for his role as Jim Stark in the film Rebel Without a Cause, actor James Dean also performed in several television shows before his tragic death.
John Williams – 1932
The American composer is considered cinema’s most distinguished and honored composers in film history. During his career, Williams has produced some of the most identifiable and critically acclaimed film scores ever written. His film scores include Star Wars, Superman, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and many, many more.
Ted Koppel -1940
The award-winning broadcast journalist served as the anchor for ABC’s Nightline for twenty-five years. During his nearly 60-year career, Koppel has covered the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to the election of President Barack Obama.
Mary Steenburgen – 1953
The versatile, award-winning American actress is known for her roles in films including Book Club, Elf, and Parenthood.
Honorable Mentions
Kate Chopin – 1850
Chester Floyd Carlson – 1906
Betsy Jochum – 1921
Gary Coleman – 1968
