Happy Centennial Boy Scouts
February 16, 2010 • written by Samantha Hartfiel
On February 8 2010, the Boy Scouts of America celebrated 100 years of outdoor campouts, merit badges, and teaching youth important life skills. While scouting first began in 1907 with Baden Powell in England, it was brought to the United States in 1910 and has been a huge part in youth’s lives ever since.
Throughout the year of 2010, the Boy Scouts of America has many activities planned to celebrate the centennial. They compiled a list of special merit ribbons that aid in the ultimate celebration and highlight five important values of scouting: Leadership, Community Service, Character, Achievement, and Outdoors. By completing a variety of tasks that involve each skill, such as participating in Scouting for Food, the youth can earn special ribbons to compliment a special Centennial Patch.
In addition, on the weekend of May 21-23, the Northern Star Council, which contains troops in Cottage Grove and St. Paul Park, will host a council wide campout deemed StarCamp. This once in a lifetime celebration will take place in Stearns Boy Scout Camp and is open to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts, and Explorers. Scouts will spend the weekend participating in various games and activities that will highlight the history of scouting and celebrate the elements that make scouting unique.
However, for those not involved in scouting, there are several opportunities to engage in the festivities. On the weekend of May 15, a traveling Boy Scout exhibit, called Adventure Base 100, will arrive at the Mall of America. This fold out exhibit will be traveling across the country from January to November and features a museum about the history of Boy Scouts, a rope course, and a video about Scouting.
At Park High School, several students honored the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America by wearing their troop uniforms on February 8, an act that is normally restricted by the organization. These students, including Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts, wore their shirts and brought recognition to the significant day.
“Since my uniform is green and it is also Park pride day it was really convenient to wear my crew shirt today,” stated one Venture Scout during the Snow Week pep fest.
Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has had over 2 million Eagle Scouts, which is the organizations highest award. Several students at Park High School have earned this prestigious award including senior Brian Panek and junior Brody Weber.
The impact of Boy Scouts on the community of Cottage Grove is extremely evident. Through community projects such as Scouting for Food and various Eagle projects that have taken place at churches, parks, and the Armory, the city has grown to be a kinder, beautiful place. Scouting has been a key part in the past 100 years to making communities better and will continue to do so for many years to come.
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