Scouting History in the Viking Council    1910-1976

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Originally the Scout movement embraced boys from 11 to 15 years of age, but by 1916 Baden-Powell had introduced the concept of Cub Scouts to satisfy the needs of younger boys who were to have their own uniform, their own badges and system of training.  By 1949 the spectrum of Scouting was expanded to include Cub Scouts from 8 to 10; Boy Scouts from 11 to 14; and Explorer Scouts from 14 to 21.

Why was the name "Boy Scout" chosen for this new idea?  Baden-Powell said it was based on the principal of an education-game - a recreation in which the boy would be led to educate himself.  He called it "Scouting" because the name suggested adventure, and also because the idea of being in a patrol and a member of a group would appeal to young boys.

When he returned to England from Africa in 1908, he learned that his program for men was being adopted and used in English schools for boys.  Baden Powell then refined his program to better fit young men.

It was in 1908 that William D. Boyce, an American, met an unidentified Scout while traveling in England.  He was in the heart of London in a particularly thick fog looking for a business friend, and became hopelessly lost when a young man came up and offered free assistance.  Boyce was deeply impressed and searched out additional information about this new concept for training young men.  When he returned he took steps to introduce and develop the Boy Scout idea in this country.  On February 8, 1910, the "Boy Scouts of America" was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia by Boyce, and the National Council Office was established early the next year in New York City.  The movement spread quickly across the country and arrived in Minneapolis three months later.

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Last Update March 28, 2004