This is one of the most exciting times in the history of the Scouting movement. The Boy Scouts of America is accomplishing great things as an organization - a record 200,000 Eagle Scout awards given in the past four years alone.
Our centennial provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tell the Scouting story to America. To share what we've done over 100 years...and our plans for the future.
It is more than just a big birthday party. It's more than a celebration of our heritage as the nation's largest service organization for America's youth. Throughout the celebration, we will be laying the groundwork to ensure Scouting's next century is even stronger than its first.
The strength of the Scout Oath and Scout Law has transcended that first century and it is only the beginning. Our 100th Anniversary Celebration is coming to life and it's programs are designed to get everyone engaged in the celebration.
Year of Celebration Patches - A Year of Celebrarion patches will be availablee in the Scout Shop September 1. Anyone can purchase the main patch emblem, but the ribbons must be earned. There will be an order form that people can printout once they've entered their achievement via the online form at www.scouting.org/100years. National is encouraging units to purchase a patch for each Scout and leader - then earn the ribbons throughout the celebration year and present them at unit meetings.
Patch Requirements
The National Hall of Leadership - A national recognition of Scouts and Scouting volunteers who made a significant difference in the life of another by the extraordinary service they have given...and the Scouting virtues they have modeled.
BSA ALumni Connection - A central hub for Scouting alumni, featuring access to a new centennial online scrapbook and other tools to help BSA alumni stay connected with Scouting. www.BSAalumni.org
Generations Connection - Working in partnership with The Arbor Day Foundation, a look at Scouting's family tree through a series of events that provide an opportunity to celebrate the ways that Scouting strengthens families and nurtures important bonds. And, discussions are underway now to extend this program with the creation of a new BSA Centennial Forest. Additional Details can be found here.
In addition to these and other programs, we will be participating in major events - like having a float in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade. There will be local celebrations across the country. Congress has commissioned a BSA Centennial Coin from the U.S. Mint. And much, much more.
Our 100th Anniversary Celebration helps set the tone for all the great things Scouting will have to offer our young people over the next 100 years.
