The Scouting Story

In the fall of 1909, Chicago publisher Willian D. Boyce was wandering the streets of London through one of the city’s famed fogs, searching in vain for his destination. Suddenly, he was approached by a boy, who offered him directions and led him to his destination. When offered a tip by the grateful Boyce, the boy refused, telling him that he was a Scout and could not possibly accept payment for his good deed. This boy, whose identity remains a mystery to this day, inspired Boyce to join forces with Lord Baden-Powell and establish Scouting in America.

The legend of the Unknown Scout endures to this day for the way that it embodies the core values of Scouting. Though the identity of the Scout will never be known, he represents all that modern Scouts stand for, the ideals that still form the core of our organization. Today, Scouts recite these ideals in the form of the Scout Oath and Law:

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.

A Scout is trustworthy,

Loyal,

Helpful,

Friendly,

Courteous,

Kind,

Obedient,

Cheerful,

Thrifty,

Brave,

Clean,

And reverent.

Scouting Jamborees

Every four years, American Scouts gather at the Summit Bechtel Reserve for the National Jamboree, a weeklong celebration of Scouting and a tradition since 1937. World Jamborees, their international counterpart since 1920, are hosted by different countries around the world every four years. These events are opportunities to connect with Scouts around the country or even the world and learn more about each other.