Did you know that Boy Scouts originated in England, because a military officer named Baden-Powell wrote a military field manual outlining various training techniques for survival, leadership, and life skills for his soldiers?

Following the South African war in the late 1800s in which Baden-Powell emerged as a war hero, his military manual Aids for Scouting was published and became popular with young boys who followed the instructions for tracking, teamwork, and deduction. In addition the manual emphasized the importance of personal character development for morality, good deeds, helpfulness to others, and spiritual commitment to oneself and others. Over a short period of time, several “boy scout” groups formed over the country, quickly gaining popularity, and the movement emerged.

It is said that some years later an American business man named William Boyce became lost in London’s infamous fog. A young man (a boy scout) came upon him, helped him find his way and a grateful Boyce offered him a tip for his kindness. The boy declined, saying he was a Boy Scout and he was merely doing a good deed. After learning more, William Boyce brought the concept back to the United States and the Boy Scouts of America was born in 1910. (Girl Scouts of America followed in 1912).

As Paul Harvey coined, “…now you know the rest of the story.”

Thank you, Ethan (admin assistant) and Drew (Salish Sea District Exec) of the Mt. Baker Council for the interesting update. Our local Mukilteo troop is a part of this council.

For more information on scouting in our area, visit: mountbakerscouting.org

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