Scouting

About

Since its inception in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has cultivated leadership and good citizenship. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

At the American Legion’s first National Convention in 1919, the American Legion gave approval and support to the Boy Scout movement. Posts began to sponsor Boy Scout units following the convention, but organized guidance and cooperation did not take place until 1922 when the Boy Scout program was included in the activities of the Americanism Commission.

American Legion chartering of Scouting units has steadily increased over the years. On average, Legion Posts have either chartered or sponsored approximately 2,500 Scouting units (Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews and Sea Scout Ships) nationwide on an annual basis, totaling over 79,000 BSA registered members. This is natural for Legionnaires, who bring their service-learned skills and experiences as veterans to help build character and positive traits in our country’s youth. Few other post activities generate more goodwill from the community.

The American Legion Department of Florida, with continued cooperation of its American Legion Posts, expects to sustain its existing BSA charters and steadily increase new BSA chartered units annually. During an average year Florida’s program will reach 2,500 young scouts and will spend approximately $65,000 through its chartering of units and sponsorship of BSA programs.

Every Legion Post can charter a Scouting unit. Even if the Post cannot accommodate BSA units with a safe, alcohol-free and smoke-free meeting location on a regular basis, they can work with the Chartered Organization Representative to assist their BSA units in finding a suitable meeting location, as well as host fund raisers, Scouting activities like flag ceremonies and retirements, and other community activities.

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