Monument-Al Changes
It’s no secret that the BSA Memorial Monument on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., has seen some better days—50 years of them, in fact. Now this imposing work, depicting a representative Scout and the symbolic figures of a man and woman guiding the Scout’s growth, has received a makeover from the National Parks Service—just in time for the 100th anniversary. The fountain was restored to its original function with new pumps and piping, the benches around the patio were repaired, and the bronze statues were cleaned and polished. Now they’re ready to watch over Scouts as they enter a new century.
It’s no secret that the BSA Memorial Monument on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., has seen some better days—50 years of them, in fact. Now this imposing work, depicting a representative Scout and the symbolic figures of a man and woman guiding the Scout’s growth, has received a makeover from the National Parks Service—just in time for the 100th anniversary. The fountain was restored to its original function with new pumps and piping, the benches around the patio were repaired, and the bronze statues were cleaned and polished. Now they’re ready to watch over Scouts as they enter a new century.
Mark Your Calendar: Coming Up Roses
Until they play the game on New Year’s Day 2010, nobody knows which team will win the Rose Bowl Game. But we already know this: In honor of Scouting’s 100th Anniversary, the BSA will have its own float in the spectacular Tournament of Roses Parade that steps off at 8 a.m. Pacific Time that morning. The screen will be filled with marching bands and dancers, but as you can tell from this artist’s rendering, the millions of viewers at home will have no trouble spotting the BSA float!
Let's Get this Party Started!
We all love to tell stories about our family history. Such stories remind us from whence we came, and they bind us together even tighter. It’s the same with the Scouting family. And during Scouting’s 100th Anniversary, the entire Scouting family will come together to look back on a proud history that includes highlights such as these:
After World War I ended in 1918, the Scouts adopted the motto, “The War is Over, But Our Work is Not.”
During the 1918 influenza epidemic, Scouts rendered nationwide service.
During the Great Depression, Scouts answered President Franklin Roosevelt’s call to do a Nationwide Good Turn. Scouts collected almost 2 million items of clothing, household goods, foodstuffs, and supplies for the needy.
During World War II, Scouts helped the country in myriad ways: planting Victory Gardens, collecting aluminum and waste paper, distributing air raid posters, assisting the Red Cross, and more.
Important as that history is, however, the BSA’s 100th Anniversary is more than just a time to look back. It’s also a time to demonstrate the vitality and importance of Scouting as the organization enters its second century. Nowhere is that more clear than in the “A Year of Celebration: A Century of Making a Difference” program, which started on Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2010.
“The Year of Celebration program is a wonderful opportunity for Scouts, leaders, and BSA alumni to get involved in enjoyable Scouting activities that will also help show America the important things that Scouting does in our communities today,” says Bob Mersereau, national director of the 100th Anniversary project. Mersereau explains that all of the activities emphasized during the Year of Celebration fall under five of Scouting’s core values: Leadership, Achievement, Character, Community Service, and Respect for the Outdoors. An extensive list of activities for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Leaders, and Alumni can be found at scouting.org/100years. And everyone in the Scouting family can earn the Year of Celebration ribbons that represent the five core values. That includes not just active Scouts and Scouters, but those who have been inactive and would like to rejoin the Scouting family for this great event.
To earn the Leadership ribbon, for example, a Cub Scout might get a friend to join his pack; a Boy Scout might serve as a youth staff member for a unit, district, or council event or camp; and alumni could become involved with a district or council as a registered volunteer in support of Scouting. In the Character category, Venturers might choose to earn the Religious Life Bronze Award, while adult leaders could do a Good Turn for seven consecutive days. Participants must complete three of the five requirements in a category to earn the ribbon.
“As they complete the requirements, they’re showing their towns and communities that Scouting improves the quality of life for young people, families, and communities. It’s not just a nice recreational activity, but an important program for our country,” Mersereau says. Bruce Showstack, vice-president of the 100th Anniversary team for the Boston Minuteman Council, says he’s looking forward to a “jam-packed year” of activities. The council has had several reunions of Eagle Scouts who live and work in the Boston area. “We’ve had college students and retired people show up,” Showstack says. “Some of them have already come forward to play key leadership roles in some of our celebration activities.”
Additionally, during the 100th Anniversary the BSA will reach out to older generations who have been involved in Scouting. At scouting.org/100years, anyone can share stories about relatives who played a part in the Scouting story, download a Generations Connections family tree, and order an official BSA 100th Anniversary tree from the Arbor Day Foundation.
Planting the tree as a family will strengthen the bonds between generations, Mersereau says. He adds that first-generation members can declare themselves a Founding Scouting family, share their stories, and download an appropriate certificate. Other special features of the Year of Celebration include the BSA 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership. Almost everyone who takes part in Scouting owes a debt to a memorable leader, and this is a great opportunity to honor that leader by nominating any living Scout or Scouting volunteer. Nominees do not have to be officially registered with the BSA, but they must have served as an active Scout or Scouting volunteer for at least one year. Click here to learn how to nominate someone.
The Boys Are Back!
Don’t miss the second season of “Scouting For Adventure,” the Outdoor Channel’s original series based on the BSA and Boys’ Life. Filmed at national high adventure bases and Scout camps across the United States, the series highlights exciting activities: rock climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, backpacking, horse riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting. You’ll see plenty of scenic beauty as Scouts tackle challenging outdoor activities such as coral-reef sailing and mountain trekking, but the emphasis remains on Scouting’s core values, safety, and team building. The season is already under way. So tune in Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m., or Sundays at 6 a.m. (all times Eastern). Or, set the DVR.
National 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally
Thank you for your interest in the BSA 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally! Click here to RSVP http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=sEg2w_2bun0UPAnU_2bVs0TE5A_3d_3d
or submit a question to our presenters. The rally will be found right here on Scouting.org/100years on December 10th. Check back for more information closer to the event. Until then, explore and learn more about our 100th Anniversary programs.
Date:
Thursday, December 10
Time:
8:00 – 8:30 p.m. Eastern
Presenters:
Randall Stephenson, AT&T President, CEO and Chairman and 100th Anniversary ChairJohn Gottschalk, BSA National PresidentBob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive
