BSA History

The information presented on these pages has been researched to the best of the author's abilities. Whenever singular events appear in multiple sources with different dates attributed, every attempt has been made to ascertain the correct date of the event. Additionally, while the majority of the information presented relates to the Boy Scout program, there are references to "Senior Scouting" scattered among the pages, as well as information regarding Wolf Cub/Cubbing/Cub Scouting whenever available.

Dates are presented in ranges that correspond to initial printings of the various Handbooks throughout the history of the BSA (unless subsequent printings require special attention).

Beginnings
	Baden-Powell initiates Boy Scouts in England in 1907, which leads to a chance encounter that in turn leads to the start of Boy Scouts in the United States in 1910; within two years, every state has at least one Boy Scout troop. A new handbook, Scouting for Boys, is hastily put together as the first book for members of this new organization. *more...*


1911-1914
	The First Edition of the Handbook for Boys is offered, based on Baden-Powell's British handbook. The official uniform is based on that of the U.S. Army, one that is not particularly well-suited to the BSA. *more...*


1914-1927
	The Second Edition of the Handbook for Boys is offered, broadening the initial edition's text and information. In 1922, the now familiar Boy Scout uniform appears, along with the neckerchief - leggings and jackets disappear from the official uniform. *more...*


1927-1940
	The Third Edition of the Handbook for Boys appears, the first with a cover illustration by Norman Rockwell. 1930 sees the official introduction of the Cubbing program (unofficial "Wolf Cub Packs" had been in existence since 1918); Den Mothers are not permitted until 1936. *more...*


1940-1948
	The Fourth Edition of the Handbook for Boys appears, the first to recognize the Cub Scouting movement. 1944 sees a change from knickers to trousers for Boy Scouts (this change happened in Cub Scouts three years later), while 1948 is the last year for the Campaign, or "Smokey the Bear," Hat to be the only one available for wear by Scouts and Scouters. In 1945, the Cubbing name is changed to Cub Scouting and, starting in 1948, Den Mothers must register as leaders. *more...*


1948-1959
	The Fifth Edition of the Handbook for Boys appears. The Field, or Overseas, Cap is added to the official uniform. Leggings are reintroduced to the uniform but do not gain wide acceptance; Explorers, who had previously worn the same uniform as other Scouts, got a uniform of their own in forest green. *more...*


1959-1965
	The Sixth Edition of the handbook appears, now named the Boy Scout Handbook. *more...*


1965-1972
	The Seventh Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook appears. 1967 sees a change in Cub Scouts, with the departure of the Lion rank and the addition of the Webelos rank, along with new insignia for Webelos Scouts as well as a new plaid neckerchief; the Webelos Award is renamed the Arrow of Light to coincide with the change. *more...*


1972-1979
	The Eighth Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook appears, with major changes introduced to the program. Appearing for the first time is the red beret and baseball-style caps for the uniform. *more...*


1979-1990
	The Ninth Edition of The Official Boy Scout Handbook appears, with a reintroduction of the original spirit of the BSA. 1981 introduces the current uniform, designed by Oscar de la Renta, to Scouting; this change also sees the abandonment of the Cub Scout "beanie" for a baseball-style cap -1984 sees the introduction of Webelos Scouts being able to wear the khaki Boy Scout uniform as an option and the addition of a blue neckerchief for the Bear rank. In 1982, Tiger Cubs, BSA is introduced. *more...*


1990-1998
	Venturing makes its debut and the Tenth Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook appears. *more...*


1998-Present
	The Eleventh, and current, Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook appears. *more...*