1910
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on February 8 under the laws of the District of Columbia by W. D. Boyce. On June 21, a group of 34 national representatives of boys' work agencies met, developed organization plans, and opened a temporary national headquarters in a YMCA office in New York. In September, Robert S.S. Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, visited America and interpreted the program. President William Howard Taft accepted the office of honorary president; Theodore Roosevelt became honorary vice-president and chief Scout citizen; Colin H. Livingstone was elected president; Mortimer L. Schiff, Milton A. McRae, and Benjamin L. Dulaney, vice-presidents; George D. Pratt, treasurer; Daniel Carter Beard, National Scout Commissioner; Ernest Thompson Seton, Chief Scout; and John Sherman Hoyt, Jeremiah W. Jenks, William D. Murray, and Frank Presbrey, members of the Executive Board. James E. West was appointed executive officer.
1911
The National Council office was established at 200 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y., on January 2, 1911, with seven employees. The first annual meeting was held at the White House, Washington, D.C., and was addressed by President Taft. The Scout Oath, Law, badges, and fundamental policies were adopted. The National Court of Honor presented the first awards for heroism. Membership to date, Scouts and Scouters, 61,495.
1912
By now Scouts were enrolled in every state. Scouts mobilized for the first of a series of national civic Good Turns, including the promotion of a safe and sane Fourth of July. Other community Good Turns began. Sea Scouting for older Scouts was started. Boys' Life was purchased to become an official BSA magazine. Membership during the year, Scouts and Scouters, 97,495. Total members to date, 126,860.
1913
The first local council charters were issued to first-class and second-class councils. Local supervision was facilitated by dividing the United States into eight districts-the forerunner of 12 regions. Scouting, the official magazine for Scouters, was started. Boy Scout Week was observed. A registration plan for Scouts was adopted. Scouts demonstrated the motto ''Be Prepared'' in first aid during spring floods in Ohio and Indiana. Scouts rendered service at the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg reunion of veterans. The first Children's Book Week was observed. Membership during the year, 115,364. Total members to date, 188,964.
1914
The troop committee plan was created. The first Scout Sunday observance took place. Training for Scout leaders was developed. The first William T. Hornaday gold medal for the conservation of wildlife was presented. The first tree-planting project was held in New York. Membership, December 31, was 127,685. Total members to date, 275,304.
1915
The Department of Education established a national office to train all Scouters. Expansion of merit badge work prompted issuance of 57 merit badge pamphlets. The Handbook for Scoutmasters was issued. Military policy was adopted. Scouting was extended on the pacific coast. The Order of the Arrow was founded. Membership, December 31, was 182,303. Total members to date, 409,662.
1916
Congress granted a Federal Charter on June 15, giving special protection to the name and insignia and limiting membership to American citizens. An act of Congress, June 3, authorized a Scout uniform similar to the Army, Navy, or Marine uniform. The Constitution and Bylaws were adopted. The first college course in Scouting was held at Teachers College, New York. Veteran and associate Scout classifications were created. Scouting in rural areas emphasized Pioneer Scouts (later Lone Scouts). A Department of Camping was established at the national office to help local councils maintain camping standards and promote camping. Membership, December 31, was 245,183. Total members to date, 571,649.
1917
Scouting's full resources were placed at the service of the government, under the slogan ''Help Win the War,'' and, within 24 hours, Scouts throughout the United States were so advised. Significant demonstration of boy-power, trained and organized for service, followed for the duration of the war and drew thousands of boys into the movement. The first winter camp was held by Chicago Scouts. Membership, December 31, was 363,837. Total members to date, 812,586.
1918
After the signing of the armistice, the slogan ''The War Is Over, but Our Work Is Not'' was adopted. Scouts rendered nationwide service in the influenza epidemic. The first service club sponsorship of troops was inaugurated by Rotary International. A Scout executives' training conference was held at Cranberry Lake. National standards were established for Boy Scout camps. As part of the war effort, 1917-18, Scouts sold 2,350,977 Liberty Loan bonds, totaling $147,876,902; war savings stamps, to a value of $53,043,698. More than 300 million pieces of government literature were distributed, and services rendered included food and fuel conservation and Boy Scout war gardens. Membership, December 31, was 418,984. Total members to date, 1,065,495.
1967
The Boy Scouts of America hosted the XII World Jamboree. The XXI Boy Scouts World Conference was held in Seattle, Wash. The Report to the Nation was made to President Johnson, and Report to the State ceremonies were conducted in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Pittsburgh, Pa., hosted the 57th National Council Annual Meeting. Thomas J. Watson, Jr., was elected to a fourth term as President. The Ernest Thompson Seton Memorial Library and Museum at Philmont and the Ellsworth H. Augustus International Scout House at the national office were dedicated. The National Order of the Arrow Conference drew 4,158 members to the University of Nebraska. Alden G. Barber became the fifth Chief Scout Executive. The updated Cub Scout program was launched in September, establishing a special Webelos Scout program. Nearly 26,000 needy and non-Scouts attended Scout camps. Regional Explorer delegate conferences were held in all 12 regions. Membership, December 31, was 6,058,508. Total members to date, 44,139,905.
1968
The National Council at its 58th annual meeting in Chicago elected Irving Feist President and adopted the BOYPOWER '76 8-year long-range program. The National Executive Institute began at Schiff Scout Reservation and Philmont Scout Ranch and Explorer Base. The National Council raised national membership adult fees to $2 and boy fees to $1. A total of 1,449,266 Webelos activity badges were earned during the year. Scouts and Explorers earned 28,311 Eagle Awards and 1,743,567 merit badges. Exploring deputies were named in each region. Membership, December 31, was 6,247,160. Total members to date, 45,997,048.
