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Boy Scouts of America
After witnessing the success and popularity of the Boy Scouts Association during his travels to London, William Dickson Boyce returned to America and founded the Boy Scouts of America in 1910. This timeline will journey through the decades from the birth of the BSA to the 1970s exploring the evolution of merits by studying the way badges changed over time.
The BSA began with 14 merit badges, but due to the organization's infancy, none were produced or awarded. -
The First Official Merits
A year later, the BSA created 57 unique merit badges and began awarding scouts who completed each criterion. With the introduction of these merits came the ranks of Life, Star, and Eagle to recognize individuals for their dedication.- [5] This badge is the first aid merit that has remained on the list of available badges for the entire life of the organization as well as required merit for Eagle Scouts ever since ranks were created.
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From Infancy to a Powerhouse
[1] During the 1920s and 1930s, the BSA grew from 1.6 million members to 9 million total members to date, expanding across the country rapidly. The growing influence of the BSA and the merits of interest at this time showcase the importance of survival and knowledge of farming and craft. The badges on this sash are some of the 89 total merits available by 1930. This boy scout proved his skills in camping, chemistry, first aid, and cooking to name a few, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. -
Boy Scouts in Wartime
[3] In 1941 the United States declared war on Japan after they attacked Pearl Harbor. This spurred many scout movements concerning conservation and recycling to acquire materials for the war. As a result of the country's effort in the war, there were few advancements in available merits. Throughout the 1940s only one additional badge was created, that being home repair. The most notable addition concerns the wardrobe, with a cap and trousers becoming official parts of the scout uniform. -
Onward for God and My Country
The 1950s marked a national movement in support of both conservation and citizenship with the introduction of the Onward for God and My Country program. 11 new badges were added throughout the decade, of which 3 became required for the highest rank of Eagle: Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the Community, and Personal Fitness. -
The Program of Ephasis Breakthrough for Youth
[4] During the 1960s, a new program to inspire and prepare young boys for the future was introduced by the BSA called the Program of Emphasis Breakthrough for Youth. With endeavors to inspire and continue the spirit of the nation, 13 new merits were added concerning the technological frontier. Electronics, Model Design and Building, Space Exploration, and Engineering are a few examples of the direction the BSA was taking youth education. -
A Huge Shift
[2] 23 new merits were added throughout the 1970s. A few examples include Sports, Skating, Truck Transportation, Traffic Safety, Dentistry, and Golf. These merits hardly resemble the wartime survival badges of the past, which is telling of the new age the BSA was entering. It is evident there was an increased focus on technology, recreational sport, and modern business structures shown by the types of merits made available to young boys throughout this decade. -
Secondary Source Bibliography
-Marek, Ed. Eagle Required Merit Badges. Merit Badges. Weebly, n.d. https://www.troop49summit.com/merit-badges.html.
-“Merit Badges.” Boy Scouts of America, October 20, 2022. https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/.
-Scout, O. (2009). History of the boy scouts of america. Founders. Retrieved April 5, 2023, from https://historyofscouting.com/history/history.htm -
Primary Source Bibliography
- [1] Everything-Sells-1409. Boy Scouts Early Vintage Square Merit Badge Sash 1920-1930 36 Merit Badges Pins. eBay.
- [2] honeybeemeadow. Vintage 1970s Boy Scouts Sash with 34 Merit Badge Patches BSA. eBay.
- [3] nmchile. Vintage Boy Scout Eagle Merit Badge Collection circa 1947. eBay.
- [4] rare_stock101. Vintage Boys Scouts BSA 1960's Merit Badge Sash with Hand Sewn Patches. eBay.
- [5] whatifdreams. Boy Scout FIRST AID Merit Badge Type A (1911-33) SQUARE (CUT) A00237. eBay.