Scouting for Boys: A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship Through Woodcraft is the first book on Scouting. It was written and illustrated by Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement. It is based on his boyhood experiences, his experience with boys during the Boer War in Mafeking in 1899, and on his experimental camp on Brownsea Island, England in August, 1907.
The book was a revised version of his earlier book entitled, Aids to Scouting for N.C.O.s and Men published in 1899. This earlier book was a military manual used by the British Army to train Army scouts. Upon his return to England, immediately following the Boer War, he learned that British schools had been using his books to teach boys lessons on observation and deduction. His decision to revise his military book into a book for boys came about on his attendance at the anniversary celebration of the Boys' Brigade. Baden-Powell noted to the Brigade's founder, Sir William Smith, that the Boys' Brigade could have ten times its membership (which was about 50,000 boys at that time) if it became more appealing to the boys. Sir William Smith then challenged Baden-Powell to re-write his book in a style that would make it available for boys.
The book was published in six parts in the early part of 1908 and was issued in book form on May 1, 1908. It inspired the formation of many Scout Troops in Britain as well as in other countries.
Scouting for Boys has been translated into many languages.
External Links:
Scouting for Boys (http://www.pinetreeweb.com/bp-scouting-for-boys.htm)
The BoyScouts of America (BSA) is an organization for boys between the ages of 7 and 18, and for both young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21, based in the United States of America, with some presence in other countries.
The BoyScouts of America was inspired by and modeled on the BoyScouts, established by Robert Baden-Powell in Britain in 1907.
The BoyScouts of America was established in 1910 by William D. Boyce.
Boys that started work on a merit badge before the requirements changed may continue to use the old requirements until they complete the badge (or turn 18), or they may use the new requirements.
Since the BoyScout Handbook is not revised every time a change in advancement requirements is made, the information in the 10th Edition of the Handbook, in a number of cases, does not reflect the requirements that were in effect until the new Handbook was issued.
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