Today is the 112th Birthday of the Boy Scouts of America. As some may recall, in November of 1909, American businessman William D. Boyce was visiting London and a British Boy Scout helped him to his destination through fog. When Mr. Boyce offered the Scout a tip, the Scout declined it, stating that he was doing a good deed. Boyce was so impressed that he went to the England's Scout headquarters and got information on the program, that Lord Baden-Powell had formed only two years prior in 1907. When Boyce returned to America, he incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910, applying for a congressional charter.
Here in the foundation of the Boy Scouts of America, we see the power of a Good Turn. Kindness shown to others can prove the catalyst for great things. Not only does the Good Turn benefit the individual who receives it, but it makes the giver feel good and builds the reputation of the organization. In the case of the unnamed British Boy Scout, his action has positively affected over 110 million American youth who have participated in some aspect of the Boy Scouts of America in its 112 years of existence.
We can also prosper from the example of William Boyce. From the time he visited England and interacted with a British Boy Scout and the time he incorporated the Boy Scouts of America was four months. Boyce did not procrastinate. When one has great resolve, he or she can accomplish great things in a short amount of time.
As we celebrate BSA's birthday, let's redouble our resolve to live up to the Scout Slogan and Do a Good Turn Daily, not just today or tomorrow, but every day.
A Scout is Kind. A Scout is Helpful.