2007/2008 Boy Scout Chairman is John Hallowell and can be reached at the Post at 352-795-6526 

 

The Boy Scouts of America

    www.scouting.org

Chicago publisher William Boyce founded the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910. The new BSA quickly established a national office, developed a temporary handbook, sought out Baden-Powell's endorsement and soon thereafter obtained a Congressional Charter from the US Congress in 1916.

Since its earliest days the Boy Scouts of America have cultivated leadership and good citizenship, a service that has been recognized since its establishment. Boy Scouts have been an integral part of our country ever since.

At the American Legion’s first National Convention in Minneapolis in 1919, the American Legion gave approval and support to the Boy Scout movement. Posts began to sponsor Boy Scout units following the convention, but organized guidance and cooperation did not take place until 1922 when the Boy Scout program was included in the activities of the Americanism Commission.

American Legion chartering of Boy Scout units has steadily increased over the years. On average, Legion Posts have either chartered or sponsored approximately 2,500 scouting units (Cub Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Varsity Teams, and Venturing Crews) nation wide on an annual basis, totaling over 79,000 BSA registered members.

The American Legion Department of Florida with continued cooperation of its American Legion Post’s, are expecting to sustain its existing BSA charters and steadily increase new BSA chartered units annually. During an average year Florida's program will reach 2,500 young scouts and will expend approximately $65,000 through its chartering and sponsorship of BSA programs.

Most American Legion Post homes can accommodate BSA units with a safe, non-alcoholic meeting location on a regular basis or will assist BSA units in finding a suitable area to meet as well as rendezvous points for fund raisers and other community activities.

The Department Boy Scout Program encourages chartered American Legion Boy Scout Troops to submit their Eagle Scouts to pursue the 2008  American Legion Department of Florida Eagle Scout of the Year award.  The Eagle Scout selected under this title is awarded a $ 2,500.00 scholarship, is asked to speak at the Department annual convention in Orlando and is automatically nominated to compete for the American Legion National Eagle of the Year award. Department first runner-up receives $1,500.00, second runner-up receives $1,000.00 and third runner-up receives $500.00.  The Department Eagle of the Year if selected as the American Legion National Eagle Scout of the Year receives a $10,000.00 scholarship for college expenses and awarded over a four-year period.  Three runner-ups are also selected and are entitled to $2,500.00 each for college expenses.  The entry form for the Eagle of the Year program is posted on the American Legion National website and the Department of Florida website under the Boy Scout Program link.

Another sought after annual event is the American Legion Department of Florida Boy Scout Camporee. This event is open to any American Legion chartered or sponsored Boy Scout Troop within the state of Florida. 

This sought after activity is an annual event.  Current and future locations are under review.  Information will be posted on-line in the monthly newsletter, through your District Boy Scout Chairman, and on the Florida BSA Council websites. 

It is the objective of The American Legion, specifically, the National Americanism Commission, to translate Americanism precepts, principles, and ideals in an understanding and practical manner to the people of this Nation, to include Young America. The scouting program gives all Legionnaire members the opportunity to touch the lives of the youth of our Nation and to share with them the skills necessary to build a generation of young people ready to serve God and Country. In today's society, young people more than ever before need to know groups like the Boy Scouts stand by basic principles and values, many of which are among Legionnaires' bedrock beliefs. For more information on the American Legion Department of Florida Boy Scout Program contact either your Department or District Boy Scout Chairman. The Department Boy Scout program encourages chartered American Legion Boy Scout Troops who meet the The following eligibility requirements below to submit their Eagle Scouts to pursue the 2008 American Legion Department of Florida Eagle Scout of the Year award. The nominee must: Be a registered, active member of a Boy Scout Troop, Varsity Scout Team, or Venturing Crew chartered to an American Legion Post, Auxiliary Unit or Sons of the American Legion Squadron. OR Be a registered, active member of a duly chartered Boy Scout Troop, Varsity Scout Team, or Venturing Crew, and the son or grandson of a Legionnaire or Auxiliary member. AND Received the Eagle Scout Award, be an active member of his religious institution and must have received the appropriate religious emblem, demonstrated practical citizenship in church, school, scouting and community, reached his 15th birthday, and be enrolled in high school at the time of selection NOTE: Eagle Scouts still in High School who reached their 18th birthday during the nomination year remain eligible if otherwise qualified.