Boy Scouts of America Centennial Silver Dollar

The Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth organization in the United States. Its three programs combined (cub scouting, boy scouting, and venturing) serve 2.8 million young members.

Many people have been Scouts over the years. In fact, more than 111 million people have taken part in Boy Scout programs since the group was founded in 1910.

February 8, 2010 marks the organization’s 100th anniversary. The Treasury can issue silver dollars to commemorate this centennial because of the Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, passed in 2008. Part of the price of the coin will be used to help expand scouting programs in places that are hard to serve.

The Boy Scouts’ oath and law are based on values that help members make good choices as long as they live. Scouts and their leaders pledge to live up to this oath: “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” According to the Scout Law, a Scout is “Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.”

Scouts and their leaders serve their communities every year through volunteer service projects. These projects meet many kinds of needs in areas like food, shelter, education, and environmental conservation.

The Boy Scouts of America’s 100th anniversary celebration will help members, leaders, and alumni to get ready for the organization’s next century of service.