Our History

The Boy Scouts of America — now known as Scouting America — traces its roots to the global Scouting movement started by Robert Baden-Powell in the early 1900s.

Origins of Scouting

In 1907, Baden-Powell, a British Army officer, organized an experimental camp on Brownsea Island. His ideas about outdoor skills, leadership, citizenship, and character development became the foundation of modern Scouting. In 1908, he published Scouting for Boys, which quickly inspired youth groups around the world.

Founding of the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts movement reached the United States soon afterward. One popular story involves Chicago publisher William D. Boyce, who in 1909 was reportedly helped by an unknown Scout in London. Inspired by the Scout’s helpfulness, Boyce brought the idea home and officially incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.

Growth and Influence

Throughout the 20th century, the organization became one of the largest youth groups in the United States.

Programs expanded to include:

Cub Scouts (younger children)
Scouts BSA
Venturing
Sea Scouts
Exploring

Scouting became known for camping, hiking, merit badges, service projects, and leadership training. The rank of Eagle Scout became especially respected.Beginning in the late 20th century, Boy Scouts of America underwent a period of reflection and evolution as it worked to meet the changing needs and expectations of American families and communities. Over time, the organization broadened participation and updated several longstanding policies to create a more welcoming and inclusive Scouting experience.

Key milestones in this evolution included:

In 2013, openly gay youth were welcomed into Scouting programs.
In 2015, openly gay adult leaders were permitted to serve.
In 2018, girls were admitted into Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, giving them the opportunity to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

These developments reflected the organization’s continuing commitment to leadership, service, character development, and expanding opportunities for young people. They also helped shape the organization’s transition to Scouting America, a name that emphasizes its mission to serve all youth while preserving the traditions and values of Scouting.

Transition to Scouting America

In 2024, the organization announced it would rebrand from “Boy Scouts of America” to “Scouting America,” with the change taking effect on February 8, 2025 — the organization’s 115th anniversary. Leaders said the new name reflects the organization’s broader membership and inclusive direction while keeping core Scouting traditions and values.

Today, Scouting America continues to focus on leadership, outdoor skills, citizenship, and service for young people across the United States.

The History of Scouting America, Conquistador Council

The Saga of Potato Canyon tells the story of how Scouting grew in southeastern New Mexico and how a remote mountain canyon became one of the region’s most important Scout camps. Written by longtime Scout leader Minor S. Huffman, the book mixes local history, outdoor adventure, and firsthand memories of the early days of Scouting.

The center of the story is Camp We-Hin-Ah-Pay in Potato Canyon, located in the Sacramento Mountains. Huffman describes how early Scout leaders discovered the canyon and slowly transformed it into a permanent summer camp. In the beginning, conditions were rough: roads were poor, supplies were limited, and nearly everything had to be built by hand. Scouts and volunteers cleared trails, carried lumber, built campsites, and developed the camp through teamwork and determination.

The book focuses heavily on the values of early Scouting during the 1920s–1940s. Scouting in rural New Mexico was not simply an after-school activity—it was a way for young people to learn leadership, responsibility, and outdoor survival. Camping trips, mountain hikes, conservation work, and campfire traditions helped shape generations of Scouts.

Huffman also highlights the local people who made Scouting possible: Scoutmasters, ranchers, parents, and community leaders who donated land, labor, food, and supplies. Many stories emphasize self-reliance and resilience, with Scouts facing storms, rough terrain, and primitive camping conditions while learning practical skills and teamwork.

Another important theme is the connection between Scouting and the landscape itself. Potato Canyon becomes more than just a location—it becomes a symbol of adventure, friendship, and tradition. Huffman’s descriptions of the forests, streams, and mountain scenery show why the camp became deeply meaningful to generations of Scouts across New Mexico and West Texas.

Overall, the book is both a history of Scouting in New Mexico and a tribute to the volunteers and young people who built a lasting outdoor tradition in the mountains through hard work, community effort, and a love of adventure.

Publication date: January 1, 1984