On Jan. 1, 2010, a new century begins for the Boy Scouts of America, and with it comes an invitation to the nation to experience Scouting like never before. Kicking off the celebration is the BSA’s participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade, with a float entitled: “Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey.”
“This is an incredibly exciting and important time for our organization,” said Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “The methods of Scouting continue to evolve to reach the current and future generations, but the Scouting message is the same as it was a century ago. We invite Scouts, alumni, volunteers, and the public to join in our celebration throughout the country over the next year. We are excited about what the future holds, and invite America to continue to be a part of the journey.”
In Pasadena, Calif., more than 300 Eagle Scouts will represent the BSA as they march beside an adventure-filled float like no other, complete with Scouts camping, hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and enjoying the thrill of “flying” along a zip line. Keeping with the parade theme “A Cut Above The Rest,” each Eagle Scout represents the highest achievements of Scouting, and each has a powerful story to tell. The Boy Scouts 100th Anniversary Youth Ambassador and 2 millionth Eagle Scout, Anthony Thomas, will travel from Minneapolis to Pasadena to participate in the inaugural activities.
While a 100th Anniversary may seem like an occasion to reflect on an impressive past, the BSA is looking towards the future. Eight major national 100th Anniversary engagement programs have been designed to reintroduce Scouting to the next generation of young leaders and reconnect millions of alumni with the organization. The BSA’s strategic approach to its 100th Anniversary celebration has garnered the support of organizations such as AT and T, ExxonMobil, the United Nations Foundation, the Arbor Day Foundation, and other organizations.
Immediately following the Tournament of Roses Parade, the BSA launches “Adventure Base 100,” a 10,000-square-foot interactive campus featuring immersive and exciting Scout-related experiences. Adventure Base 100 will travel the country throughout 2010, providing more than 40 markets with a hands-on view of Scouting and the difference it makes in the lives of millions of youth.
“Adventure Base 100 is a chance to give visitors a view of the history and the future of the Boy Scouts of America,” said John Gottschalk, current national president of the BSA, and chairman of the Omaha World-Herald Corporation. “We are bringing the Scouting experience into the heart of dozens of communities and rallying the country to join us in ‘Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey.’”
While in Pasadena, Adventure Base 100 will be open from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.at 2800 E. Sierra Madre Boulevard, and will include:
- A high adventure ropes course for all visitors more than 4 feet tall weighing less than 250 pounds.
- A multi-sensory experience that will offer visitors the sights, smells and sounds of Scouting via the campus IMAX-like video “GoScouting! Dome.”
- An overview about what it takes to become an Eagle Scout, the highest level of Scouting.
- A chance to speak with members of local BSA councils to learn more about Scouting.
- A traveling Scouting museum featuring an overview of the BSA’s amazing history, including an exhibit of rare artifacts collected by the organization over the last 100 years.
- Interactive digital displays, including a virtual build-and-race your own Pinewood Derby car and a touch-screen merit badge wall.As Adventure Base 100 tours the country, local BSA councils will provide their own artifacts to be featured in the BSA’s 100th Anniversary National Time Capsule.
About the Boy Scouts of America
The Scouting movement is composed of 2.8 million young people between the ages of 7 and 20 and 1.1 million volunteers in more than 290 local councils throughout the United States and its territories. The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit http://scouting.org/.
More information about 100 Years of Scouting can be found at www.scouting.org/100years.
Time is running out to RSVP for the 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally!
