Our History
Boy Scouts of America was founded in the United States in 1910 by Chicago publisher W.D. Boyce following a trip to England. Boyce reached out to Lake Forest in August 1910 to form an early troop of the newly created organization in America. Informally, a Scout Troop was born, but the organization was still developing and evolving.
Troop 46 was officially chartered at First Presbyterian Church on April 7, 1927 when Reverend George Roberts signed the official application and contract with Boy Scouts and became the first committee leader and Troop Master. Since that time Boy Scouts have been an important part of the church ministry, developing youth, building character and leadership for over 90 years.
In our 90+ year history, more than 250 young men have received the rank of Eagle, Scouting’s highest level which only 4 percent of all Scouts attain.
Aims of Scouting
The Scouting program has specific objectives, commonly referred to as the “Aims of Scouting.” They are character development, leadership development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. A number of the methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below.
Personal Growth – As Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Young people grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is so successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. Frequent conferences with their Scoutmaster help each Scout to determine their growth toward Scouting’s aims.
Leadership Development – The Scouting program encourages Scouts to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership and becoming a servant leader helps a Scout accept the leadership role of others and guides them towards participating citizenship and character development.
Patrols – The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches Scouts how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives.
Outdoor Programs – Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Scouts gain an appreciation for God’s handiwork and humankind’s place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature’s resources.