How Troop 359 Got It's Numbers:
  Troop 359 was founded in March, 1959. When this date is shortened, it reads 3-59 or 359. The Troop recently had its 45th Anniversary in 2004.
   
  Baden-Powell, Scouting's Founder:
  Robert Baiden-Powell was a general in the British army who became famous for his leadership during the Boer War in South Africa between Britain and the descendants of Dutch settlers, the Boers. After the war, Baiden-Powell wanted to use his fame to help boys become better men and to have fun while they were doing it.

In 1907, Baiden-Powell invited a group of boys to Brownsea Island off the coast of England to attend the world's first Boy Scout camp. Its success led him to write a book called Scouting for Boys. Thousands of boys read it and wanted to join the new organization. Scouting spread like wildfire throughout England and, before long, around the world.
   
  History of the Boy Scouts of America:
 

Scouting came to America because a boy did a Good Turn-an act of kindness for which he expected no reward. It happened many years ago on the foggy streets of London, England, when an American named William D. Boyce lost his way. A boy walked up and asked if he could be of assistance.

Mr. Boyce Explained where he wanted to go. The boy led him to his destination, but when Mr. Boyce offered to give him some money, the boy said "No thank you sir. I am a Scout. I won't take anything for helping."

William Boyce was so impressed by the boy's kindness that he met with Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts in Great Britain. He liked what Baden-Powell told him, and he knew that the boys in the United States would want to be Scouts, too.

On February 8, 1910, Mr. Boyce and a group of businessmen, educators, and political leaders founded the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts celebrate February 8 as the birthday of the BSA.

No one knows what happened to the boy who guided Mr. Boyce through the London fog, but he will never be forgotten. Like many acts of kindness, what was done proved to be far more significant than who did it. The boy's Good Turn helped bring Scouting to America.

   
  Other Scouting Opportunities:
 
Cub Scouting
Varsity Scouting
Venturing (formally Explorers)
Lone Scouting
The Direct Service Council
   
 
The Scout 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.
   
The Scout Law:
  A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
   
  The Scout Motto:
  "Be Prepared"
   
  The Scout Slogan:
  "Do a Good Turn Daily"
   
  The Outdoor Code:
  As an American, I will do my best to
Be clean in my outdoor manners,
Be careful with fire,
Be considerate in the outdoors, and
Be conservation-minded.
   
  The Scout Badge:
  The Main Part of the badge symbolizes that a Scout is able to point the right way in life.

The three points on the top, like the three fingers of the Scout sign, stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath which a Boy Scout Pledges.

The stars symbolize the ideals of truth and knowledge of the Scouting movement. They guide you by night and suggest a Scout's outdoor life.

The Eagle with the shield is the national emblem of the United States of America. It stands freedom and readiness to defend that freedom.

The scroll bearing the scout motto is turned up at the ends as a reminder that a Scout smiles as he does his duty.

The knot at the bottom of the scroll represents the Scout slogan, Do a Good Turn Daily.
   
Boy Scout Troop 359
Wilbraham, Massachusetts
BSA
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