Boy Scouts of America prepared for Second Century of Service.

When the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was officially incorporated on February 8, 1910, Americans were driving Stanley steam automobiles, earning an average of $750 a year, and paying little more than 30 cents for a gallon of milk. The national debt was a mere billion dollars. While all of these things seem out of place today, the BSA remains a vital organization with a mission and purpose that is even more relevant today than ever before.

Throughout 2010, the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its centennial anniversary milestone with a rallying call that will be heard across the nation as Scouts gather in their communities to pay tribute to the rich history and tradition of Scouting.

Having served more than 100 million members since its founding, the Boy Scouts of America has made a lasting and positive imprint on the fabric of the nation. Its mission: “Preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law,” enables Scouting to address many issues that are important to young people and families, including health, civility, education, leadership, diversity, and service to others.

“This country needs strong leaders and healthy young people more than ever before, and that is what Scouting is all about,” said Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. “This is our time in history to remind the nation that Scouting is more vibrant, more vital, and more relevant than ever before. Every day, millions of Scouts and adult leaders make a huge difference in our society. We look forward to continuing that commitment in the next century.”

Though firmly rooted in an unchanged set of core values, the BSA is committed to remaining current and relevant by adapting how it delivers programs and reaches it audiences, including:

— Going green! In addition to publishing the first “green” Boy Scout Handbook in 2009, BSA magazines Boys’ Life and Scouting have been certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

— Multicultural outreach: In 2008, the BSA launched a national Hispanic Initiatives program that aims to increase the number of Hispanic Scouts, adult volunteers, and professional staff. In its first year, the program saw an increase of more than 30,000 Hispanic Scouts. Additionally, the BSA has publications in 21 different languages.

— Adopting social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as core communications tools to reach volunteers and connect with Scouts.

— Updating the Scouting uniforms to include a cell-phone pocket, offer SPF 50+ sun protection, and keep moisture away from the skin.

The BSA centennial celebration goes far beyond a day on the calendar. Mazzuca pointed to a number of national events that have already helped kick off Scouting’s 100th Anniversary year. On January 1, the BSA kicked off its centennial with an award-winning float in the Tournament of Roses Parade, and launched Adventure Base 100, a mobile, immersive Scouting campus. Adventure Base 100 is currently embarking on a more than 40-city nationwide tour, and features a traveling Scout Museum, an IMAX-like video in its GOScouting! Dome, a high-adventure ropes course, and a variety of interactive displays and activities. At any time, from anywhere in the country, the public can experience Adventure Base 100 virtually, and find out where it’s going next, at www.adventurebase100.org.

In all, 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. BSA councils across the country are actively engaged in local 100th Anniversary Celebration programs. Just a few examples include:

— The Central Florida Council’s “Scouting for Change” program to raise funds to build schools in Africa

— The Evangeline Area Council in Louisiana spearheading one of the largest tree-plantings in the state’s history

— The nearly 1,000 guests that will join the Patriot’s Path Council at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum as the council recognizes outstanding Scouting citizens, and TLC’s “Cake Boss” delivers an edible replica of the McKenzie Scout Statue.

“During this year we recognize the achievements of our past, but our focus is on the future of millions of young Scouts, their communities, and the nation as a whole,” Mazzuca said. “Scouting is ready for the next 100 years!”