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Dr. James E. West (May 16, 1876 – May 15, 1948) was a lawyer and an advocate of children's rights, who become the first professional Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, serving from 1911-1943. Upon his retirement from the BSA, West was given the title of Chief Scout. When the new BSA office opened in January 1911 West was at the helm and the movement began to grow at a rapid pace. Sixty local councils were organized in the first month of his tenure. One of his first tasks was the first edition of Boy Scout Handbook. West was instrumental in expanding the third part of the Scout Oath:

...To help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

He also pushed to add three parts to the Scout Law: brave, clean, and reverent. In November 1911 the title was changed and he became the first Chief Scout Executive.

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• October 08: Public Law 110-363 requires the U.S. Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the Boy Scouts of America. Full Story

• September 9: Little Sioux Scout Ranch, Scouts and Leaders involved in the tornado tragedy received new award from the state of Nebraska. Full Story

• August 12: Boy Scouts prepared to launch marketing campaign to connect with digital-era youth. Full story

• July 1: The World Organization of the Scout Movement welcomes four new member organizations. Full story

May 5, 1961 – Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space, aboard Mercury-Redstone 3.

May 7 and 8, 1945 – Victory in Europe Day

May 10, 1869 – Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad - Promontory Summit, Utah

May 9 – 12th Annual Jamboree On The Trail

May 10 – Mother's Day

May 25 – NASA's Phoenix spacecraft will land on Mars.

May 25 – Memorial Day observed

• Cub Scout advancement Ranks
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Cub Scouting

Cub Scouts is a year-round family- and home-centered program for boys in the first through fifth grade (or who are 7 - 10 years old). The Tiger Cub program for first graders and their adult partners emphasizes shared leadership, community, and family. The Wolf and Bear Cub activities for second and third graders emphasize character development, citizenship, and personal fitness. Webelos Scouts (fourth and fifth graders) participate in more advanced activities to prepare for Boy Scouts. All Cub Scouts can earn Belt Loops and attend Day Camp. Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts can also attend Cub Scout Resident Camp.

Boy Scouting

Boy Scouts is a year-round program for boys 11 through 17 featuring outdoor programs and leadership. Boy Scouts can earn ranks, Merit Badges, and awards.

Varsity Scouting

Varsity Scouting is an active, exciting, year-round program for young men 14 through 17 built around five program fields of emphasis: advancement, high-adventure/sports, personal development, service, and special programs and events.

Venturing

Venturing is a year-round program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age to provide positive experiences through exciting and meaningful youth-run activities that help them pursue their special interests, grow by teaching others, and develop leadership skills.

Sea Scouting

Sea Scouts is a specialized segment of the Venturing program, which was organized to address members' boating skills and promote knowledge of our maritime heritage. Swimming, lifesaving, first aid, Coast Guard Auxiliary Sailing and Seamanship, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses are taught with the ship by its officers.