For 100 years, members of the Boy Scouts of America have built camp fires, learned first aid and volunteered in their communities.
As the national organization celebrates its first century of Scouting this month, several Iredell County troops will come together to mark the milestone.
"It's quite a remarkable thing that an organization with these values and so forth has kept going for 100 years," said Richard Hollister, a Boy Scout unit commissioner for Iredell County and a former Scout himself.
On Feb. 8, 1910, Boy Scouts of America was officially incorporated as a national organization under President William Howard Taft, according to the organization's Web site.
In honor of the 100th anniversary, local volunteers – former Scouts, Scout leaders and current Scouts – are displaying Scouting memorabilia throughout February in the Selma Burke Room of the Mooresville Public Library.
A 1935 first aid book, a once-used cook kit and a Boy Scout bugle are just some of the items on display, which help bring the local history of the organization to life.
"There's a lot of things that people will be interested in," said Hollister, mentioning that visitors can see everything from merit badges and patches to uniforms, books and equipment along the display shelves.
Hollister said he hopes the exhibit can bring awareness to the 100th anniversary of the organization's founding.
On Feb. 8 – the official founding date – the Gemstone District of the Piedmont Council of Boy Scouts will host a non-denominational Vespers Worship Service at 7 p.m. at Western Avenue Baptist Church in Statesville. The event is open to the public, though all Cut Scouts, Boy Scouts or Ventures as well as former scouts, friends, family and supporters of the Iredell County organization are encouraged to attend.
According to Gemstone District officials, the service will help celebrate the legacy of the Boy Scouts and "reaffirm scouting's commitment to inspire and prepare future generations."
For more information about this event, contact Gemstone District Commissioner Jim Mixson at 704-876-3852.
The century celebration will also be recognized at the annual District Banquet in Statesville on Feb. 12 as well as the Council Banquet on Feb. 24 in Lincolnton, said Hollister.
For additional information on Boy Scouts of America, visit www.scouting.org
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