In February 2010, the Boy Scouts of America will celebrate 100 years as an organization. Founded
as an outlet to prepare every eligible youth in America to become a participating citizen and
leader, BSA has more than fulfilled its mission. Today, as we celebrate our first 100 years, we not
only reflect on our rich history, but lay the foundation for a strong future, as well.

The Sweetwater District is proud of the heritage of the Boy Scouts of America, the ideals and
values that it teaches and of the lessons that will be learned and carried throughout our lives, to do
our best and our duty to God and Country. 2010 will be a great year for Scouts and the district.
There are events planned throughout the year. In addition to district events, each Pack, Troop,
Crew and Team is encouraged to join in the celebration. From tree planting, to community service,
to individual group events, make this a special year and be proud to tell everyone that you were
there.  

Join us as we move into the next century of Boy Scouting in America, celebrating the adventure,
continuing the journey.
For questions on the celebration or to add you unit's event, please contact R.A. Fraker,
Sweetwater District 100 Year Marketing Chair at
rafraker@sweetwaterbsa.org.
Click here to listen to the rebroadcast of
the 100 Years Kick-off audiocast
Available this year only! For the 100th Anniversary celebration four vintage merit badges are being
released, giving Boy Scouts the hands-on opportunity to experience the exciting past of the Boy
Scouts of America. Take advantage of this "twice in a lifetime" opportunity to earn previously retired
Merit Badges, including Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signaller, and Tracking. The merit badges closely
resemble the original designs of the merit badges with the exception of the border which is a shiny
gold thread that will be immediately identifiable as a 2010 Historical Merit Badge.
Work on the badges is not to commence prior to January 1, 2010 and is to be finished no later than
December 31, 2010. BSA will not create or reprint pamphlets for the merit badges. Instead all
information is posted to a
special section of the 100th Anniversary web site.
Take advantage now because it will be another 100 years before this opportunity returns.
Earn the once in a lifetime award!
For a limited time only Scouts and Scouters can earn the Year
of Celebration award. This award draws upon the many great
qualities that define what a Scout stands for: Service,
Character, Achievement, Outdoors and Leadership. And during
the 100 Years celebration we can show our colors by earning the
award. It is only available during the celebration and, after the
party ends the award will never again be available.
Check out
this link for more information on the award and how to get it on
those shirts. Sure to become a collector's item that you can
show your grandkids and say "I was there".  
Commemorate the Centennial with this collectible coin from the US Mint. Beginning March 23, the
United States Mint will make available for sale 350,000 high quality, modern issue, commemorative
silver dollar coins.
The surcharges from the sale of each coin are authorized for use to benefit the BSA National
Foundation. These surcharges can generate up to $3.5 million. But act soon! For the first thirty days
the proof coin will be offered at $39.95 and the uncirculated coin will be offered at $33.95, after
which the prices will be $43.95 and $35.95, respectively.
If you are a parent, a volunteer, BSA staff member, or Scouting supporter,
you have helped to sow a seed of greatness in every Scout whose life you
have touched. How well you take care of a seed impacts how well it can grow.
And after a century of planting character and integrity into the hearts and
minds of our country’s young people, more than 100 million Scouts have
grown into some of the nation’s greatest leaders, advocates, citizens, parents,
and friends.
From the first Scout in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has created a legacy.
From one tree today, we can create a forest to witness the next 100 years of
Scouting.
Through the Arbor Day Foundation, everyone can plant a Boy Scouts of
America 100th Anniversary tree. For each tree that is ordered, the Arbor Day
Foundation is donating a corresponding tree to build the Boy Scouts of
America Centennial Forest in Montana. Or, you can have both trees planted
in the BSA Centennial Forest. Please visit the
Arbor Day Boy Scouts page for
more information or to order your Centennial tree.