IRONTON — The Simon Kenton Council, Boy Scouts of America opened the 100th Anniversary of Scouting with a kickoff event on Saturday, Feb. 21. More than 600 Scouts and adult Scouters —along with family and friends of Scouting — gathered at the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus to join in the celebration.

Attendees toured the (Norman) “Rockwell’s America” exhibit and took a step back in time as they explored an exhibit of Scouting memorabilia with items dating back to 1910. Scouters shared memories of their Scouting experiences during a reception with former Scout, Kurt Ludlow, news anchor of WBNS, 10TV serving as master of ceremonies. Festivities included a Flag Ceremony presented by Troop and Crew 64 of Westerville, OH. Kit Rees was recognized as the designer of the Council’s 100th logo. Scouts were able to leave messages for future Scouts in the special “Memory Box” to be opened at the 200th Anniversary.

Representatives from the Tecumseh District included Scouts and adult Scouters from Troop 21 of Wheelersburg, Susan Opper, Scoutmaster and Troop 104 of Ironton, Bob Barnett, Scoutmaster as well as members of the District Committee. “This was truly an educational and inspirational program,” said Opal Spears, Tecumseh District Chairman. “We were reminded of the strong history behind the Scouting program and given a preview of plans for continued growth during the next 100 years”, she continued.

“Another exciting program during our Anniversary is our search for Scouting Alumnae,” said Vicky Hatcher, member of the Council’s 100th Anniversary Committee. “Anyone who was registered as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Crew member or Explorer as a youth and is not currently registered with the BSA, is encouraged to consider reconnecting with us by logging onto www.skcbsa.org or www.bsaalumni.org. We are recognizing those who “re-connect” with us with a special lapel pin,” she concluded.

The Simon Kenton Council is one of the largest Boy Scout councils in the nation serving 17 counties in central and southern Ohio, and 6 counties in northern Kentucky. The Council is staffed by 22 professional Scouters with over 8,000 adult volunteers delivering the scouting program to more than 40,000 youth. We are joined by over 550 charter partner organizations sponsoring the 854 Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, and Exploring units in our Council. The Council’s goal is to be the premiere leader in youth development by delivering on the promise to provide character growth, citizenship training, personal fitness and fun. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law and Outdoor Code.

The 100 Year Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America is a two year celebration. The Simon Kenton Council is offering many events and activities for Scouts, their families and the community. For further information, visit the Council’s website, www.skcbsa.org.