![]() |
William Dickson Boyce |
Boyce learned about Scouting while passing through London during his first expedition to Africa. According to somewhat fictionalized legend, Boyce had become lost in the dense London fog, but was guided back to his destination by a young boy, who told him that he was merely doing his duty as a Boy Scout. Boyce then read printed material on Scouting, and on his return to the United States, he formed the B.S.A.
The story goes on that the Scout refused gratuity, merely doing his duty as a Scout. The Scout is said to have directed Boyce to the Scout headquarters where Boyce picked up a copy of Scouting for Boys and other documents. Reading these books, he expressed interest in bringing Scouting to America and was given permission to use the British manual.
Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) on February 8, 1910.
Boyce believed very much in the outdoor activities of the BSA and felt they were necessary and important to develop leadership and responsibility in boys, especially those boys who grew up in the cities, thus turning them into men.
In 1915, Boyce created the Lone Scouts of America for Scouts in rural areas who might not be able to participate in troops, which he later integrated with the BSA in 1924. Boyce is also notable for having funded the organization and turning its ownership over to the executive board.
Born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania where Pittsburgh is located, Boyce acquired a love for the outdoors early in his life. After working as a schoolteacher and a coal miner, Boyce attended Wooster Academy in Ohio before moving to the Midwest and Canada. Boyce successfully established several newspapers, such as The Commercial in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and the Lisbon Clipper in Lisbon, North Dakota.
From its start, Boyce focused the Scouting program on teaching self-reliance, citizenship, resourcefulness, patriotism, obedience, cheerfulness, courage, and courtesy in order "to make men.” Boyce founded the Lone Scouts of America (L.S.A.) in January 1915, which catered to rural boys who had limited opportunities to form a troop or a patrol.
In June 1924, five years before Boyce's death, a merger was completed between the B.S.A. and the struggling L.S.A. Boyce received many awards and memorials for his efforts in the U.S. Scouting movement, including the famed "Silver Buffalo Award".
![]() |
Rep. Davidsmeyer receives Outstanding Eagle Scout Award |
The BSA operates Scouting by chartering local organizations, such as churches, clubs, civic associations, or educational organizations, to implement the Scouting program for youth within their communities. Units are led by volunteers appointed by the chartering organization, who are supported by local councils using both paid professional Scouters and volunteers.
Some of our own Illinois House members have been Scouts such as Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer of the 100th District who earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout in the Scouts BSA program. It's a symbol of a Scout's leadership skills, dedication, and commitment to their community.
If you would like to find Eagle Scouts in your community, you may search the National Eagle Scout database.