Your first reaction to Scouting may be thoughts of boys helping little old ladies across streets or girls in green uniforms selling those good-tasting cookies. That common perception is not one many college students feel comfortable with. So let's look at our Scouting relationship and see why we have a strong bond with the Scouting movements.
The worldwide Scouting movement can be traced back to Lord Baden-Powell, who founded Boy Scouts in England in 1908. This was followed shortly by the founding of the Girl Scouts By Juliet Lowe. Similarity of purpose, philosophy, and ideals was inevitable. Both programs are based on the concept of helping others without expecting a reward.
From its inception, the BSA has delivered a strong philosophy in simple terms boys can understand - the Scout Motto, the Scout Slogan, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Frank Reed Horton observed that Scouts, applying these principles, often sacrificed something personal to help someone else. This philosophy, he decided, could provide the foundation for a college fraternity - Alpha Phi Omega. He sought out men who shared this belief - former Scouts themselves. In this manner, he started the Fraternity at Lafayette College.
Rapid growth followed. Scouting was recognized for its positive development of young men. College administrators quickly recognized that a Fraternity carrying these ideals to the campus would aid in the positive development of students.
Frank Reed Horton's purpose was to make Alpha Phi Omega a college organization that cooperated with all youth movements, especially Scouting. At first, membership was restricted to former Scouts. This attracted the attention of Scouting leaders, including H. Roe Bartle. He was instrumental in gaining recognition for Alpha Phi Omega from the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America as the National Honorary Scout Fraternity in 1932. This expanded interest in the Scouting movement.
The philosophy of the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts is very similar, although the programs are quite different. Alpha Phi Omega desires to have a strong relationship with both movements.
Our relationship with the Boy Scouts is a longstanding one. We participate in major national events of the BSA, such as National Jamborees, National Explorer Congresses, National Order of the Arrow Conferences, and National Council Meetings.
We are working to create a closer relationship with the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and to develop a better understanding between the two national organizations.
On a chapter level, however, the involvement with both the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts is similar. Chapters provide unit leaders, staff for special events and other assistance.
With a better understanding of why Scouting's principles and ours are so closely related, you will enjoy your experience in Alpha Phi Omega more. Service to Scouting is an important aspect of a strong service program. Every chapter should include it in their service activities.