Varsity Scouts is a program of the Boy Scouts of America for older boys 14-17. Despite its name and what some think, it is NOT "scouts + sports" but a modification of the basic Boy Scout program for older boys. The use of sports terminology was to use terms a high school boy would be more familiar with. In Varsity Scouting, youth are called "Varsity Scouts", units are referred to as "Teams", subdivided into "Squads", and adult leaders are called "Coaches". The program was rolled out in 1984.
Creed
Varsity Scouts following the same Scout Oath, Scout Law, etc, that Boy Scouts do. But have the additional pledge:
Varsity Scout Pledge
As a Varsity Scout I, will:
Live by the Scout Oath (Promise), Law, motto, and slogan;
Honor the dignity and worth of all persons; Promote the cause of freedom; and
Do my best to be a good team member.
Advancement
Varsity Scouts follow the same advancement program as Boy Scouts (Tenderfoot thru Eagle Scout), but have the addition of the Varsity Scout Letter, Varsity Scout activity pins, and the Denali Medal.
Uniform and Insignia
Varsity Scouts use the same unifrom as Boy Scouts with the following changes/additions:
- use of the orange shoulder loops
- use of the "Varsity" uniform strip above the "Boy Scouts of America" strip.
History
Before Varsity Scouts became an official program in 1984, it went through almost 10 years of experimentation. During this time, the program was limited to boys 14 & 15.
The programs started off in Area 2 of the Western Region. Alva Greene, the Area President, noticed a drop in enrollment of 14-15 year olds in 1974. He then tasked a commitee to look into this. From 1975-77, this committee worked on adapting the basic scouting program to the needs and interests of the 14- and 15-year old. Out of this the full Varsity Scout program was developed.
Next was the first experimental phase, or "pre-pilot" phase in 1978 and 1979, again limited to the 9 councils in Area 2 of the Western Region. During this phase, the first handbooks were published, and the first uniforms and other insignia were produced . A primitive version of the Varsity Scout Letter was also produced.
Then in the second experimental phase or National pilot phase, in 1980, its use was expanded to 28 councils around the country, most likely to make sure of its broader use. Slightly revised versions of the guidebooks were produced, as well as a slightly different uniform shirt. A new Varsity Scout Letter was produced, and apparently silk-screened office patches as well.
The idea behind this work was to create a more challenging scouting program that would appeal to older boys, much like the older Explorer Scout program of the 40s did. The use of sports team terminology was to make the program more appealing to older boys would had never been involved in scouting, and might not be interested in joining a program with younger boys. During this experimental period, the members were not allowed to wear the BSA field uniform, instead wearing their own uniform consisting of a beige collared sports shirts with dark brown shorts or slacks. Also, manuals from this period indicate that the program was only for boys 14-15, and when they turned 16 they were to join an Explorer Post.
In 1984, the program was rolled out as an official program of the BSA for boys 14-17.
In 1989, with rollout of the Venture program, the Varsity letter was redesigned for the use of the Venture Crew as well, and activity pins were added.
While remaining small, the program has persisted, probably due to the fact the LDS Church heavily uses the program. In 2001 revised Varsity Scout manuals were released.
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