Ninety-nine years ago, the U.S. adopted a novel idea in its infancy in England in which boys were taught outdoor skills and personal reliance as a way to make them better citizens and better leaders. That idea, called "Boy Scouts, " quickly caught on and has become a staple for generations of youngsters, including those growing up in Frederick.

The anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America on Feb. 6, 1910, is celebrated each year during "Scout Week." The observance commemorates the birth of U.S. Scouting and celebrates its rich legacy of service and youth development. The event offers troops across the country a prime opportunity to focus public awareness on the great things Scouts do in their respective communities. This year’s celebration was observed Feb. 1-8.

From its humble beginnings in 1910, Scouting has expanded to include programs such as Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts and Webelos for elementary school children, and Venturing for males and females in high school. Today, Scouting covers much more than outdoor skills. Community service projects stress citizenship, and activity and merit badges expose youngsters to countless career opportunities.

The members of Frederick Boy Scout Troop 220 marked the week with a variety of activities that included interaction with Tillman County Associate District Judge David Barnett. Barnett addressed younger Scouts who were working on requirements to achieve the rank of First Class Scout, explaining the duties of his job and recounting highlights in his career on the bench as he helped them understand their Constitutional rights and duties as U.S. citizens.

The observance also included a camping trip near the Jackson-Greer-Kiowa County line northeast of Blair from Friday through Sunday. During the campout, members engaged in such traditional Scout activities as planning and preparing meals on an open fire, practicing first aid skills, creating useful camping objects made from branches lashed together with rope, hiking, observing wildlife and conducting a Scout-led worship service Sunday before heading home.

Members of Troop 220 learned how to read topographical maps, estimate distance and height, and determine direction in daylight and darkness without a compass. The Scouts put those skills to good use Saturday afternoon when they organized teams to compete against each other over a one-mile orienteering course.

They also conducted a conservation-related service project when they spent part of the afternoon clearing deadfall from trees from trails and along the shoreline of land near their campground.

Troop 220 is led by Scoutmaster Greg Howard, and Assistant Scoutmasters Jay Givens, Terry Holman and Keith Mitchell.