NORWICH – Just over 100 years ago a Chicago Businessman named William D. Boyce got lost in London, England in a heavy fog. During Boyce’s misfortune, he bumped into a young Boy Scout who successfully led him to his appointment, and thus started in motion a series of events that brought the Boy Scouting program to the United States in 1910.

Having served more than 100 million members since its founding, the BSA has made a lasting and positive imprint on the fabric of the naiton. Its mission – “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law” – enables Scouting to address many issues that are important to young people and families, including health, civility, education, leadership, diversity, and service to others.

To help celebrate 100 years of history, Scout Units 62 & 63 will be planted a ceremonial anniversary tree at Kiwanis Park on June 12. Mayor Mauriano, Scout Executive Chris Wilkinson and BSA District Chairman Dominic Shea were on hand to help dedicate this tree to the community of Norwich.

Locally, over 8,000 youth members are involved in the Boy Scouting program as Part of the Baden-Powell Council in the six county area around Binghamton and Ithaca.