| Scouting in North Carolina | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Camp Raven Knob | |||
 Scouting portal | |||
Scouting in North Carolina has a long history, from the 1910s to the present day, serving thousands of youth in programs that suit the environment in which they live.
The Boy Scout program began in England under the leadership ofRobert Baden-Powell. Baden-Powell gained fame in Britain through his leadership of British troops during the siege of Mafeking during theBoer War in South Africa in 1899–1900. Following this event a military training manual he wrote called "Aids to Scouting" gained popularity amongst boys in Britain. In the early 1900s Baden-Powell began developing the concepts of scouting and he put his theories to the test during the summer of 1907. He took a group of 22 boys to Brownsea Island where he conducted the first Boy Scout camp. He divided the boys into four groups and established the "patrol method". In 1908 Baden-Powell published "Scouting for Boys", the first Boy Scout handbook.[citation needed]
Scouting came to the United States a short time later. There were already boy organizations in the US under the leadership of Daniel Carter Beard (Sons of Daniel Boone), Ernest Thompson Seton (Woodcraft Indians) and the YMCA. Chicago publisher William D. Boyce learned about Scouting during a visit to London in 1909. A young boy assisted Mr. Boyce to his destination and declined a tip offered to him saying that he was a Scout. Boyce was impressed by the young man and visited the London headquarters of the Boy Scouts. He studied the British model and felt that boys in the US could benefit from this program. On February 8, 1910, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was incorporated. A National Office was established in New York City and James E. West was hired to lead the new organization.[citation needed]
Boy Scout troops were formed in North Carolina as early as 1910. Troops were formed at schools and churches in Greensboro, Raleigh, Burlington, Durham, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and other communities. Adult volunteers in each area worked with boys in teaching outdoor skills, first aid, athletics, swimming, citizenship and leadership. These troops registered with the BSA and as communities established multiple Boy Scout troops the volunteers began seeking professional leadership. Boy Scout Councils were chartered through the BSA as "Scout Executives" were hired.[citation needed]
Initially, Scouting groups in the major cities formed councils. There was the Greensboro Area Council (1918), Winston-Salem Council (1919), Raleigh Council, and Durham Council. Over the next few years as Scouting spread throughout the counties the small councils consolidated and changed their names. By 1950 North Carolina was served by thirteen Boy Scout councils:[1]
| Council Name | Headquarters | Date Formed |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Fear Council | Wilmington | 1930 |
| Central NC Council | Albemarle | 1937 |
| Cherokee Council | Reidsville | 1923 |
| Daniel Boone Council | Asheville | 1925 |
| East Carolina Council | Kinston | 1932 |
| General Greene Council | Greensboro | 1947 |
| Mecklenburg County Council | Charlotte | 1942 |
| Occoneechee Council | Raleigh | 1929 |
| Old Hickory Council | Winston-Salem | 1942 |
| Piedmont Council | Gastonia | 1924 |
| Tidewater Council | Virginia Beach, VA | 1935 |
| Tuscarora Council | Goldsboro | 1923 |
| Uwharrie Council | High Point | 1923 |
Camping was an emphasis for the councils from their formation. Each council purchased or leased land for establishing Boy Scout camps. During the summer each camp was open for several weeks with a trained staff of older boys and adults to teach the Scouts various Scouting skills. In the mid-1930s most councils began holding annual "camporees." These events were held over a weekend with Scouts camping by troop with their patrols competing and demonstrating various Scouting skills.[citation needed]
The Uwharrie, General Greene, and Cherokee councils would all later merge to form the Old North State Council,[1] leaving the eleven councils still serving the state as of 2022.
There are elevenBoy Scouts of America (BSA) councils in North Carolina. Ten of them exclusively cover North Carolina, while one includes communities in both Virginia and North Carolina.
| Cape Fear Council (#425) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Wilmington, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1989 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
The Cape Fear Council was founded in 1989 and serves the southeastern corner of North Carolina. The council offices are located inWilmington.
TheWilmington Council (#425) was founded in 1916, changing its name to theNew Hanover County Council (#425) in 1926. New Hanover County changed its name to theCape Fear Area Council (#425) in 1930. The Cape Fear Area Council changed its name to theCape Fear Council (#425) in 1989.[1]
The council operates two camp properties: Camp Bowers, which houses the annual BSA summer camp, and Camp John A. McNeil, which hosts events and programs for Cub Scouts. Both are located on the Cape Fear Scout Reservation nearWhite Oak, North Carolina, and have sites available for year-round camping as well.[2]
The council is served by the Order of the Arrow through Klahican Lodge 331.
| Central North Carolina Council (#416) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Albemarle, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1937 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
The Central North Carolina Council (#416) was founded in 1937. The council covers the south-central portion of North Carolina. The Council offices are located inAlbemarle.
1917 saw the founding of theConcord Council, which folded the next year. TheCharlotte Council (#416) was founded in 1915, changing its name to the Central North Carolina Council (#416) in 1937.[1]
The council operates Camp Barnhardt, which houses the annual BSA summer camp and various programs throughout the year, including year-round camping opportunities. It is located on the William C. Cannon Scout Reservation, located betweenBadin andNew London alongBadin Lake.[citation needed]
The council is served by the Order of the Arrow through Itibapishe iti Hollo Lodge 188.[3]
| Daniel Boone Council (#414) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Asheville, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1925 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
Founded in 1925, the Daniel Boone Council (#414) covers the western North Carolina. The council offices are located inAsheville.
TheAsheville Council (#418) was founded in 1919, changing its name to theBuncombe County Council (#414) in 1922.[1] Buncombe County changed its name to the Daniel Boone Council (#414) in 1925.[1]
The council operates Camp Daniel Boone, which houses the annual BSA summer camp, Boonseboro Village, aliving history museum operated by scouts, a high-adventure camp, and various programs throughout the year, including year-round camping opportunities. It is located in the mountains south ofCanton, North Carolina.[citation needed]
The council is served by the Order of the Arrow through Tsali Lodge 134.
| East Carolina Council (#426) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Kinston, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1932 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
The East Carolina Council was founded in 1932 and covers east-central North Carolina. The council offices are located inKinston.
TheRocky Mount Council (#422) was founded in 1919, changing its name to theTar Heel Area Council (#422) in 1923. The Tar Heel Area Council merged into the East Carolina Council (#426) in 1934. ThePamlico Council (#686) was founded in 1924, and merged into the Wilson County Council (#426) in 1930. TheNeuse Council (#415) was founded in 1928, and merged into the Wilson County Council (#426) in 1930. TheWilson County Council (#426) was founded in 1924, changing its name to theEast Carolina Council (#426) in 1932.[1]
The council operates a number of BSA camp properties including the East Carolina Scout Reservation (Camp Boddie and Pamlico Sea Base) located inBlounts Creek, North Carolina, along the southern bank of thePamlico River across fromLittle Washington, the Herbert C. Bonner Scout Reservation (Camp Bonner and Camp Hannah Bonner) located along the northern bank of the Pamlico, in Little Washington, Camp Charles, located nearBailey, North Carolina, andCamp Sam Hatcher, located alongBogue Sound nearMorehead City. BSA Summer Camp is run through Camp Boddie, whileSea Scouts programs are run through Pamlico Sea Base. All of the other properties run periodic programs and are available for weekend camping.
The council is served by the Order of the Arrow through Croatan Lodge 117.
| Mecklenburg County Council (#415) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Charlotte, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1942 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
The Mecklenburg County Council servesMecklenburg County, North Carolina. The offices are located inCharlotte.
TheCharlotte Council (#415) was founded in 1940, changing its name to theMecklenburg County Council (#415) in 1942.[1]
It operates two camp facilities, locally Belk Scout Camp (Formerly Clear Creek Scout Camp) inMidland, North Carolina is available for weekend camping, and Camp Grimes at Mecklenburg Scout Reservation, located outside of the council nearMarion, North Carolina, but owned by it, runs a summer camp and weekend programs as well.
The council is served by the Order of the Arrow through Catawba Lodge 459.
| Occoneechee Council (#421) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Raleigh, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1929 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
The Occoneechee Council was founded in 1929 and covers theResearch Triangle andSandhills regions in the central part of North Carolina. The council offices are located inRaleigh.
TheSouthern Pines Council (#423) was founded in 1919, closing in 1924. TheRaleigh Council (#421) was founded in 1919, changing its name to theWake County Council (#421) in 1925. TheDurham County Council (#626) was founded in 1925. TheWalter Hines Page Council (#423) was founded in 1924. In 1929, the Wake County, Durham County, and Walter Hines Page councils merged into theOcconeechee Council.[1]
Occoneechee Scout Reservation, located in Moore County nearCarthage houses Camp Durant, used for summer camping and Camp Reeves, which has more primitive facilities. Camp Campbell, located just across the NC-VA border on Kerr Lake nearClarksville, Virginia also features primitive facilities. All three camps are available year-round for weekend camping.
The council is served by the Order of the Arrow through Occoneechee Lodge 104.
| Old Hickory Council (#427) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1942 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
The Old Hickory Council was founded in 1917 and covers the westernPiedmont Triad andYadkin Valley regions, located in the northwestern part of the state. The council offices are inWinston-Salem.
TheWinston-Salem Area Council (#427) was founded in 1917, changing its name to theOld Hickory Council (#427) in 1942.[1]
The council operatesRaven Knob Scout Reservation, which houses Camp Raven Knob, the summer camp program and is available for weekend camping. They also own Raven Point, a small site with a cabin and deepwater dock located onHigh Rock Lake. They also own Tommy Cox Memorial Scout Camp, a 4 acre property in Independence, VA on the New River.
The council is served by the Order of the Arrow through Wahissa Lodge 118.
| Old North State Council (#070) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Greensboro, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1992 | ||
| Website Official website | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
TheOld North State Council serves the eastern Piedmont Triad region. The council's name is taken from the state's official song,The Old North State. It covers the counties ofAlamance,Caswell,Davidson,Davie,Guilford,Person,Randolph, andRockingham.[4] Old North State Council's Order of the Arrow counterpart isTsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge (#70).[5] Camp facilities include Cherokee Scout Reservation, located inYanceyville which is home to the annual summer camp, Woodfield Scout Camp, located inTrinity, North Carolina, which allows weekend camping, Hemric Scout Reservation, located on an island onKerr Lake and is only accessible by boat, and Hagan Sea Base, located on High Rock Lake, and runs Sea Scouts programs.[6]
| Piedmont Council (#420) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Gastonia, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1924 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
ThePiedmont Council (#420) was founded in 1924.[1] It serves the central and southern Piedmont regions of North Carolina. The council offices are inGastonia.
1917 saw the founding of theGastonia Council, which closed in 1918. TheCatawba River Council (#415) was founded in 1923, merging with Piedmont in 1927.[1]
It runs Camp Bud Schiele (formerly Camp Natomi), located on the Schiele Scout Reservation nearRutherfordton, for summer camp programs and weekend camping. Previously, camps were held nearTryon, North Carolina.[7]
The council is served by the Order of the Arrow through Eswau Huppeday Lodge 560.[8]
| Tidewater Council (#596) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Virginia Beach,Virginia | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1911 | ||
| Scout Executive | James Parnell | ||
| Website http://www.tidewaterbsa.com/ | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
The Tidewater Council serves southeasternVirginia and north-easternNorth Carolina. This region is often referred to asSouth Hampton Roads or theTidewater orTidewater Virginia area; hence the name of the council. ItsOrder of the Arrow counterpart is the Blue Heron Lodge, which was founded in 1946 when a team from Octoraro Lodge inPennsylvania inducted the first members of Blue Heron Lodge. The North Carolina counties ofCamden,Chowan,Currituck,Dare,Gates,Perquimans, andPasquotank make up the Albemarle District. Camping facilities are located at Pipsico Scout Reservation inSurry County, Virginia.
| Tuscarora Council (#424) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Headquarters | Goldsboro, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1923 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
TheTuscarora Council (#424) was founded in 1923 and serves four counties in the east-central portion of North Carolina.
The Tuscarora Council (#424) was founded in 1923 inGoldsboro, North Carolina.[1]
Camping facilities are located at Camp Tuscarora, betweenFour Oaks andNewton Grove.
The council is served by the Order of the Arrow through Nayawin Rar Lodge 296.
Girl Scouts of the USA was formed in 1912 byJuliette Gordon Low after she metLord Baden-Powell and was inspired by the Boy Scouts andGirl Guides in England.[9] It is believed that the first Girl Scout troop in North Carolina was started in 1914, though it is not clear where it was located.[10] Another early North Carolinian troop was started in 1918 in Southern Pines, and its main purpose seemed to be aiding the war effort duringWorld War I.[10] Girl Scouts spread quickly throughout North Carolina during the 1930s, and the first councils were organized around urban centers.[10] Eventually, these small councils merged into eight.[10] Because of a nationwide consolidation of Girl Scout councils in the late 2000s, there are now four Girl Scout councils in North Carolina.[11]
| Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | GSUSA | ||
| Headquarters | Colfax, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
This council serves nearly 8,000 girls in southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina, and has more than 4,000 adult volunteers. In North Carolina, it serves the counties of Hertford, Gates, Camden, Currituck, Pasquotank, Chowan, Bertie, Washington, Tyrrell, Manteo, Perquimans, Hyde, and Dare.
This council's five camps are located in Virginia.
| Girl Scouts - North Carolina Coastal Pines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | GSUSA | ||
| Headquarters | Raleigh, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 2007 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
Girl Scouts - North Carolina Coastal Pines was formed by the merger of Girl Scout Council of Coastal Carolina and Pines of Carolina Girl Scout Council on October 1, 2007. It serves over 32,000 girls and has nearly 10,000 adult volunteers in the counties of Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Chatham, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Person, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne, and Wilson.[12]
It operates service centers inRaleigh, NC,Fayetteville, NC,Goldsboro, NC, andWilmington, NC.[13]
| Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | GSUSA | ||
| Headquarters | Virginia Beach,Virginia | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 2009 | ||
| President | Carolyn Brickey | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | Jennifer Wilcox | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont officially began on October 1, 2009. It was created from the merger of four councils in western North Carolina: Girl Scout Council of the Catawba Valley Area, Girl Scouts, Tarheel Triad Council, Girl Scouts of the Pioneer Council, and Girl Scouts of Western North Carolina, Pisgah Council. The council operates service centers inAsheville, NC,Colfax, NC,Gastonia, NC andHickory, NC. It serves the counties of Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Caswell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Guilford, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Randolph, Rockingham, Rutherford, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.[14]
| Girl Scouts, Hornets' Nest Council | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | GSUSA | ||
| Headquarters | Charlotte, North Carolina | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1935 | ||
| Website www | |||
| Scouting portal | |||
The Girl Scouts, Hornets' Nest Council is headquartered inCharlotte, North Carolina. It was chartered in 1935.[20] It serves 19,000 girls in the counties of Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Rowan, Stanly, Union and York,South Carolina.[20]
