MOUNT VERNON — This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting as it exists today was founded by Gen. Robert Baden-Powell in England in 1907, followed by the founding of Scouting in America by William Boyce in 1910.

The BSA eventually merged with several other scouting organizations in existence at the time. The new organization quickly established a national office, developed a temporary handbook, sought out Baden-Powell’s endorsement, and began to work to get a Congressional Charter from the U.S. Congress. The charter was received in 1916.

This milestone anniversary was celebrated locally at the First Presbyterian Church on Thursday evening.

“Tonight we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America,” said Jeff Wickerham, district director of the Muskingum Valley Council. “We are also going to be recognizing all of the Eagle Scouts that are in attendance tonight. We have a great group of Scouts in this county. Scouting is extremely strong, from the little guy level of Cub Scouts, right up to the Boy Scouts of all ranks.”