April 6, 2:47 AMBoy Scouts ExaminerChuck Douros

The BSA is having a banner year. As the organization approaches the mid-point of its year-long centennial celebration, energy is high. Ambitious engagement programs are brought to millions of people at a fever-pitch; often with only days between announcements. The focus is on high-energy, "cool", interesting and engaging programs. An aggressive membership initiative is underway and the whole world is watching.

Reaching New Heights

On April 5, 2010, the Boy Scouts of America launched its celebration to new heights. Four Year of Celebration patches are circling the globe at 17,500 mph, as cargo on the space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 mission to the International Space Station.

"At the earliest opportunities in Scouting, we expose young people to space exploration and prepare them for future work in science and technology fields," said BSA Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. BSA National President John Gottschalk explains during a January nationwide audiocast, "We in Scouting are looking at the importance of 'the cool factor' as we enter into the next 100 years of Scouting. We want to keep Scouting relevant to today's youth."