Douglas County, GA (February 8, 2010) This February 8, the Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 100th Anniversary. For 100 years, the BSA has created a strong foundation of leadership, service, and community for millions of America’s young people. The organization is committed to inspire and prepare future generations.

“Our goal is not simply to recognize 100 years of service,” said Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “Our expectation is that this anniversary will lay the foundation for making the BSA better and stronger for its next 100 years.”

The Scouts of the Sweetwater District participated in the year long celebration kickoff with a Centennial tree planting at various locations throughout Douglas County.

Scouts gathered together to on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday of Centennial week to place trees at Clinton Nature Preserve, Deer Lick Park, the Douglas County courthouse and Boundary Waters Park. The plantings began with a ceremony that spoke to the roots of the Boy Scouts of America as well as a look to the future. Scouts from all levels, from first year Tiger Cubs to Eagle Scouts participated by placing the trees and each Scout assisting with the covering. The ceremony closed with a prayer led by Boy Scouts from the various units in the district.

The BSA’s 100th Anniversary is a purpose-driven celebration. Every element is geared toward delivering meaningful results for the BSA’s constituents—growing membership, increasing manpower, and maintaining financial strength while also engaging local councils and enhancing public awareness and perceptions of Scouting.

The centennial tree planting is sponsored by The Home Depot, who provided the trees to the Boy Scouts of the Atlanta Area Council. The Scouts of the Sweetwater District would like to thank Home Depot, the Douglas County Parks and Recreation department and the Douglas County Commissioners for their continued support of the Boy Scouts of America and the Scouting in Douglas County.

If you would like more information on the Celebration year, Centennial tree planting, or the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, please contact Jenna Knight at 770-956-3178.

About the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America :

Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has been the nation’s foremost program of character development and values-based leadership training for youth ages 7-20. The Atlanta Area Council covers 13 metro-Atlanta Counties including Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Haralson, Newton , Paulding, Pickens, and Rockdale. For more information on the Atlanta Area Council, visit www.atlantabsa.org.

The Sweetwater District is a part of the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, representing Douglas County and serves youth in various programs, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Venturing. For more information on Scouting in Douglas County, please visit the website at www.sweewaterbsa.org.