Scouting in Guam: History and Organization
Scouting in Guam is currently in a period of development and growth, providing youth with structured leadership and outdoor experiences. While the movement has a long history on the island, its organizational structure has evolved significantly over the decades to integrate with larger regional councils.
The Evolution of Boy Scouting in Guam
Scouting has been present on the island since at least the 1940s, though some evidence suggests it may have been developed as early as the 1920s. The formal presence of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was solidified with the creation of the Guam Council in 1947.
The administrative path of the BSA in Guam saw several transitions. After the Guam Council was absorbed into the Direct Service Council in 1956, the Chamorro Council was later chartered in 1970. By 1973, the Chamorro Council merged with the Hilo, Hawaii-based Kilauea Council to form the Aloha Council of Honolulu. Today, Scouting in Guam is administered as the Chamorro District of the Aloha Council.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Order of the Arrow and Lodge Mergers
The Order of the Arrow, the BSA's national honor society, has a unique history in the region. The Chamorro Council originally operated Achsin Lodge #565. Following the council merger, Achsin Lodge joined with Pupukea Lodge #557 and Kamehameha Lodge #454 to create the Mokupuni O Lawelawe Lodge #567.
The new lodge number, 567, was a symbolic combination of the three original lodges: the 5 from Kamehameha, the 6 from Achsin, and the 7 from Pupukea. The organization later updated its name to Nā Mokupuni O Lawelawe.
Girl Scouting in Guam
Parallel to the BSA, the Girl Scouts of the USA maintains a presence on the island through its Overseas program. These activities are managed by the Guam Girl Scouts Council, which is based in Hagåtña.
Key Facts
- Earliest Presence: Potentially as early as the 1920s; confirmed by the 1940s.
- BSA Foundation: Guam Council established in 1947.
- Current Administration: Managed as the Chamorro District of the Aloha Council of Honolulu.
- Girl Scouting: Served by the Guam Girl Scouts Council in Hagåtña.
- Honor Society: The Order of the Arrow lodge is known as Nā Mokupuni O Lawelawe.
| Organization | Administrative Body | Key Location/District |
|---|---|---|
| Boy Scouts of America | Aloha Council | Chamorro District |
| Girl Scouts of the USA | Guam Girl Scouts Council | Hagåtña |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Boy Scouts of America first establish a council in Guam?
The Boy Scouts of America created the Guam Council in 1947, although Scouting activities may have existed on the island since the 1920s.
Which council currently oversees Scouting in Guam?
Scouting in Guam is currently administered as the Chamorro District of the Aloha Council of Honolulu.
How was the number for the Nā Mokupuni O Lawelawe lodge determined?
The lodge number 567 was created by combining digits from the three merging lodges: 5 from Kamehameha, 6 from Achsin, and 7 from Pupukea.
Where is the Guam Girl Scouts Council located?
The Guam Girl Scouts Council, which serves the Girl Scouts of the USA Overseas, is located in Hagåtña.
What happened to the Chamorro Council?
The Chamorro Council was chartered in 1970 and subsequently merged with the Kilauea Council in 1973 to become part of the Aloha Council of Honolulu.