Alexander Barton enjoys being outside. He likes playing with fiddler crabs and finding short cuts through the woods. The proud 10-year-old local Boy Scout considers the outdoors a second home.

Alexander is the latest member of the Barton family to carry the title of Boy Scout.

“My grandfather and father were Boy Scouts,” says Alexander’s dad James Barton, who is an Eagle Scout, the highest title a Scout can achieve. “Being a Boy Scout in our family is definitely multi-generational, and I am excited about the centennial.”

This year the Boy Scouts of America will celebrate a tremendous milestone with the 100th year anniversary of its organization. The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the country, and with any indication, it is stronger than ever. The culmination of the anniversary is the Boy Scout Jamboree this summer at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service will release a commemorative stamp for Boy Scouts this month.

Barton and Monroe Rhodes Jr., directors at the Boy Scout camp Ho Non Wah on Wadmalaw Island, are making sure the boys of this generation are appreciating the century-long tradition of scouting.

“We were both here for the 75th celebration,” says Rhodes, also an Eagle Scout.

“It is neat to see this generation’s take on

the centennial.”

Both Rhodes and Barton share a long friendship thanks to the BSA; they have been a part of the organization for 25 years and have attended the camp together since they were both 12. Now the men help direct Ho Non Wah, which in the American Indian language means “Land of Rising and Falling Waters,” during this historical summer.

The camp is decorated with images commemorating the centennial celebration. In the cafeteria an enormous banner reads “Celebrating 100 Years.” Every badge earned this summer will adorn the stitching of “100 Years.”

“We are making sure that the Scouts of today appreciate the 100th anniversary,” Barton says. “Our scavenger hunts and hikes this summer will reflect the history of Boy Scouts.”

The can drive of the 1930s and 1940s was one historical event when Boy Scouts helped provide for the troops during World War II. Other events have been the redesign of the BSA uniform and merit badges over the years. The design change was to make the uniform more appealing and comfortable for Boy Scouts to wear, while the merit badges received updates for the times.

Another major change Barton and Rhodes point out is how technology has benefited the BSA.

“Technology is all over scouting,” says Rhodes. “The scout handbook is now entirely interactive, and even the 80-year-old camp Ho Non Wah has WiFi and a computer lab.”

The Boy Scouts have always been beneficial to the Charleston community.

“We had Scouts laying flags on the coffins of veterans during Memorial Weekend,” Rhodes says. “We also help to keep parks in the area clean.”

One of the most important aspects of BSA is how the boys are influenced, especially at camp Ho Non Wah. Campers learn safety, self-reliance and courtesy. Doors are held open for others and every sentence ends with a “sir” or “ma’am.” All ages of the camp share the same respect and appreciation towards each other and elders.

“Scouting is all about the same, fair treatment for all,” Rhodes says. “It teaches you the values to be a good father and the discipline to succeed at the workplace. Our motto is ‘do your best.’”

As the end of this month nears the excitement for the Boy Scout Jamboree heightens. On July 26, three generations of Bartons will load up a car, crank the engine and drive to Virginia to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the BSA along with tens of thousands of Boy Scouts from all over the country.

“Even my father is excited about the jamboree,” Alexander says. “It will be a great ending to the summer.”