The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America, incorporated on February 8, 1910, and charterd by Congress in 1916, is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.

Community-based organizations receive national charters to use the Scouting program as a part of their own youth work.  These groups, which have goals compatible with those of the BSA, include religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, and labor organizations, governmental bodies, corporations, professional associations, and citizens' groups.  The Roman Catholic Church has used the Scouting program since the early days of the Boy Scouts of America.  It is one of the most extensive users of the BSA program.  There are more than 351,000 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers in more than 9,600 packs, troops and crews under the Catholic auspices, and an equal number of youth members in other Scouting units.  Scouting is used in about one-third of parishes in the United States.  

For information about the St. Bartholomew-affiliated Scout troop, contact Robert Chachere at 713-829-0165.