The Boy Scout Handbook’s Second Edition Introduced Leadership Positions & More

Last week, we shared highlights from the first two versions (“original” and “first” editions) of the Boy Scout Handbook. Today, we’ll take a look at our favorite handbook’s second edition.

As you know by now, the Boy Scout Handbook’s second edition was actually the third publication of the handbook, following the original and first editions. Published in 1914, this version came packed with exciting new content like map and compass skills, conservation and nature, woods tools, troop leader positions, the Scout handclasp, and proper uniform wear.

Scouts couldn’t get enough of the new skill descriptions and guidelines, and more than 2 million copies of the second edition were printed.

At a Glance: Second Edition, Boy Scouts of America Handbook for Boys

• In Publication:  1914-1927
• Cover artwork: J.C. Leyendecker
• Author: BSA Editorial Committee
• Copies: 2,610,471
• Cost: 40 cents
• Trivia: Scouting’s roots in sustainability are more than a century old! In 1914, BSA introduced the the very first William T. Hornaday medals, awarded to Scouts for conservation service.

Check out our Instagram feed each week as we uncover past editions of the Boy Scout Handbook and Scouting gear through history—courtesy of the National Scouting Museum—as we work our way up to the 13th edition! If you missed last week’s Scouting history lesson, you can catch up here.

What editions of the handbook have you used? Tell us your favorite in the comments!

For more information on the history of the Boy Scout Handbook, check out the outstanding work done by Troop 97 in Fort Collins, CO, which is a member of the Longs Peak Council.