Thousands of children and teens in Upstate South Carolina have joined the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America over the last century.

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Originally called the Greenville Council, the group was formed to bring scouting services to the youth in Greenville County. The council changed its name to the Blue Ridge Council in 1932 after expanding its territory to include seven additional Upstate counties.

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To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the council will host a celebration Nov. 4 at Camp Old Indian in Travelers Rest. 

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“The mission of scouting is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime,” said Lee Dixon, president of the council’s Board of Directors. “We’ve been doing that for 100 years and we think it’s making a difference and an impact in our communities.”

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Today, the Blue Ridge Council serves around 3,000 scouts located in Abbeville, Anderson, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Newberry, Oconee and Pickens counties.

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“The development of character in young people doesn’t waver,” Balog said. “It’s something that is needed. It’s an intrinsic value that I believe all families — whether 100 years ago or 100 years in the future — desire to have in children.”

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