10/07/2025
SCOUT HANDBOOKS
The Scout Handbook has had various authors and contributors throughout its editions. Here are some notable ones:
★Original Edition (1910): Ernest Thompson Seton combined his Woodcraft manual with Baden-Powell's Scouting for Boys.
★Early Editions (1911-1948): Each section was written by an expert in that field, sometimes a BSA employee and sometimes an outside expert.
★6th, 7th, and 9th Editions (1959-1979): William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt wrote these editions, bringing a wealth of Scouting expertise.
★8th Edition (1972): Frederick L. Hines was the author.
★10th, 11th, and 12th Editions (1990-2015): Robert Birkby wrote these editions, providing practical guidance for Scouts.
★13th Edition (2016): Mark Ray was the overall author, incorporating changes to advancement requirements and new content.
★ 14th Edition (2019): Mark Ray also authored this edition, which was released in separate versions for boys and girls.
SOME NOTABLE CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDE:
- Norman Rockwell: Painted covers for the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 9th Editions.
- Don Ross: Former BSA art director who painted covers for the 5th Edition.