Irving, Texas April 4, 2000—The Boy Scouts of America announced today that the 90-year-old organization officially reached a historic membership milestone with the addition of its 100 millionth member. Mario Castro, a 12-year-old from Brooklyn, N.Y., became the 100 millionth member of the Boy Scouts of America, the premier youth-serving organization in the country. Castro joined Troop 986, sponsored by St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn.

"Reaching this milestone proves how valuable and enduring the lessons provided through Scouting are to our society and our youth," said Jere Ratcliffe, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. "The Boy Scouts of America has prepared 100 million youth and adults for life through effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training, and we are dedicated to preparing 100 million more."

The Castro Family, including Boy Scout Mario and his brother, Cub Scout Ulises.

Castro, who emigrated from Mexico City with his family 10 years ago, said "Joining the Boy Scouts of America and being the 100 millionth member is very exciting. Now, I'm eager to go on adventures with my troop and share with my family and friends what I have learned."

Scouting evolved during the early 1900s through the efforts of several men dedicated to bettering youth. These pioneers of the program conceived outdoor activities that developed skills in young boys and gave them a sense of enjoyment, fellowship, and a code of conduct for everyday living. The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916.

With more than 4.9 million youth and supported by more than 1.2 million registered adult volunteers, the Boy Scouts of America fosters the philosophy of duty to God, country, and self, and a commitment to others through a comprehensive program of outdoor adventure and service projects. The Boy Scouts of America program includes an active, year-round set of activities for boys and young men ages 7 through 18, available through 318 local councils. The BSA program includes Cub Scouts, for boys in the first through fifth grades, Boy Scouts for ages 11 through 17, and Venturing, a new program for 14- to 20-year-old boys and girls.

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