Interpreting the Evidence
Article about Puerto Rican Boy Scout Troop 680, 1941
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Document Description
ADEPTO article on Boy Scout Troop 680 of Puerto Rican Employees Association, Inc., New York, NY, March 1941. The piece includes a brief history of Troop 680, furnished by Scoutmaster Juan C. Vazquez.
Historical Context
Troop 680, pictured here, was formed by the Puerto Rican Employees Association in New York City in 1939. At first, the troop had only eight members. In just two years, enrollment jumped to thirty-eight scouts and continued to grow. The Boy Scouts focus on the fulfillment of the organization's oath and laws. Their oath focuses on their duty to God and country, to others, and to themselves. In their oath, Boy Scouts pledge to be trustworthy, obedient, clean, and, of course, prepared. The Boy Scouts organization emphasizes characteristics such as these so the members can develop a high level of ethical and moral reasoning skills. The Boy Scouts continue to gain popularity in Puerto Rico and among Latinos in the United States. Today, the Boy Scouts in Puerto Rico have five different membership districts, all with Taíno Indian names.
Essential Question
How do immigrant populations become a part of their new community?
Check for Understanding
Identify the main idea of this document and explain how these children adopted a piece of American culture.
Historical Challenges
Where, why, when, and by whom was the Boy Scouts of America started?
Compare the origins, mottos, and activities of the Boy Scouts to those of the Girl Scouts. Find out if there are Girl Scout troops in Puerto Rico.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Art: Create a poster recruiting Latinos to your Boy Scout troop.
English Language Arts: Interview a Boy Scout or Scout leader. Report on the activities in which they are involved. Are the goals and principles of Scouting today similar to those of the 1930s?