The Boy Scouts of America turned 100 last week amid speculation that the group might be losing relevance in these modern times.

Scouting has endured similar periods of disparagement in the past, as well as challenges to their promotion of faith and religion and opposition to homosexuality. The organization also has had to endure scandals that have erupted when leaders turned out to be predators.

Such cases have been rare, however, and Scouts and parents alike know that Scouting is so much more than campouts and helping little old ladies across the street.

While it has held true to its core values, Scouting has changed with the times. After all, it couldn't be faithful to its motto of "Be Prepared" without making adjustments for modern life.

The program began in England, essentially by providence. Robert Baden-Powell, a British intelligence officer, became a national hero through his resourcefulness in leading successful campaigns during the Boer War in Africa. Using knowledge of the area and creative deceptions, he withstood a 217-day siege against a much larger force. Afterward he wrote a training manual so that other soldiers could learn how to use their knowledge and wits to use their resources successfully.

After the war, his book was made available to the general public. The manuals became popular — not so much by the adults who would be recruited for any militia, but by youngsters and teachers who enjoyed the skills the manuals offered.

In response, Baden-Powell began the Scouting program not for warfare, but for self-reliance and community service.

Camping and outdoor skills remain a big part of modern-day Scouting, but the program's merit badges — and dozens of patches and pins awarded to Scouts — recognize proficiency in a wide variety of skills that include law, graphic arts and computer knowledge. Certain badges are required for Eagle Scout, most of which remain oriented on survival, service and citizenship.

The primary goal of Scouting is not just the acquisition of skills, however. It is to give young men the knowledge and confidence they need to solve problems they will encounter in adult life. It also encourages them to use their resourcefulness to identify needs in their homes, communities and nations and work toward mitigating them. As they gain knowledge and skills, the young Scouts gain the self-reliance and confidence that helps them meet challenges they might face.

The value of Scouting is just as great as it ever has been. As long as it continues to teach boys, young men and women to value the outdoors, become good citizens and be active in community service along with developing skills that help them succeed in those endeavors, Scouting will always remain relevant to developing character in our young people.

REPRINTED FROM THE JACKSONVILLE DAILY NEWS.