In order that boys who live in remote country districts may enjoy the
benefits of the scout training, even though it is not possible for them
to join a regular troop, the Pioneer Division of the Boy Scouts of
America has been established. Pioneer Scouts follow the same program as
other scouts do, taking their tests from a specially appointed local
examiner, usually a teacher, pastor, or employer. On January 31, 1920,
there were 758 active Pioneer Scouts on record at national headquarters.
Much interest has been manifested in this branch of scouting, which has
been found to fill a real need among country boys. The State
agricultural departments and colleges have given generous aid and
indorsement, as have also the Grange, Antituberculosis League, and other
local institutions. The United States Department of Agriculture is also
lending its hearty support and indorsement to this branch of scout work.
The Secretary of Agriculture, the Hon. E. T. Meredith, says: "The Boy
Scout program fits in with the work of the rural school, the rural
church, the agricultural boys' club, and other rural welfare
organizations. They should go hand in hand."