Florida Gov. Rick Scott will honor the Boy Scouts of America this week at ICAST after the organization recently awarded its 2 millionth fishing merit badge.
Fishing was one of the original 57 merit badges introduced in 1911, and the sport continues to be one of the Top 4 outdoor activities Scouts enjoy.
"By offering fun opportunities where we can put a fishing rod in a young boy's hand and start him fishing early in a safe, controlled environment, Scouting can be a powerful force in getting young people started on outdoor adventures," said FLW Tour pro Tom Redington, who's sponsored by the BSA. "Plus, fishing is a great way to teach patience, how to overcome challenges and the rewards of learning those life skills."
Said BSA National Fishing Committee chairman Ben Jelsema: "Fishing has been a fun and important part of Scouting since we began bringing outdoor adventures to millions of young people across America more than a century ago. It is a great way to get the entire family outdoors to spend quality time together."
