SEGREGATED SCOUT CAMPS (SSC)
In many parts of the United States, the Boy Scouts of America were forced by local ordinances and custom to practice segregation. In order to bring Scouting to the African American communities in the 1920s, many local councils created parallel divisions within their organization, creating opportunities that had the Scouting name, that emulated the Scouting experience, that were separate from the rest of the Scouts, and was not equal. In the memoirs of Col. Porcher Taylor (Distinguished Eagle Scout) entitled "Damn The Alligators, Full Speed Ahead!", he recounted the days in Scouting in Jacksonville, from the late 1920s to the 1940s. In Florida, troops formed in almost total secrecy, so as to not create controversy, why others saw the Scouting program as beneficial to the community. In Jacksonville in late 1931, the local Black Scout and business leaders petitioned to allow Scouts in their troops to wear the Scout uniform, which was approved in January 1932. Local leader and activist David Dwight organized Shawnee District in northwest Jacksonville, recruiting troop leaders, fundraising, and creating a camping venue. Within a few years, Shawnee District's coverage spread to all of the counties within Greater Jacksonville Council, and then North Florida Council. Mr. Dwight helped create Camp Lincoln in 1931 at the Lincoln Country Club. This program soon became a destination for segregated troops across Florida and southern Georgia. For his work for Scouting, Mr. Dwight became the first African American in the United States to receive the Silver Beaver award.
In the 1940s, councils were more open about the parallel arrangements, with publicity about activities in specialized editions in local newspapers, and seeking out support and funding for camp properties. Many of these locations were near the so-called "white camps", but were not equal in terms of programs and infrastructure. At least three Order of the Arrow lodges inducted candidates from these camps, but two councils (North Florida, Suwannee River Area) maintained separate groups that acted as lodges. In 1964, the BSA officially declared itself desegregated, requiring local councils to integrate their programs. Yet, Camp Coacoochee held its last summer camp in 1966.
In the 1940s, councils were more open about the parallel arrangements, with publicity about activities in specialized editions in local newspapers, and seeking out support and funding for camp properties. Many of these locations were near the so-called "white camps", but were not equal in terms of programs and infrastructure. At least three Order of the Arrow lodges inducted candidates from these camps, but two councils (North Florida, Suwannee River Area) maintained separate groups that acted as lodges. In 1964, the BSA officially declared itself desegregated, requiring local councils to integrate their programs. Yet, Camp Coacoochee held its last summer camp in 1966.
