The American Cancer Society was started in 1913 by 15 physicians and businessmen in the New York City area. The current name and organization was completed in 1945. The society promoted cancer awareness and healthy living guidelines. Today the American Cancer Society is a nationwide community based volunteer organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. They do research and provide educational programs and services.
The American Cancer Society is known for such programs as the Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Daffodil Days. One of their most well known events is the Great American Smokeout, which takes place each year on the third Thursday in November. They encourage people to refrain from smoking that day in hopes that they will quit smoking forever. This has been an annual event since 1977. Today around 45.8 million Americans smoke. If just some of those people decided to quite smoking, the incidence of cancer would be reduced significantly.
On their website, the American Cancer Society offers a lot of good information on preventing cancer. It has been shown that exercise and diet and healthy living can reduce the causes of cancer. By walking and following a healthy eating plan, people can enjoy all the benefits of cancer free living. One of my friends has been cancer free for several months now and he is enjoying the benefits of healthy living.
The Boys Scouts of America is dedicated to promoting social welfare of young men and to build up self esteem, citizenship and outdoorsmanship. The BSA was started on February 8, 1910 by Chicago publisher William D. Boyce who went to London, England to first learn of the Scouting movement. Today the Boys Scouts of America headquarters are in Irving, Texas.
The motto of the Boys Scouts of America is to be prepared and the slogan is to do a good turn daily. The BSA oath is: On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
The scouting program begins with youth aged seven to 10 years of age with the Cubs Scouts. During this time they learn about scouting and they can have the opportunity to earn merit badges. From ages 10 to 18 years old, they can continue their scouting training The highest honor for a scout is to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The BSA endorses physical fitness and camping activities. They are the largest youth organization in the united states of america.
Little League Baseball is open for both boys and girls aged five to 18. The organization started in 1939 when Carl Stotz wanted the opportunity for his nephews to play baseball in an organized fashion. Today Little League Baseball is played all over the world by millions of children.
Adult volunteers are key to the success of Little League Baseball. They teach the children good values of sportsmanship and teaching them the basics of the game of baseball. Many communities start the youngsters in T-ball where the player hit off a T stand and the environment is encouraging. As they move up to the ages of seven and eight they play in a more structured environment where the children can pitch. Then at the ages of 9-12 they can play in a more competitive environment with umpires and league games and playoffs. Towns often have a minor and major division depending on the ability and skills of the players. They also have a challenger division for children with disabilities.
The Little League World Series began televising in 1953. The first little league graduate to play in the major leagues was Joey Jay. The first little league graduate to be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame was Carl Yastrzemski. Today Little League player are all over the world. An international team has played in the Little League World Series for several years. Today many major league players are little league graduates such as Jason Varitek of the Boston Red Sox.