James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States, was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. Long before he became a statesman and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Carter was influenced by his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The values instilled in him through Scouting—service, responsibility, and leadership—echoed throughout his life and career.
Information as received from the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library:
- Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairman: Carter served as a Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairman before becoming president.
- Silver Buffalo Award: In 1978, the BSA awarded Carter the Silver Buffalo Award for his national service to youth.
- BSA alumnus: Carter is a BSA alumnus.
- Gerald Ford is the only U.S. president to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Jimmy Carter was a Scoutmaster and Explorer advisor during the time his three sons were Scouts. His wife, Rosalynn, was also active as a Den Mother and Cubmaster. Through Carter’s influence, the BSA held a Scouting Environment Day in 1977.