Today, I generally characterize myself as pro-camping, anti-scouting

But one of my favorite possessions is a Boy Scout Handbook from 1913.

Besides acting as a treasure-trove of information about America's progressive movement, it's got quite a bit of interesting information about animal identification, story-telling technique, health & wellness, US history and freedom, etc., not to mention proper marshmallow-roasting technique ("Oh, the deliciousness of it! Ever tasted one?")

But my favorite section is the merit-badge section.

Here are some of the merit-badges (and some of the more entertaining requirements) available for boys in 1913:

Automobiling (includes requirements to know how to safely start an engine, and how to put out burning gasoline)
Blacksmithing
Dairying
First Aid to Animals (must be able to treat a horse for colic)
Invention (requirement: invent something and patent it)
Mining (know and name fifty minerals; describe practices for proper mine ventilation)
Pathfinding
Poultry Farming
Stalking
Taxidermy

I wonder how many young men today would like the opportunity to work on their Stalking Merit Badge.