“Varsity Scouts: The Experimental Years
Before Varsity Scouts became an official program in 1984, it went through almost 10 years of experimentation. During this time, the program was limited to boys 14 & 15.
The programs started off in Area 2 of the Western Region. Alva Greene, the Area President, noticed a drop in enrollment of 14-15 year olds in 1974. He then tasked a commitee to look into this. From 1975-77, this committee worked on adapting the basic scouting program to the needs and interests of the 14- and 15-year old. Out of this the full Varsity Scout program was developed.
Next was the first experimental phase, or “pre-pilot” phase in 1978 and 1979, again limited to the 9 councils in Area 2 of the Western Region. During this phase, the first handbooks were published, and the first uniforms and other insignia were produced . A primitive version of the Varsity Scout Letter was also produced.
Then in the second experimental phase or National pilot phase, in 1980, its use was expanded to 28 councils around the country, most likely to make sure of its broader use. Slightly revised versions of the guidebooks were produced, as well as a slightly different uniform shirt. A new Varsity Scout Letter was produced, and apparently silk-screened office patches as well.
The idea behind this work was to create a more challenging scouting program that would appeal to older boys, much like the older Explorer Scout program of the 40s did. The use of sports team terminology was to make the program more appealing to older boys would had never been involved in scouting, and might not be interested in joining a program with younger boys. During this experimental period, the members were not allowed to wear the BSA field uniform, instead wearing their own uniform consisting of a beige collared sports shirts with dark brown shorts or slacks. Also, manuals from this period indicate that the program was only for boys 14-15, and when they turned 16 they were to join an Explorer Post. This period of the program is not well known.” (used with permission from the webmaster of senior scouting. It is a wonderful site for Senior Scouting information and history. You can link to it thru my links page.)