 BSA had two notable predecessors in the United States : the Woodcraft Indians started by Ernest Thompson Seton in 1902 and the Sons of Daniel Boone founded by Daniel Carter Beard in 1905 in Cincinnati , Ohio . In 1907 , Robert Baden @-@ Powell , founded the Scouting movement in England using elements of Seton 's works among other influences . Several Scout programs for boys started independently in the U.S. ( see Scouting in the United States ) . Many of these Scout programs in the U.S. merged with the BSA . : 52 
