 As war clouds cast an ominous shadow over Europe in the late 1930s amidst the rise of fascism , West , Goodman , and other BSA leaders considered how Scouting might better train youth in democratic principles of government . Referring to the Nazi Kristallnacht rampage against Jews in 1938 , Goodman wrote shortly afterwards : " ... the program of persecution has stirred up our hearts and minds as nothing else that has happened before has done . It has furnished the impetus of a wave of resentment against the evil ; but more than that , for a surge of satisfaction and thanksgiving concerning our own happier state under a democracy . " During World War II , various BSA programs were developed under his leadership in support of the nation 's war effort , such as the collection of scrap aluminum , tires , and waste paper for recycling into war material , distribution of war bond and air raid posters , assisting Civil Defense officials , and planting of fruit and vegetable " victory gardens " . 
