William Hillcourt | |
|---|---|
 Hillcourt (L) and Lord Robert Baden-Powell (R), at Hillcourt Cottage, Schiff Scout Reservation, on July 15, 1935 | |
| Born | Vilhelm Hans Bjerregaard Jensen August 6, 1900 Aarhus, Denmark |
| Died | November 9, 1992 (aged 92) Stockholm, Sweden |
| Resting place | St. Joseph's Cemetery, Mendham, New Jersey, United States |
| Nationality | Danish, American |
| Occupation | Scouter |
| Employer | Boy Scouts of America |
| Known for | First U.S. Wood Badge course director, author including Boy Scout Handbook, Boy Scout Fieldbook, Patrol Leaders Handbook, and articles for Boys' Life and Scouting magazines. |
| Spouse | Grace Brown |
| Parent(s) | Johannes Hans Bjerregaard Jensen Andrea Christine (nee Pedersen) |
| Awards | Knight-Scout, Denmark (1918) Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (1978) Silver Buffalo Award (1980) Bronze Wolf Award (1985) |
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William Hillcourt (August 6, 1900 – November 9, 1992),[1] known within the Scouting movement as "Green Bar Bill", was an influential leader in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) organization from 1927 to 1992.[2] Hillcourt was a prolific writer and teacher in the areas of woodcraft, troop and patrol structure, and training; his written works include three editions of the BSA's official Boy Scout Handbook, with over 12.6 million copies printed, other Scouting-related books and numerous magazine articles. Hillcourt developed and promoted the American adaptation of the Wood Badge adult Scout leader training program.
Hillcourt was Danish but moved to the United States as a young adult. From his start in Danish Scouting in 1910 until his death in 1992, he was continuously active in Scouting. He traveled all over the world teaching and training both Scouts and Scouters, earning many of Scouting's highest honors. His legacy and influence can still be seen today in the BSA program and in Scouting training manuals and methods for both youth and adults.
- ^ "William Hillcourt, A Boy Scout Writer And Columnist, 92". Obituary. The New York Times. November 14, 1992.
- ^ Peterson, Robert (September 1985). "Bill Hillcourt—Still Going Strong on the Scouting Trail". Scouting: 26.