The data collection included a computer analysis of previously secret files on child-abusing Scout leaders; interviews with molesters, victims, investigators, and top Scout officials; and an analysis of court records and 80- year-old Scout documents. The author traces sexual abuse in Scouting from the organization's roots to the present day. One of the molesters profiled is Carlton Bittenbender, who had a history of convictions for child molesting when he became Scoutmaster of a troop outside of Washington, D.C. Although he vowed to himself that he would not repeat his former molesting behavior, his friendship with one troubled Scout changed both their lives, the lives of every family in the troop, and the Boy Scouts of America itself. Other case studies of molesters include Oregon's "Scouter of the Year," who says he molested more than 200 boys; the Florida Scoutmaster who was put on "secret probation" on the condition that he stop touching the genitals of his Scouts; the New Jersey man who was molested by his Scoutmaster and then did the same when he became a Scoutmaster. Among the suggestions for preventing sexual molestations by Scoutmasters are to conduct criminal records checks on all who apply to become Scoutmasters, educate Scouts about sexual abuse, and educate parents about the importance of so bonding with their children that their children do not seek the companionship of attentive molesters. Chapter notes, a glossary, and a subject index