Honor Boy Scouts Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2871 BY: Senator LANZA COMMEMORATING the 95th Anniversary of the Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the youth of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and its members are dedicated to the development of character and leadership in the youth of this Nation; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America; and WHEREAS, On June 15, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill, passed with unanimous consent in both houses of Congress, granting federal incorporation to the Boy Scouts of America; and WHEREAS, The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America, incorporated on

February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916, is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness; and WHEREAS, Community-based organizations receive national charters to use the Scouting program as a part of their own youth work; these groups, which have goals compatible with those of the Boy Scouts of America include: religious, educational, civic, fraternal, business, labor organizations, governmental bodies, corporations, professional associations, and citizens' groups; and WHEREAS, The Greater New York Councils is a local council of the Boy Scouts of America which serves the New York City area; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Greater New York Councils have helped over five million young people become "Prepared for Life" through weekly after-school meetings, weekend trips, and 24-hour a day, seven days a week camp experiences; the Council operates 12 months of the year; and WHEREAS, The Greater New York Councils also offer community service projects, cultural excursions, Camporees, Pinewood Derby competitions, Fishing Derby, Family Fun weekends and much more; and WHEREAS, Scouting and exploring programs develop excellence in young people by building their character, values, and self-confidence so they can become our next generation of leaders; and WHEREAS, There are various programs and phases within the Boy Scouts of America, including: Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing; and WHEREAS, Cub Scouting is where it all begins; 95 percent of all Boy Scouts participated in Cub Scouting at some time; Cub Scouting strengthens the family, encourages physical fitness, and teaches core values to live by through its program; a thrilling outdoor program starts in Cub Scouting with day camps, resident camps, council-organized camps, pack camping, and the fabulous make-believe themes of Cub World venues such as castles, frontier forts, pirate ships, and more; and WHEREAS, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers have many special activities available to them, such as Camporees, Summer Camps, Scouting shows, and the National Jamborees; and WHEREAS, The Order of the Arrow, Scouting's national honor society, recognizes those Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives; the Order has local lodge, section, and national meetings; Scouts who have become Eagle Scouts, the highest advancement award in Scouting, may join the National Eagle Scout Association; and WHEREAS, All Scout camps are inspected and accredited annually by teams of trained volunteers to ensure the health, safety, and quality of program for campers; and WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America have so manifestly contributed to the preservation of those treasured ideals of compassion, honor, preparedness and concern for others which are so paradigmatic of our American Heritage; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Boy Scouts of America.