Honor Scouts' 100th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2956 BY: Senator PHILLIPS COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America-Theodore Roosevelt Council 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 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America-Theodore Roosevelt Council to be feted at a Beach Bash Centennial Celebration on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Theodore Roosevelt Beach in Oyster Bay, New York; and WHEREAS, In addition, this auspicious milestone will be celebrated with a myriad of other events throughout the year including the 2017 Theodore Roosevelt Council Gala in Garden City, New York; a 100th Anniversary Capsule Contest held on October 15, 2017; a 100th Anniversary commemorative journal will be published; a toy drive; and the creation of a Scouting Tribute Wall made of engraved bricks; 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 Nassau County Council was officially chartered in 1917, however, it changed its name in honor of the first Council Commissioner, Theodore Roosevelt; and WHEREAS, Headquartered in Massapequa, New York, the Theodore Roosevelt Council is one of the oldest scout councils in the United States; it is also the home of America's first Eagle Scout, Arthur R. Eldred; and WHEREAS, The Theodore Roosevelt Council encompasses four districts, Shelter Rock, Rough Rider, Pequott, and Iroquois; and WHEREAS, The Theodore Roosevelt Council sponsors Cub Scout Camping, Boy Scout Camping, and Venturing Outdoor; it also maintains various camping and outdoor programs at both the Schiff Scout Reservation in Wading River, New York, and the Onteora Scout Reservation in Livingston Manor, New York; 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 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America-Theodore Roosevelt Council; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Boy Scouts of America-Theodore Roosevelt Council.