Bill Text: MI HR0214 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare February 7-13, 2016, as Boy Scout Week in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 11-5)
Status: (Passed) 2016-02-03 - Adopted [HR0214 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-HR0214-Enrolled.html
Substitute for House Resolution No. 214.
A resolution to declare February 7-13, 2016, as Boy Scout Week in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, The Scouting program was founded in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell in Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, England, to encourage young men to develop personal goals and actively pursue their personal interests. In 1909, American journalist and publisher, William D. Boyce, lost his way in a dense London fog. A boy came to his aid and, after guiding the man, refused a tip, explaining that as a Scout he would not take a tip for doing a Good Turn. This gesture by the unknown Scout inspired Boyce to start Scouting in America; and
Whereas, The Boy Scouts of America were incorporated on February 8, 1910, in New York City, received their federal charter as granted by the United States Congress in 1916, and celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2010. Since the Boy Scouts of America awarded the first Eagle Scout in 1912 to Arthur Eldred, over two and a quarter million scouts have been awarded the Eagle Scout rank. Most recently, over 51,000 scouts earned their Eagle Scout rank, providing over $180 million to their communities through their Eagle Scout service projects. Every year, local packs, troops, and crews celebrate this rich history with Boy Scout Week; and
Whereas, Today, the scouting program represents the largest voluntary youth movement in the world, with approximately 195 countries having scout programs. The Boy Scouts of America has more than 2.4 million registered scouts, over 1 million leaders, and over 100,000 registered units. Their goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in outdoor activities, educational programs, career-oriented programs, and community-service activities. Those scouts and leaders performed over 14.3 million hours of service to their councils and communities, with over a million youth attending a council camp or national high-adventure camp last year; and
Whereas, The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s National Honor Society and recognizes those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily lives and promote camping and responsible outdoor adventure, leadership development, and cheerful service to others. In celebration of the 100th anniversary in 2015, over 15,000 youth and adult leaders gathered on the campus of Michigan State University for an inspirational and unforgettable experience full of fellowship, top notch training, theatrical shows, adventure, and fun at the National Order of the Arrow Conference; and
Whereas, The Boy Scouts of America offers an extensive and wide variety of high adventure programs. The thrill of adventure runs far and wide across America, and the Boy Scouts of America provide an opportunity for young people to have an experience of a lifetime. Through these high adventure experiences, the Boy Scouts of America leaves lasting memories and fosters development in character and leadership. There are four national high adventure bases, each offering unique and impactful experiences: Florida Sea Base in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas; Northern Tier in Minnesota and Ontario, Canada; Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico; and The Summit in West Virginia; and
Whereas, The councils that make up the scouting community in Michigan are the Bay-Lakes Council and the Michigan Crossroads Council, with four field service councils being Great Lakes, President Ford, Southern Shores, and Water and Woods Field Service Councils. These councils will celebrate Boy Scout Week with a number of events, including Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath at local places of worship, community service projects, Courts of Honor, and flag-raising ceremonies. These endeavors will serve as a reminder of the vital impact the scouting program has on our communities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare February 7-13, 2016, as Boy Scout Week in the state of Michigan. We recognize the great accomplishments and contributions that the Scouting movement has had upon the character and development of Michigan's youth. The members of the Michigan Legislature consider it a great privilege to celebrate this occasion and proudly extend tribute to all the leaders, parents, friends, family, and scouts who have made the Boy Scouts of America successful across our state. This organization has had a profound impact on countless lives in our state and nation; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Bay-Lakes Council, the Michigan Crossroads Council, and the national office of the Boy Scouts of America as evidence of the highest esteem given by the members of the Michigan Legislature.
