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.