Congressional resolution celebrates 115th anniversary of Scouting America

From New York City to St. Louis to Louisiana, last weekend was a big one for Scouting America.

Adding to the celebration, two members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a Congressional resolution recognizing the 115^th anniversary of Scouting America. The resolution was introduced by Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-Ga.), co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Scouting Caucus.

“Scouting helps young men and women build character and confidence, while attaining skills that will help them succeed in all aspects of life,” Thompson says. “Scouting has had a profound impact upon my life and the lives of my sons and grandsons.

“Lessons taken from Scouting have helped young people from all walks of life become leaders and I am honored to celebrate the organization’s 115^th anniversary and recognize its enduring legacy.”

Both Thompson (Eagle Class of 1977) and Bishop (Eagle Class of 1961) have a long history of supporting Scouting.

Thompson has spent more than 50 years in Scouting, including serving as a Scoutmaster. He received the Distinguished Eagle Scout award in 2012. Bishop is also a Distinguished Eagle Scout and in 2012 was awarded the Good Scout award by Scouting America’s National Capital Area Council.

“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution celebrating the 115th Anniversary of Scouting America with my fellow Eagle Scout and colleague in Congress, GT Thompson,” Bishop says. “Scouting has been an integral part of my life, helping shape it and through Scouting I have built relationships that have lasted a lifetime.

“Scouting has helped millions of youths around the world for over a century by instilling crucial principles of moral character, self-reliance, responsibility, leadership, human dignity and service to others which are so important to America’s well-being.”

The Congressional Scouting Caucus comprises Congressmen from both parties who were Scouts as youth, Scouting volunteers as adults or who simply support the efforts of the Scout movement.

“Scouting America would like to extend their sincere gratitude for this thoughtful resolution,” says Roger Krone, President and CEO of Scouting America. “We would also like to express our deep appreciation to the Scouting Caucus for their unwavering support.

“This recognition is a testament to our shared commitment to providing young people the opportunity to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lives by instilling the timeless values of the Scout Oath and Law. We look forward to continuing this important work together.”

You can read House Resolution 121 from the 119^th Congress first session in its entirety below.