Monday, February 8, 2010
CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF SCOUTING
By Senator Ben Nelson
This week marks an important milestone in America and it’s one that deserves attention because it involves preparing young people to be good citizens. A century ago on February 8, 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to educate boys and young adults about character, participating in society and personal fitness.
Since then, more than 110 million Americans have been members of the Boy Scouts making it the largest youth organization in our country, and it remains a vital force today. Around 50,000 Nebraskans count themselves as members of the Boy Scouts today, and many thousands more Nebraskans serve as volunteers in this remarkable organization that has been a big part of my life, too.
Scouting Provides Direction
Of all the things I’ve done, next to raising a family which is by far the most important, nothing else means as much to me as becoming an Eagle Scout. Becoming an Eagle Scout set the stage for everything that followed because it taught me to set goals, to do what it takes to do each one right, and to finish a project.
Being an Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout, and a Cub Scout taught me a lot, led to many lasting relationships and often was just fun.
Scouting Centennial Observations
With the 100th birthday of the Boy Scouts on Monday this week, it seems right for us to honor this tremendous organization that has shaped the lives of so many young men, and produced so many leaders. I’ve been pleased in recent years to be the lead or co-lead sponsor of a 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin, a Commemorative Stamp and a resolution designating February 8th as “Boy Scouts of America Day.” Each of these received approval by Congress.
It’s no surprise why. Congress granted the Boy Scouts of America a federal charter in 1916 and over the years many members of Congress started out as members of the Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts. In the current 111th Congress 211 of its 535 members have participated in scouting and know its value from firsthand experience.
Scouting Mission
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America has always been to prepare young people to make moral and ethical choices throughout their lifetimes by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law: to help people at all times, to keep yourself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. A scout is trustworthy, courteous, kind, brave and reverent. These values help scouts make positive contributions we see every day.
In 2008, for example, service projects were conducted nationwide by more than 2.8 million youth members and 1.2 million volunteers of the Boy Scouts. The work they did included food collection and distribution, litter cleanup, conservation projects, serving food at shelters and showing support for our military service members.
I believe it is fitting that we honor this notable organization on its 100th anniversary because it has lived well up to its slogan to “Do a Good Turn Daily.”
Monday, February 8, 2010
A Nebraskan's View
Monday, February 8, 2010
CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF SCOUTING
By Senator Ben Nelson
This week marks an important milestone in America and it’s one that deserves attention because it involves preparing young people to be good citizens. A century ago on February 8, 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to educate boys and young adults about character, participating in society and personal fitness.
Since then, more than 110 million Americans have been members of the Boy Scouts making it the largest youth organization in our country, and it remains a vital force today. Around 50,000 Nebraskans count themselves as members of the Boy Scouts today, and many thousands more Nebraskans serve as volunteers in this remarkable organization that has been a big part of my life, too.
Scouting Provides Direction
Of all the things I’ve done, next to raising a family which is by far the most important, nothing else means as much to me as becoming an Eagle Scout. Becoming an Eagle Scout set the stage for everything that followed because it taught me to set goals, to do what it takes to do each one right, and to finish a project.
Being an Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout, and a Cub Scout taught me a lot, led to many lasting relationships and often was just fun.
Scouting Centennial Observations
With the 100th birthday of the Boy Scouts on Monday this week, it seems right for us to honor this tremendous organization that has shaped the lives of so many young men, and produced so many leaders. I’ve been pleased in recent years to be the lead or co-lead sponsor of a 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin, a Commemorative Stamp and a resolution designating February 8th as “Boy Scouts of America Day.” Each of these received approval by Congress.
It’s no surprise why. Congress granted the Boy Scouts of America a federal charter in 1916 and over the years many members of Congress started out as members of the Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts. In the current 111th Congress 211 of its 535 members have participated in scouting and know its value from firsthand experience.
Scouting Mission
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America has always been to prepare young people to make moral and ethical choices throughout their lifetimes by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law: to help people at all times, to keep yourself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. A scout is trustworthy, courteous, kind, brave and reverent. These values help scouts make positive contributions we see every day.
In 2008, for example, service projects were conducted nationwide by more than 2.8 million youth members and 1.2 million volunteers of the Boy Scouts. The work they did included food collection and distribution, litter cleanup, conservation projects, serving food at shelters and showing support for our military service members.
I believe it is fitting that we honor this notable organization on its 100th anniversary because it has lived well up to its slogan to “Do a Good Turn Daily.”
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