[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 35 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov] [Congressional Record: March 24, 1994] From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] BOY SCOUTS REPORT TO THE NATION ______ HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT of missouri in the house of representatives Thursday, March 24, 1994 Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, on March 16, the Boy Scouts of America delivered their annual Report to the Nation to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the House, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Clerk of the House, Donn Anderson, hosted a breakfast for the Scout delegation in the Capitol during which the Clerk received the report on behalf of Speaker Foley and the Secretary of the Senate, Joe Stewart, did likewise on behalf of the President pro tempore. The Boy Scouts of America is founded on the highest ideals of patriotism, citizenship, and moral rectiftude. The delegation is composed of the most outstanding Scouts in the Nation who are set apart by their example of service, leadership, and achievement. As a former Boy Scout with the rank of Eagle, I am proud to include for the Record, the Boy Scouts report to the Nation together with the names of distinguished delegation. 1993 Report to the Nation--Boy Scouts of America Realizing that America's future is in the physical, moral, and spiritual strength of its youth, the Boy Scouts of America in 1993 fortified the traditional Scouting program and developed better ways to reach youth in urban areas. In 1993, the Boy Scouts of America: Focused on critical growth areas; expanded Learning for Life; helped develop a Scouting handbook for Russian youth; introduced a new award recognizing contributions to council endowment trusts. The BSA formulated responses to today's critical challenges so that it can continue providing youth with programs that fill their need for moral and spiritual growth as well as for fun and adventure. More than 3,427,000 youth representing 123,989 units took part in traditional Scouting activities in 1993. Tiger Cubs, BSA: Tiger Cubs, BSA, for first-grade boys, was strengthened without changing the basics that last year attracted more than 360,000 youngsters. Procedural changes added Tiger Cubs to pack charter rosters, and enabled the boys to roll over into Cub Scouting automatically. Program enhancements will keep young boys and their parents enjoying Scouting longer. Boy Scouting: The Order of the Arrow launched a new leadership development course. A Train-the-Trainer manual was produced that will train those who train program and council leaders. The Wood Badge was earned by 5,712 dedicated leaders who expanded troop operation skills through experiencing a Scout's daily life. Exploring: The Exploring Division placed strong emphasis on volunteer and professional staff development, recognition of volunteers, quality program development, and efforts to broaden the focus of future Explorer posts. Exploring's Council Growth Plan achieved its third consecutive year of membership growth. The membership increased by 13,810 to 380,903 in 1993. Eagle Scouts: The Eagle Scout Award, the highest rank a Scout or Explorer can achieve, was earned by 33,672 boys. The National Eagle Scout Association increased membership by 11,141 to 179,645 members. Jamboree: Nearly 26,000 boys ages 12 to 18 discovered exciting activities in a wholesome atmosphere at the 1993 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Boys shared their Scouting experiences with new friends from every state and 64 countries, swapped patches, prepared group meals, and took part in nonstop activities, while learning more clearly what it means to be a Scout. Camping: Camping introduced youngsters to the wonders of the natural world overlooked in everyday city life. In 1993, 479,384 Boy Scouts (more than half of all Boy Scouts) went camping. Cub Scout camping drew 572,846 youth. The BSA certified 3,168 leaders at National Camping Schools, where they learned successful techniques for operating summer camps. More than 150 professional Scouters learned new camping management ideas during a national forum. Learning for Life. In its second full year, the popular Learning for Life program received overwhelming approval from educators who appreciated its teaching of positive values and vital life skills in classroom settings. Educators and council professionals learned new administrative, financial, and organizational skills at the first Learning for Life conference. Membership in 1993 was 737,799 youth. Russian Scout Handbook. The countries of the former Soviet Union are eager to instill basic Scouting values in their youth. Organizers of their young Scouting movement turned to the BSA for help in producing the first Russian Scout Handbook. Critical Issues. Programs were implemented to advance each of the 1992 National Strategic Plan's four critical issues-- traditional net unit growth, Urban Emphasis, endowment emphasis, and positive public relations--under the theme, ``Character Counts! Be Prepared for the Twenty-first Century.'' Urban Emphasis. Demographic changes make it clear that more than 70 percent of the growth in youth of Scouting age will come from minority communities. It is vital that Scouting reach these young people, many of whom are at risk because of gangs and other urban problems. The BSA devised strategies that will bring successful Scouting to the Nation's inner cities. With the new ``Operation First Class'' initiative, urban efforts received board-level attention from local councils. Additionally, the BSA held urban seminars for professional staff, attended by councils from throughout the Nation. James E. West Fellowship Award. The BSA established a new award to give national recognition to the important contribution made by those whose gifts ensure a top-quality Scouting program. Named the James E. West Fellowship Award in honor of the first Chief Scout Executive, the award is given to individuals donating $1,000 or more in cash or securities, beyond their regular contribution, to local council endowment trust funds. National Court of Honor: Recognizing outstanding acts in the Scouting tradition, the National Court of Honor awarded 36 Honor Medals, 136 Heroism Awards and 95 Awards of Merit. Young American Awards. Young American Awards, given to young people ages 15 to 25 who have demonstrated excellence early in their adult lives, were presented to five outstanding young Americans: Tracy L. Collett, Marlon Harmon, Hung Pham, Michael E. Plochocki, and Joseph E. Ponzo. Silver Buffalo Awards. The prestigious Silver Buffalo Award is presented to distinguished citizens for exemplary national service to youth. Six men earned the Silver Buffalo in 1993: William H. Gray, G. William Swisher Jr., George R. Hill III, Lester G. Jones, R. Dan Matkin, and R. Richard Rubottom. John L. Clendenin, President. Jere B. Ratcliffe, Chief Scout Executive. 1994 report to the nation delegation Gregory James Carney, Cub Scout Representative. Warren K. Baugh, Boy Scout Representative. Alexander Gonzales, Boy Scout Representative. Scott Beckett, National Chief, Order of the Arrow. Christine Ann Hilton, Explorer Representative. Shawn Flate, National Explorer President. Norman Burkhalter, Delegation Director. Gregory Carney, Susan Carney, Parents of Cub Scout Representative. Gerard Rocque, Donna Rocque, Co-Advisors, Volunteer Scouters. scout oath On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. breakfast in the u.s. capitol Welcome--Donnald Anderson, Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Invocation--Warren Baugh, Boy Scout Representative. Breakfast. Introduction of Delegates--Jerry Rocque, Delegation Advisor. Presentation of Report--Scott Beckett, National Chief, Order of the Arrow. Token of Appreciation--Shawn Flate, National Exploring President. Closing--Donnald Anderson. ____________________