[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 7 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S460-S461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA ON THE OCCASION OF THE 88TH 
                      ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) on the occasion of the 88th Anniversary of 
its founding on February 8, 1998.
  At the turn of the century in England, Robert Baden-Powell, an 
outdoor enthusiast and a veteran of the British Army's campaigns in 
Africa, published a nature skills book intended for young people to 
expose them to the rewards offered by a working knowledge of nature. 
The book was titled ``Scouting for Boys'' and was based on survival 
manuals Baden-Powell authored during his military career. Shortly after 
the book's publication, Baden-Powell led a group of 22 boys on a 
scouting exhibition on Brownsea Island, off the coast of England, for 
the purpose of applying the principles contained in the book.

[[Page S461]]

  From that original group of 22 sprang forth a movement which now 
boasts over 5 million members in this country alone, and continues to 
grow each year. In my home state of Minnesota, the Viking Council of 
the Boy Scouts of America serves over 57,000 youths between the ages of 
5 and 20, making it the 21st largest of the 335 Boy Scout Councils in 
this country.
  Participation in the Boy Scouts of America gives young people a sense 
of self-worth and satisfaction that is the product of setting and 
accomplishing goals, and being a part of a winning team. Such 
experiences cultivate discipline and a sense of responsibility that are 
assets for life.
  By cooperating with peers to achieve a common end, Scouts learn 
valuable lessons in leadership. Countless civic, professional, and 
community leaders throughout our Nation were involved in the Boy Scouts 
of America as youths, including 302 members of the 104th Congress.
  Through programs like the ``Urban Scouting Emphasis,'' which has over 
4,300 participants in urban Minneapolis, the Boy Scouts of America is 
bringing its valuable life lessons to inner city youth who are 
particularly at risk of falling victim to the entrapments of the 
streets. The Boy Scouts of America offers a place where young people 
can gain a sense of belonging and loyalty that they may otherwise seek 
to find in street gangs. Furthermore, the importance of programs like 
``Urban Emphasis'' is amplified when considering the annual cost per 
youth served by Viking Council is $58.31, whereas the cost of housing a 
juvenile offender is $100.00 per day.
  Of course all the forementioned would hardly be possible without the 
adult volunteers who are the foundation of the Boy Scouts of America. 
Currently there are over 1.3 million men and women nationwide who, in 
the spirit of Robert Baden-Powell, graciously give their time and 
talents to ensure that the youth of society grow into well-adjusted 
adults. Adult volunteers touch the lives of young people by serving as 
excellent role models and teachers, as well as caring friends.
  The Boy Scouts' objectives are defined in the ``Aim of Scouting'' as 
being character development, citizenship training, and personal 
fitness. On the surface, these aims may seem simplistic, yet many have 
forgotten the importance of these principles. Thankfully, these 
principles continue to prosper in the Boy Scouts of America.
  Mr. President, for 88 years the Boy Scouts of America has been 
teaching the value of community, Nation, and Creator to our Nation's 
youth. This is truly grounds for celebration.

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