[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 116 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1828-E1829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO CAMP ARROWHEAD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 1999

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of myself and my 
colleague, Mr. Ike Skelton, to pay tribute on the 75th anniversary of 
the founding of the oldest continuously operating Boy Scout Camp west 
of the Mississippi River. Camp Arrowhead, located east of Marshfield, 
Missouri, was begun the summer of 1924, just 14 years after Scouting 
came to America and only 8 years after this body, the Congress of the 
United States, chartered the Boy Scouts of America.
  I know my colleagues join with me in commending the vision of men 
like area Scout Executive Allen C. Foster, and organizations such as 
the Springfield Rotary Club, the Marshfield Merchants Club and the 
Commercial Club of Springfield which played key roles in the creation 
of this camp. I doubt those leaders in 1924 could envision microwave 
ovens, color televisions, the Internet, or jet aircraft, but they could 
envision a place where dedicated volunteers would help boys grow into 
young men with character and a commitment to community. And they knew 
how to translate their vision into reality.
  Over 75 summers, tens of thousand of campers have carried out the 
traditions of Camp Arrowhead where boys developed into leaders, and 
adults returned to encourage other young scouts to grow as they had 
been encouraged by others. The impact of Camp Arrowhead is found in 
friendships, skills and character among a broad range of people in the 
Ozarks and around the world.
  Camp Arrowhead as we see it today with 600 acres of facilities 
serving the needs of 1,500 scouts and adults each summer could not 
exist without the continued active support of Scouters and supporters 
of Scouting around the area. The countless hours of service and 
dedication by hundreds of volunteers each year ensure that this camp 
will continue its mission for years to come.
  ``Do Your Best'' is more than just the Scout Motto. For those who 
have attended Camp Arrowhead, it is the moving force behind why they 
come as scouts, why they lead as adults, and why they serve as 
volunteers.
  From the Seventh Congressional District and from this Congress, I 
offer this commendation to all of those involved for a job well done 
for the past 75 years with a heartfelt hope that their efforts will 
continue for at least another 75.

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