[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING BOY SCOUT TROOP 623 OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN ON ITS 90TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 12, 2010

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Boy Scout 
Troop 623 of Southwest Michigan, on the occasion of its 90th 
anniversary. Boy Scout Troop 623 is among the oldest in the nation with 
the earliest records reporting a December 1919 founding, only three 
years after Congress chartered the national organization.
  While the United States is home to many accomplished and dedicated 
Boy Scout Troops, Troop 623 remains among the most distinguished. The 
Troop has weathered several difficulties including a 1931 fire that 
destroyed their camp on Lake Madron. The camp was rebuilt during 
difficult economic times and has thrived ever since. Camp Madron is 
still among the finest Scout camps in the United States.
  In the summer of 1961, Boy Scout Troop 623 became the first troop 
from West Michigan to serve as the Governor's Honor Guard and Ft. 
Mackinac guides when they took the first of their annual weeklong trips 
to Mackinac Island. The summer of 2010 will mark the 49th consecutive 
trip the troop has taken, making Troop 623 the longest serving troop in 
the state. This trip is the highlight of a scout's career.
  Scouting is a tremendously rewarding activity, something which I have 
learned firsthand from my time as a Troop 623 Scout. For the hundreds 
of former members of Troop 623, their experiences with Scouting have 
equipped them to become responsible citizens and leaders in the 
communities that they now call home. The values learned as a Scout are 
irreplaceable, and the lives of those who have Scouting training bear 
tribute to their training.

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