[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE TALL PINE COUNCIL

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2010

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Tall 
Pine Council as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts 
of America. To mark the occasion an exhibition at the Alfred P. Sloan 
Museum in Flint, Michigan will begin on Monday, February 8th to honor 
the contributions of Boy Scouts and the Tall Pine Council.
  W.D. Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910 
and a tradition of service, character development, citizenship and 
physical fitness began. The Boy Scouts of America spread and by 1912 
there were troops in all states. Over the past 100 years the Boy Scouts 
of America has performed invaluable service to the people of our 
nation. They provided nationwide service during the 1918 influenza 
epidemic and collected over 1 million items of food and clothing to 
help the needy and suffering during the 1930s. Boy Scouts worked with 
the Office of Civil Defense Mobilization as messengers, emergency 
medical personnel and firewatchers during World War II. This tradition 
of service continues today with the Boy Scouts of America partnering 
with the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and Habitat for 
Humanity for the national Good Turn for America program to address the 
problems of hunger, homelessness and poor health. In addition, Boy 
Scouts are assisting with relief efforts for the victims of the 
earthquake in Haiti.
  The first troop in the Flint area was formed in 1912 at the Oak Park 
Methodist Church. Troops operated independently until 1917 when the 
Flint Council was formed. Approximately 248 scouts participated in 
activities during this time. During the Council's first five years 
there were 63 units formed and 2,720 boys participated including 
spending time at the Boy Scout Camp on Lobdell Lake. The Flint Council 
quickly grew and eventually covered Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee 
Counties. In 1937 the Council was renamed the Tall Pine Council. 
Currently the Tall Pine Council operates Camp Holaka near Lapeer and 
Camp Tapico near Kalkaska.
  Over the past 100 years the Boy Scouts of the Tall Pine Council have 
joined their fellow scouts working for our nation by selling bonds 
during the two World Wars, distributing get-out-the-vote door hangers, 
collecting food and working on community beautification projects. They 
raise money through their annual popcorn sales to support their packs 
and troops. During 2009, the Tall Pine Council served over 11,000 
youngsters, 77 boys earned the Eagle Scout distinction and 200 boys 
earned the Cub Scout's Arrow of Light Award. More than 3,000 adults 
serve as role models and mentors, I have served as a Boy Scout adult 
volunteer, and a member of my staff, Lucetia Manwaring, is currently a 
Cub Scout Den Mother.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and 
applaud the achievements, perseverance and pride of the Tall Pine 
Council and the Boy Scouts of America. For 100 years they have helped 
youngsters grow into enthusiastic, caring men committed to community 
service, and preserving our natural resources. I commend them for the 
wonderful work they do and hope they will continue for many, many years 
to come.

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