Senate Concurrent Resolution 514

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE AREA COUNCILS OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA LOCATED IN MISSISSIPPI TO MAKE AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE AND MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WHEREAS, since its founding 96 years ago, the mission of the Boy Scouts of America has not changed, nor have its principles. The Boy Scouts of America remains steadfast in preparing youth to become responsible, participating citizens and leaders who are guided by the Scout Oath and Law; and

WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. In the future, Scouting will continue to:

· Offer young people responsible fun and adventure;

· Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law;

· Train young people in citizenship, service and leadership;

· Serve America's communities and families with its quality, values-based programs; and

WHEREAS, in 2006-2007, the timeless values of Scouting influenced almost 4.6 million youth. Local council total financial support and revenue continued growing, increasing by approximately $50 Million. Endowment assets increased to a cumulative value of more than $1.3 Billion; and

WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts of America relies on the outstanding leadership of more than 1.2 million volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and finances to provide youth the chance to enjoy Scouting. On average, Scout volunteers give five hours to Scouting per week; and

WHEREAS, for 96 years, Scouting's purpose has remained constant. In 2005, the Boy Scouts of America's youth members and volunteer leadership demonstrated their commitment to honoring Scouting's tradition of selfless service and dedication to following the Scout Oath and Law by delivering tons of food and supplies to people whose lives were disrupted by Hurricanes Rita, Wilma and Katrina. In addition to helping cleanup debris, repair homes and serve food to hurricane survivors, Scouts provided more than 1.5 million hours of other service to their communities. Scouting will continue to rely on its proven vision to meet the needs of the youth and families of this country into the organization's next century of service; and

WHEREAS, young people today face more challenges than ever before, but thanks to thousands of dedicated Scouting volunteers and professionals, they also have more opportunities. It is with great honor and pride that we take the time-proven values and traditions of yesterday and combine them with accomplishments of today to ensure that the values of the Scout Oath and Law remain strong tomorrow; and

WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts of America makes an Annual Report to the United States Congress, and as Scouting approaches its Centennial Anniversary, the Mississippi Legislature wishes to encourage the new generations of young Mississippians to inherit the values of noble character and constructive citizenship:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby respectfully request the local area councils of the Boy Scouts of America which are located in Mississippi to make an Annual Report to the Mississippi Senate and Mississippi House of Representatives on the Status of Scouting in Mississippi. Said report shall be made on a date determined annually by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and shall be made by representatives of each area council located in Mississippi, including the following: the Andrew Jackson Council, the Yocona Council, the Chickasaw Council and the Pushmataha Council. The report may be in similar form to the Annual Report made by the Boy Scouts of America to the United States Congress but be specific to the status of Scouting activities in Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House to the appropriate representatives of the Area Councils of the Boy Scouts of America in Mississippi and coordinate the annual date and format for the presentations referenced in this resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be forwarded to the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.