Boys Scouts From Across the State Descend Upon the Capitol

May 3, 2018 0 Comments by vhtbz in Government News Press

(HARRISBURG) – Today, approximately 100 Boy Scouts and leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered at the state Capitol Building to mark the first annual Boy Scout Day at the Capitol.

As part of the ceremony in the Main Rotunda, a report on the state of scouting in the Commonwealth was presented to the leadership of the State Senate and House of Representatives. As a Congressionally Chartered Organization, the Boy Scouts of America are required to annually present such a report to the President and federal Congressional leaders. Several states have replicated this model, to keep state leaders apprised of the impact of scouting in their communities. This was the first time for such an event for Pennsylvania and it was sponsored by Senator John Gordner (R-27) and Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108).

“The Boy Scouts of America helps to foster leadership skills and has a tremendous impact upon the lives of so many youth,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25). “I am pleased that the Scouts have invested their time at the State Capitol today to share scouting information with the Legislature.”

“The Boy Scouts have been promoting leadership, honorable character, good citizenship, and self-responsibility in America’s youth for more than a century,” said Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Turzai (R-28). “As a merit badge counselor myself, and the father of an Eagle Scout and a Life Scout pursuing his Eagle, I have seen the positive impact of Scouting on young boys, their families, and their communities.”

“Scouting equips young people with the skills and values that will make them civic-minded adults,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-43). “This great organization is deeply rooted in Pennsylvania and I’m glad to see this report come to our Capitol for the first time. I wish the best to all of the young folks who visited the Capitol today and firmly believe that the Boy Scouts will prepare them for success in the future.”

“The Boy Scouts are a treasured part of life for thousands of Pennsylvania families. It was wonderful to welcome them to the Capitol building today and hear about their outstanding service and leadership,” said House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody (D-33).

“Scouting has a rich history in Pennsylvania, having been in existence for over 100 years,” said Senator Gordner. “As the father of an Eagle Scout, I know firsthand the value that the Boy Scouts can have on preparing young men and women for their future. It is important that the General Assembly hear of the continued impact that Scouting offers.”

“Today was a special day at the state Capitol, as more than 100 members of the Boy Scouts of America gave us their report about Scouting in the Commonwealth,” Representative Culver said. “We welcomed Scouts from all across the state, and it was exciting to hear about the impacts that Scouting programs have on each of them and the positive results within our communities.”

After the public event in the Main Rotunda, the scouts went to the House floor to formally present their report to the Speaker of the House and to participate in a small ceremony, which included a scout offering the opening prayer for the House Session.

While the Senate was not in Session, the group was given a tour of the Senate by Senator Gordner.

CONTACTS:

Kate Flessner              (Senator Scarnati)                   (717) 787-7084
Brittany Crampsie       (Senator Costa)                       (717) 787-7683
Mike Stephens            (Senator Gordner)                   (717) 787-8928
Neal Lesher                 (Representative Turzai)           (717) 772-9943
Bill Patton                  (Representative Dermody)      (717) 787-3566
Krisinda Corbin          (Representative Culver)          (717) 705-2032