2023 -- H 6362

========

LC002865

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

WELCOMING THE NARRAGANSETT COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, TO THE

RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THEIR 2022 "REPORT

TO THE STATE"

     Introduced By: Representatives Edwards, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Casey, McNamara,
Chippendale, Kennedy, Solomon, Kazarian, and Ackerman

     Date Introduced: May 04, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The Narragansett Council, Scouts BSA, was founded on September 6, 1910,

and chartered in 1911. Since 1910, the Council has improved the lives of countless young people

in the State of Rhode Island, by helping to positively shape the character of the youth of our State,

preparing them to be future leaders and make wise ethical decisions, and instilling them with the

values of the Scout Oath and Law; and

     WHEREAS, The Narragansett Council serves the entire State of Rhode Island along with

cities and towns in neighboring states, and works tirelessly to be accessible to all Rhode

Islanders, regardless of their income or social status. In particular, they work hard to include

disadvantaged families within our State’s urban communities. Last year, 1,140 new Scouts and

their families joined programs offered by the Narragansett Council; and

     WHEREAS, The Narragansett Council makes a positive impact in the lives of countless

people within every single community in our State. Last year, 5,330 Scouts and their leaders

donated 15,926 community service hours, and 157,882 pounds of food was collected through

"Scouting For Food" and given to local food pantries; and

     WHEREAS, Camping and environmental education have always been vital and integral

parts of the scouting experience. Last year, at the nationally renowned Camp Yawgoog, run by

the Narragansett Council, there were 4,952 campers, with 148,400 meals being served and 16,044

merit badges being earned. There were 267 boy troops and 56 girl troops attending Camp

Yawgoog last year; and

     WHEREAS, In 2022, for the first time in twenty years, the Narragansett Council held a

Council Jamboree called "Adventure at the Fort". More than 3,000 scouts and leaders participated

from across New England throughout the three days, camping inside historic Fort Adams and

taking part in activities hosted by program partners including Save The Bay, Rhode Island DEM,

Oliver Hazard Tall Ship, Mystic Aquarium and the Rhode Island National Guard, which

demonstrated an open water rescue complete with helicopter and divers; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout the year, the Narragansett Council offers many enriching,

rewarding and educational programs including Fire Explorer’s Academy, Law Enforcement

Explorer Academy, and Police Explorer Stations Day. All of these programs offer young people

the opportunity to participate in practical hands-on activities that explore possible career choices;

and

     WHEREAS, Each year, the Narragansett Council also offers training classes on a variety

of important topics including Youth Protection Training, Leave No Trace & Outdoor Ethics

Classes, National Youth Leadership Training, and Introduction to Leadership Skills; and

     WHEREAS, Since 2020, the Narragansett Council had the honor of having their first 15

female Scouts earning the Rank of Eagle; and

     WHEREAS, The Narragansett Council’s more than 5,330 registered youth, and more

than 3,200 registered adult volunteers and their families, highly value the positive experiences

and enriching educational opportunities the Narragansett Council provides for them as they help

to prepare their children to lead successful and rewarding lives and to make a positive impact

within their communities; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

welcomes the Narragansett Council, Scouts BSA to the Rhode Island State House as they present

their 2022 "Report to the State", and thanks them for all of the good they do on a daily basis in

the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Tim McCandless, Scout Executive and

CEO of the Narragansett Council, Scouts BSA.

========

LC002865

========

LC002865 - Page 2 of 2