WHEREAS, Organized in England in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell to develop character, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness through a broad program of work and play, the Scouting movement has spread from that historic isle to more than 100 countries throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, In Scouting, a boy is admitted to a voluntary brotherhood, under the supervision of dedicated adult volunteers, that is increasingly self-governing in successive age and program phases. Activities are geared to a series of achievements that the boy must accomplish to advance through the various ranks. Group activity thus reinforces individual ambition and motivates increasingly higher levels of performance. Outdoor lore and living, personal responsibility, and service to others are emphasized; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations is hereby pleased and proud to honor the rich tradition of the Scouting movement by proclaiming the week of February 2-8, 1997 to be "Scouting Week in Rhode Island."