Commending Scouting America upon the occasion of celebrating its 115th Anniversary on February 8, 2025
This resolution is a ceremonial measure that commends the Boy Scouts of America, now Scouting America, on its 115th anniversary, recognized on February 8, 2025. It recounts the organization’s founding in Silver Bay, New York in 1910, its federal charter in 1916, its role in the broader scouting movement, and the development of programs such as Cub Scouting, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring. The resolution emphasizes the organization’s mission of teaching patriotism, courage, self-reliance, leadership, conservation, and other character-building values to young people.
The resolution also highlights the scale of Scouting’s impact, noting millions of participants over its history, more than one million current youth members, tens of thousands of units, and the large number of Eagle Scouts produced by the program. It specifically notes the 2019 policy change allowing girls to join gender-specific troops and opening all Scouting programs to all youth. The measure concludes by formally honoring the organization and directing that a copy of the resolution be transmitted to Scouting America.
This resolution does not change state law, create new legal obligations, or amend any statutes. Its effect is purely symbolic and commemorative, expressing the Legislature’s recognition of Scouting America’s historical presence in New York and its contributions to youth development, civic values, and community leadership. The only practical action required is the transmission of an engrossed copy of the resolution to the organization.
The sentiment around the bill is strongly positive and celebratory. The resolution frames Scouting America as a long-standing, high-purpose organization that has benefited New York youth and produced generations of leaders, and there is no indication of opposition or controversy in the available record. Because no committee transcripts or votes are provided, the available context suggests a noncontroversial honorary measure.
There is little to no apparent contention in the bill itself or in the available legislative context. The resolution is a tribute rather than a policy proposal, so it does not raise fiscal, regulatory, or legal disputes. The only potentially notable substantive reference is the mention of the 2019 policy change opening programs to girls and all youth, but the bill presents that fact descriptively and not as a point of debate.