HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4741, by Representatives Benson, Huff, DeBolt, Campbell, Cox, Bush, Thomas, Fortunato, Ericksen, McDonald, Wensman, Linville, Hatfield, Dunn, Esser, D. Schmidt, Talcott, Parlette and Kagi

       WHEREAS, The Scout Law which reads "A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent" provides an ethical code that we would all do well to follow; and

       WHEREAS, The Scout motto of "be prepared" and the Scout slogan of "Do a Good Turn Daily" provide a positive mission for Scouts of all ages and ranks; and

       WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America have been an integral tool in the character molding of youth for over ninety years; and

       WHEREAS, In Washington state, there are over ninety-five thousand youths involved in the Boy Scouts of America and nationally there are over one million scouts, ranging from Tiger Cubs through Eagle Scouts; and

       WHEREAS, Over thirty thousand adults in Washington and over five hundred thousand adults nation-wide volunteer their time to mold the future of a younger generation through Scouting; and

       WHEREAS, The Governor of Washington state, Gary Locke, has been honored nationally as a distinguished Eagle Scout; and

       WHEREAS, Over forty-three members of the Washington state legislature have participated in either Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts; and

       WHEREAS, Scouts of all ages and ranks provide assistance in local and national emergencies and service projects; and

       WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America was established on February 8, 1910, by founders:  William D. Boyce, Ernest Thompson Seton, James E. West, and Daniel Carter Beard; and

       WHEREAS, Well over ninety million people have participated in the Boy Scouts since its creation in 1910, including presidents, astronauts, union laborers, and corporate executives; and

       WHEREAS, Learning for Life and the Explorer Scout program are preparing a generation of youth for academic challenges awaiting them in life; and

       WHEREAS, World-wide Scout principles which include individual respect, citizenship, and service to others, help to provide a global foundation for future service for our state and country;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state House of Representatives applaud the effort and work of the six Washington state councils of the Boy Scouts of America and applaud the positive programs that the Boy Scouts of America provide for our youth; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington state House of Representatives encourage all agencies of state government to recognize the service and benefits that are provided by the Boy Scouts of America and work with Scouting and other youth organizations for the betterment of our communities; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to Gary Locke, Governor of the state of Washington; the Governor's cabinet officers; all state-wide elected officials; the National Boy Scouts of America Office, the Western Region Office of the Boy Scouts of America, and to the Boy Scout Councils serving Washington state.

           I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

          Resolution 4741 adopted by the House of Representatives

                             February 24, 2000.

________________________________               _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk            Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk