STATEHOUSE (Feb. 11, 2010) - State Sen. Sue Landske (R-Cedar Lake) today honored with a resolution one of the nation’s largest and oldest values-based youth development organizations - the Boy Scouts of America.

“This month marks the 100-year anniversary of the Boy Scouts,” Landske said. “The longevity of this organization proves how effective it is in training young people to be strong in character and developing skills that can last a lifetime.”

With more than 2.8 million members and 1.2 million volunteers, many youth and adults are impacted through the organization that emphasizes character development, values-based leadership training, duty to God and country, personal honor, respect for the beliefs of others, volunteerism and interdependence with the environment, Landske said.

“The Boy Scouts of America helps build future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun,” Landske said. “They believe helping the youth of America is the key to developing a more conscientious, responsible and productive society. This is evident in the group’s current relief efforts in Haiti.”

Landske said Boy Scout members are sending tents and sleeping bags to the island country recently ravaged by an earthquake.

“Early spring rains are hitting Haiti now, and the more than 1 million homeless people need shelter,” Landske said. “Recently, Haiti’s president said the need for tents was urgent, and the Boy Scouts of America are stepping up and answering that call.”

Members are also involved in writing letters to Americans serving overseas in the U.S. armed forces, planting trees in recognition of the 100-year milestone and tracing their scouting ancestry by visiting with family members with ties to the organizations.

Multiple events are planned to celebrate the birthday of the Boy Scouts, including a summer jamboree and a nationwide broadcast to communities across the country through a Webcast or satellite transmission of the Centennial Celebration.

“Visit www.scouting.org to learn how to get involved in the Boy Scouts of America, find information on local centennial events and discover all that scouting offers,” Landske said.

Sen. Landske represents Senate District 6, which includes Benton, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.

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