ATLANTA (Feb. 11, 2010) – State lawmakers today welcomed Boy Scout troops from across Georgia to celebrate 100 years of scouting during Boy Scouts of America Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources were also on hand to announce the “Scouting for State Parks” initiative that will engage thousands of scouts and volunteers to help maintain Georgia’s state parks.
Each year, Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) and Rep. Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs), along with other legislators involved in scouting, host the troops at the State Capitol for the day and formally recognize them in the Senate and House chambers with a special resolution. “The Boy Scouts are an integral part of every community they serve. As an Eagle Scout and board member of the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America, I’ve had a unique opportunity to see first-hand the level of dedication the organization, its scouts and volunteers bring to each project,” said Sen. Pearson. “I look forward to seeing how our state parks benefit under this partnership. Parks are a vital part of Georgia’s communities and of our state’s tourism industry.”
Rep. Ehrhart noted, “I’m so pleased to be a part of the celebration of the centennial of the Boy Scouts of America, and of the tenth anniversary of Boy Scout Day at the Georgia Capitol. Over the past ten years, thousands of young men from all over Georgia have taken part in Boy Scout Day, and it has given them a chance to meet their elected officials and learn more about how our democracy works.”
Each of Georgia’s thirteen Scout chapters, or councils, has committed to undertaking a large-scale service project for a local state park throughout this year. Georgia state parks have suffered from painful budget cuts due to severe declines in state income. Maintenance and improvement projects have been put on hold, while cuts have been made to staff and public resources. Through this partnership, state parks will receive maintenance and care at no additional cost to taxpayers by enlisting many of Georgia’s 200,000 Scouts, volunteers, and alumni.
This initiative has received strong bi-partisan support from Georgia’s state lawmakers. Sen. George Hooks (D-Americus), the only Georgia state senator to receive the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, offered his encouragement to the Boy Scouts and state park staff to take pride that their partnership will benefit thousands of Georgians across the state. “During such difficult economic times, the state needs all the help it can get from citizens who are willing to lend a helping hand.”
Rep. Pedro Marin (D-Duluth) remarked, “It has been truly an honor to have participated for the last eight years in Boy Scout Day at the Capitol, especially this year as we celebrate Scouting’s 100th anniversary. Throughout the years we have seen a movement that has embraced diversity by bringing together people from all cultures and helped millions develop the necessary components to influence their adult lives through character building, leadership training, and physical activities.”
“For 100 years, Scouts have served Georgia’s communities,” said Scouting’s Georgia State President Scott Sorrels. “Now, during Scouting’s Centennial, we’re focusing our resources like never before to address a critical need – the budget crisis in our state parks.”
National author and Scouting advocate Alvin Townley was instrumental in helping develop the program. “We saw our state and its magnificent park system in trouble and we realized Scouting has 200,000 youth and adult volunteers here in Georgia who can help,” he explained.
To learn more about Scouting for State Parks, visit www.ScoutingForStateParks.org.
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Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District, which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.
Rep. Earl Ehrhart represents the 36th House District, which includes part of Cobb County. He may be reached at 404.463.2247 or via e-mail at earl.ehrhart@house.ga.gov.
Sen. George Hooks represents the 14th Senate District which include Dooly, Macon, Marion, Peach, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Upson and Webster counties and portions of Crawford County. He can be reached at his office at 404.656.0065 or by e-mail at george.hooks@senate.ga.gov.
Rep. Pedro Marin represents the 96th House District, which includes part of Gwinnett County. He may be reached at 404.656.0314 or via e-mail at pedro.marin@house.ga.gov.
For Immediate Release;
February 11, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
Kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028