LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Nearly 500 Scouts from across the Lower Peninsula celebrated Scout Day at the Capitol. The state’s scout’s legislative co-chairs, Representative Stephanie Young, Senator Mark Huizenga, and Representative David Prestin spoke alongside the Secretary of State to scouts of all ages from Michigan’s crossroads.
“It’s the teaching of practical skills like these that help develop the young men and women who participate in Boy Scouts and help develop them into hard-working, motivated leaders in their communities,” Prestin said.
A delegation from the Crossroads Council made up of members from all levels of the program, ages 5 to 20, presented an annual report to state officials and members of the House and Senate. They also collected non-perishable foods to donate to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.
Eagle Scout Anthony Goatley is a recent high school graduate, he said he was excited to act as a delegate this year and learn more about the role civil engagement plays in the scout responsibilities of public service, and community engagement.
“The more scouts and the more folks exhibiting the scouting ethos of togetherness, of community, of volunteerism, of servant leadership; the more citizens we have living those values every day, as these young leaders will and continue to do. The more prosperous we become as a state and the more healthy we become as a community.” Secretary Benson said. “As Secretary of State, it’s been my honor to work in service to all of you and to all the people of Michigan and making sure in living these goals, these principles of service, that the scouting tradition teaches us how important it is to ensure that everyone has access to government, to services, to drivers. licenses and also to the power of the vote.”
The Council’s President, Tim Ekola, said it’s a great experience for the scouts to get exposure to potential public service interests and civic responsibilities and a great way to kick off a summer full of scouting camps and experiences.
“Sharing those like stories that don’t change generation after generation, and it gets them to kind of really refocus and look at what the values are that both the folks that want to volunteer and be part of scouting as well as those that are elected officials to do better for our communities,” Ekola said. “The schools are starting to let out right now and our young people, both the cub scouts and scouts, BSA troops as well as our crews and our ships and our posts are really excited about the opportunities coming up.”
The scouts also enjoyed some fun and the sunny warm weather in Lansing, taking advantage of a rock wall, food trucks, and different STEM, backpacking, and camping activities.
