By Ruth Hendricks | [email protected]

The Great Salt Lake Council of the Boy Scouts of America is 100 years old. This accomplishment was recognized by the Midvale mayor and city council with a proclamation at the Aug. 14 city council meeting.

Scouts and leaders who attended the meeting were called to the front of the room. Mayor Robert Hale read the proclamation to them.

Hale announced that, “In 1918, the Great Salt Lake Council of the Boy Scouts of America was formed as part of a scouting movement all across America and the world.”

Hale went on to say, “Beginning with its incorporation, the mission of the Great Salt Lake Council has been to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes.”

The proclamation described how this is done by instilling in young people the values of the Scout oath and law, which among other things states the pledge of duty to God and country, and to help other people at all times.

“The success of scouting in the Great Salt Lake Council has been a culmination of many hours of selfless volunteerism by many leaders and community organizations whose ideas and generosity help shape the lives of many youth,” continued Hale.

“Therefore, the mayor and city council of Midvale hereby proclaim the year of 2018 as Great Salt Lake Council Scouting’s 100th anniversary year, and encourage all citizens to join in congratulating the many volunteer leaders, parents, church and community organizations who have generously allowed bringing the value-based program to our young people for the past 100 years.”

Tony Patterson, chairman for District 11, which comprises most of Midvale city, addressed the council, accompanied by Dennis Hollinger, the District 11 commissioner.

“On behalf of the council we express to you our sincere appreciation for this proclamation,” said Patterson. “We recognize that these value-based youth programs that benefit the community so much, as well as helping those individual youth, are only successful through the efforts of many individuals offering countless hours of service and sacrifice.”

Patterson spoke about how many of the scouts over the years have come to City Hall as they worked to earn their citizenship in the community merit badges, and he thanked the council for their patience and kindness in hosting them.

“Also, I’d like to express appreciation for the great support that Midvale has offered to the scouting program,” continued Patterson. “An example is ‘Scouting for Food’. Our council has collected about a million pounds of food that has been given to the Food Bank. This came through the efforts of the scouts in our community and through the good citizens in Midvale, so we are very grateful for that support.”

Patterson said that the Scouting program looks forward to the next 100 years to continue to serve the community, the citizens, and to honor this great country.

In an interview after the proclamation was read, Patterson expressed more of his feelings about the scouting program.

“Scouting is for the benefit of youth and their families, through activities, awards and training that help individuals to fulfill their full potential,” said Patterson. “To have a 100-year anniversary is significant. However, it is a tribute to countless leaders that have served faithfully, boys that they have cared about, loved, tutored and mentored, and they’ve done it selflessly.”

Dennis Hollinger said, “I never got my Eagle, and it’s been one of those things that I’ve regretted all my life.”

The Eagle Scout award is the highest achievement in the Boy Scouting program. The accomplishment requires earning at least 21 merit badges and completing an extensive service project that the scout plans, organizes, and manages. A scout must complete this before turning 18 years old.

“So as my boys started getting involved with scouting, I jumped in and was part of it,” said Hollinger. “As I helped each boy, I became more and more desirous to help other boys. The church gave me some opportunities to serve in different scouting positions, and I grew to love it more and more, to the point that when I was released from those callings, I volunteered.”

Hollinger said that there have been several special boys he has worked with, and he enjoyed watching all of them progress and to be part of their achievements.

“I will continue to do what I can to help them, and I think our boys need a program like this for the next 100 years. It’s awesome to help them be a part of this program.”