Members of West Hartford Cub Scout Pack 148 participated in the 2025 Scouting America Report to the State of Connecticut.

Submitted

On Feb. 7, 2025, scouts from West Hartford Pack 148 joined scouts from across Connecticut as delegates to the 2025 Scouting America Report to the State.

Organized by Representative Pat Boyd, Eagle Scout, this was the first such presentation since the COVID-19 pandemic. The event corresponded with the 115th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America and the official transition to scouting’s new name, Scouting America.

Both boys and girls in grades K-12 from Connecticut’s four councils – Connecticut Rivers Council, Connecticut Yankee Council, BSA Housatonic Council Scouting and Greenwich Scouting – gathered in the Legislative Office Building before being given a tour of the state Capitol building and followed by the presentation of the Scouting America Report to the State. On hand were Gov. Ned Lamont, Speaker Matt Ritter, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Major General Francis J. Evon, Jr., the Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard, and legislators from across the state.

West Hartford Scouts Learn about Connecticut’s Nathan Hale in the Capitol. Courtesy photo

Scouts were able to tour the Capitol building and visit both the Senate and House chambers. Elected officials and staff were welcoming of the groups of scouts, point out the rich history around the building and give the scouts an opportunity to see what it feels like to sit in the chambers. Pack 148 Bear Scout, Juan Ortiz-DeJesus, shared, “I enjoyed the moment of sitting in the majority leader’s chair and listen to the governor speak.”

Gov. Lamont recognized the importance of scouting in developing citizens and leadership, and people who care about and take care of their communities. He also highlighted the importance of getting outdoors for personal well-being. Lamont thanked the scouts and the leaders for all their work to make this world, and Connecticut in particular a better place.

Major General Evon commented on how the core values of scouting and military service are similar, and oriented around selfless service and being prepared to take action in a crisis. He mentioned the importance of how scouting helps prepare youth for the unknown challenges of tomorrow.

Fifth grader and Arrow of Light Scout Madeline Miller commented, “I thought it was a great opportunity to see the inside of the state capitol where laws are made.

Representative Pat Boyd closed the ceremony by reading a proclamation by the legislature: “Hereby it be known in special recognition the 115th anniversary of its founding and the official transition from the Boy Scout of America to Scouting America for over a century scouting has played a role shaping the lives of young people teaching values of leadership service respect and responsibility the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and expanding the mission to serve all youth Scouting America continues to empower countless individuals across Connecticut and the nation fostering personal growth and  community engagement in ways that will positively impact future generations. The entire membership extends its best wishes on this day here at the state capital,” signed by the president of the Senate Martin Looney, Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, and Secretary of the State, Stephanie Thomas

The formal presentation and speakers can be seen on the recorded broadcast at: https://youtu.be/-StjbzYLL7U?si=MZG0J23sBUMNDsG1

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