PROVIDENCE — Twenty-three Scouts from the Narragansett Council Boy Scouts of America (NCBSA), based in East Providence, visited the Rhode Island State House on Wednesday, Feb. 26 for the annual Report to State event.

The 12,263 youth and 3,352 adult volunteers across the Council completed 77,646 hours of community service in 2019, and collected over 190,000 pounds of food in last fall’s Scouting for Food drive.

The Scouts toured the State House and were introduced in the House and Senate chambers during session, where they were recognized for their service and commitment to Rhode Island. They met with House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi (D- Warwick), Speaker of the House Nicholas A. Mattiello (D-Cranston), Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (D-North Providence), and Senate Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Warwick).

A resolution was introduced on the Senate floor by Senator Frank Lombardo (an Eagle Scout), Leader McCaffrey, President Ruggerio, Senator Lombardi and Senator Goodwin. In the House, the resolution was introduced by Speaker Mattiello, along with Leader Shekarchi and Representatives Casey, Edwards, and McNamara – all of whom are Eagle Scouts.

The event provided Scouts with the opportunity to share with state leaders the impact Scouting has had in their lives and their communities.

“The Narragansett Council is proud to celebrate the impact our Scouts have across Rhode Island– their commitment to our communities on a daily basis is inspiring,” said Tim McCandless, Scout Executive and CEO of the Council. “They made great strides last year to better the lives of the less fortunate, and we look forward to driving an even bigger impact in 2020.”

There were 6 members of girl units honored by elected officials, who were proud to represent the girls from across the NCBSA who joined Scouting for the first time on February 1, 2019. In all, there are nearly 200 girls signed up across 21 all-girl troops in the re-branded Boy Scout program now called “Scouts BSA.” Additionally, there are 621 girls signed up in 93 different packs in the Cub Scouts program.

The Narragansett Council has provided character building experiences to youth throughout Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Pawcatuck, Connecticut since 1910.

“Thank you to our state’s leaders for actively supporting the Narragansett Council at this year’s Report to State. Our Scouts were excited to meet many of their role models and will remember this day fondly,” added Mr. McCandless.