Local Boy Scout council will continue mission
Iroquois Trail Council is separate from national BSA, which has declared bankruptcy
The local Boy Scouts of America council will continue to offer scouting programs, and its finances are separate from the national BSA, which filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday, council leaders said in a letter to Scouting families and supporters today.
The local council serves Scouts in Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Niagara counties.
“The Iroquois Trail Council has not filed for bankruptcy, according to the letter from Jim McMullen, Scout Executive; Bob Confer, Council President; and Paul Fleming, Council Commissioner. “Our Council is legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization.”
Their letter continues as follows:
• Scouting programs will continue. This means that unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects will take place as usual. In short, we expect no changes to the local Scouting experience in the Iroquois Trail Council.
• Scouting is safer now than ever before. Over many years, we’ve developed some of the strongest expert-informed youth protection policies found in any youth-serving organization. I can also assure you that our volunteers and employees take youth protection extremely seriously and do their part to help keep kids safe.
• Restricted donations – past, present or future – can only be used for their designated purpose. In addition, Friends of Scouting (FOS) and other annual donations made to our Council will continue to fund necessary day-to-day expenses that are critical to local Scouting programs.
While we do not anticipate the national organization’s bankruptcy filing will have any direct impact on the local Scouting experience or your involvement with our Council, we understand you may still have questions about these issues and things you will see in the news. To that end, the national organization has established a dedicated restructuring website, www.BSArestructuring.org.
This site includes a helpful Resources page, where you will find a short video explaining what Chapter 11 means for Scouting, as well as a FAQ. The site’s Milestones page will be your best source for the latest updates throughout this process.
If you have any questions about local Scouting, you can always feel free to reach out directly to each of us or to your District Executive.
Through your engagement and dedication to Scouting, the Iroquois Trail Council will continue to bring adventures, values and lifelong benefits to youth and our communities for generations to come. Thank you for your trust and support as we continue this important mission.
Yours in Scouting,
Jim McMullen, Scout Executive
Bob Confer, Council President
Paul Fleming, Council Commissioner
