Local Scouting Council on solid financial footing as national organization considers bankruptcy
Photo by Tom Rivers: Boy Scouts in Medina carry the flag and march down Main Street in the Memorial Day parade on May 28.
The national organization for Boy Scouts of America is considering filing for bankruptcy. The local BSA council, however, is on sound financial footing.
Leaders of the Iroquois Trail Council, which serves Scouts in five counties including Orleans, sent a letter to families advising them the local council “remains strong and steady.”
Bob Confer, president of the Iroquois Trail Council, and Jim McMullen, Scout Executive, sent a letter to families on Dec. 15.
“The most important fact is this: the Iroquois Trail Council is a corporation separate from BSA and maintains its own 501(c)3 status,” the two said in the letter. “Business decisions made on this or any issue by BSA will not impact the assets of the Iroquois Trail Council – including our camps and donations made to our local program.”
The national organization is exploring options for the best management of its assets. “No decision has been made or is imminent at this point about BSA’s national finances,” Confer and McMullen said.
The Iroquois Trail Council serves 2,500 Scouts and with 1,200 adult volunteers in the five counties. The Council is governed by local volunteers “who provide strong oversight on budget development, fundraising, spending, and investment,” Confer and McMullen said.
In the past decade the Council has routinely balanced its budget, increased its endowment fund and upgraded camps and other Council-owned facilities.
“The Iroquois Trail Council is also debt-free and has no pending litigation,” the Council leaders wrote. “This diligent governance from our volunteers keeps us a well-run and financially viable organization.”
Confer and McMullen said the national organization is poised to return to a position of strength and growth.
“Scouting long has been, and continues to be, the most relevant and robust character and leadership development program for youth and families,” Confer and McMullen said. “Let’s keep it that way!”
