the chippyblog

National 02/17/2020

The national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.

While the word “bankruptcy” can be intimidating, it is important to know that Scouting programs will continue. Your regular unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects will take place as usual throughout this process and for many years to come.

Studies prove and parents agree that Scouting helps young people become more kind, helpful and prepared for life, and as long as those values remain important to our society, Scouting will continue to be invaluable to our nation’s youth. Just last year, communities across the country benefited from more than 13 million Scouting service hours, and young men and women earned more than 1.7 million merit badges that represent skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives.

As you talk about the BSA’s Chapter 11 filing, this infographic outlines the three most important things to remember and convey. We encourage you to share this with your friends, families and Scouting community. There’s never been a better time to be involved in Scouting – and we should all share our pride in the movement! For more information about the BSA’s Chapter 11 filings, please visit www.bsarestructuring.org

Taking Orders at February roundtable ($4.00)

When disaster strikes, Scouts step up.

Scouts Australia is selling patches to benefit Scouts who lost their homes in the country’s devastating wildfires. Their goal: to make sure these Scouts can “remain connected to Scouting as they work through this traumatic period,” according to Scouts Australia’s official site.

Like the Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Australia is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. There are more than 50 million Scouts across 171 countries, and these Aussie Scouts wear the purple World Crest just like we do.

The patches cost 5 Australian dollars each — about $3.44. The patches themselves were donated to Scouts Australia by Snowgum, an Australian outdoor clothing retailer, meaning 100% of the proceeds will benefit Scouts.

But heads up: Shipping patches 9,000 miles isn’t cheap. Postage to the U.S. will cost you a flat 40 Australian dollars ($27), whether you’re ordering one patch or 100. If you do plan to order the patch, Scouts Australia suggests combining orders with other packs, troops, ships or crews in your area.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is committed first and foremost to keeping youth safe. Part of that commitment includes continually updating our youth protection policies to help ensure we are always on the forefront of youth safety.

As you know, one of the BSA’s many barriers to abuse is a mandatory criminal background check during the adult volunteer application process. The BSA will now also perform periodic rechecks of criminal backgrounds to support the continued safety of youth in our programs.

Please complete the process listed below at your earliest availability to help us continue to provide the safest environment possible for our Scouts and leaders. Please note that these steps must be completed before your 2020 annual registration can be processed.Review the separate disclosure document linked below that is being provided to you separately for your review. It is titled “Background Check Disclosure.”Once you have reviewed that, print the separate document titled “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization.” Review the additional disclosures on that form, then complete and sign the Authorization using an ink/wet signature. Note: A print signature is required for this document. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.Turn in the signed “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization” form promptly to your unit leader or local council service center.If you choose to decline the background check, or if you do not complete the Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization form and return it to your unit leader or local council service center, your 2020 annual registration will not be processed.

We are truly grateful for your continued commitment to keeping youth safe and for helping them learn, grow, and thrive through Scouting programs.

To ensure we have the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting despite increasing operating costs, the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America has made the difficult but necessary decision to increase the annual membership fee effective January 1, 2020 to: $60 for youth members in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts
$36 for adult members

More information after the break…