On February 18, 2020, the National Council Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives – to equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting, and to continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.
On September 8, 2022, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware confirmed the Settlement Plan, which includes over $2.6 million in contributions from National BSA, local BSA councils, and several BSA insurance providers.
We want to highlight important points relevant to our own Redwood Empire Council BSA
- Redwood Empire Council BSA has not filed for bankruptcy. Our council is legally separate, distinct, and financially independent from the National Council BSA.
- Scouting programs will continue. This means that unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects continue to take place as usual.
- Scouting is safer now than ever before. Over many years, and particularly in the past 35 years, BSA has developed some of the strongest expert-informed youth protection policies found in any youth-serving organization. We assure you that our volunteers and employees take youth protection extremely seriously, and do their part to help keep kids safe.
- 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. Our council’s modest contribution in October 2022 was from savings in our Endowment Fund.
The National BSA web 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 your commissioner to our friendly council staff members.
Through your engagement and dedication to Scouting, we 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.