On Tuesday the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Greenwich Scouting executive/CEO Kevin O’Shea shared an announcement with the scouting community saying the bankruptcy filing will equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting, and that it will also enable Scouting to continue its mission.
O’Shea said it is important to note that the The Greenwich Council has not filed for bankruptcy.
“Our Council is legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization,” he wrote, adding that Scouting programs will continue. Unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and service projects will take place as usual.
O’Shea said 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.” – Kevin O’Shea
Further, he explained that restricted donations – past, present or future – can only be used for their designated purpose. Friends of Scouting and other annual donations made to the Greenwich Council will continue to fund necessary day-to-day expenses that are critical to local Scouting programs.
The national organization has established a dedicated restructuring website, www.BSArestructuring.org that includes a helpful Resources page, and a short video explaining what Chapter 11 means for Scouting, as well as a FAQ. The site’s Milestones page is the best source for the updates.
“The Greenwich Council will continue to bring adventures, values and lifelong benefits to youth and our communities for generations to come,” O’Shea added, going on to thank the Scouting community for their trust and support.