RememberSchiff

@ThenNow on behalf of scouter.com moderators welcome. @MattR @John-in-KC @RememberSchiff

A troop scout run, their camp scout built. This rustic bridge, built in 1912 by the Columbia Scouts, made it possible to walk from their camp to the Pequea trolley line instead of trudging a quarter-mile downriver to the Pequea railroad station. Some interesting photos, including one where it appears a SM was fireman carried across creek during a hike. Also there is a photo of a Scout Leader Warrant which appears signed by Dan Beard. This was the official BSA permission for that person to be a Scoutmaster and start a troop. https://unchartedlancaster.com/2020/11/29/welcome-to-camp-pequea-lancaster-countys-first-boy-scout-camp/

11/29/1944, Hancock County, Maine ... two men, underdressed and carrying large suitcases, trudging through the snow along the side of the road. It was just before midnight on a Wednesday, on the then sparsely populated Hancock Point peninsula. What on earth were the two men doing? As it turns out, what both Mary Forni and Scout Harvard Hodgkins had separately spotted were not two people simply lost in the snow. They’d seen two Nazi spies — William C. Colepaugh, a 26-year-old native of Niantic, Conn., and German native Erich Gimpel, 35, who around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 1944 made landfall in the U.S. after a two-month journey across the Atlantic Ocean in a German U-Boat.... rest at source https://bangordailynews.com/2020/11/29/news/hancock/how-a-down-east-boy-scout-and-his-neighbor-helped-foil-the-plans-of-two-nazi-spies/

My understanding was there are no secret soceities in Scouting.

In my experience, National exerts control by merging Councils and controling the SE selection. When a local council board here voted down a merge, National was stunned and redoubled pressure. The merge occurred the following year. The statement had been made that the NEC and NEB are all volunteers, let's confirm that. Who are they? I could not find a listing on scouting.org nor in the last two Annual Reports. If we don't see or hear from leaders, it is hard to follow them. If they don't provide fact-based, rational explanations for their decisions, it is hard to support them. My $0.02

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Girl Rangers! Article below follows Outside article by former Ranger Betsy Teter. “We always knew we were doing something groundbreaking," Teter said. “I wish this sort of outdoor experience existed for everyone. It was formative.” Dunlap and the other former Girl Rangers agreed. “At the time, I knew, you couldn’t be a girl in the 70s, in a Boy Scout uniform, and not think I am doing something different,” Dunlap said. “We did everything in terms of outdoor adventures that the boys did. It felt like a nice leveling of the playing field. I did not miss having to sell Girl Scout cookies and we didn’t do crafts and we didn’t get badges, it was just ‘where could we go?’ and that was exciting and liberating and equalizing.” Spartanburg Girl Rangers broke gender barrier in 1970. What happened to them is a mystery https://www.goupstate.com/story/lifestyle/2020/11/27/decades-before-boy-scouts-went-coed-girl-rangers-broke-gender-barrier/5960676002/

Tightly written, well done. Perhaps mention that many summer camps, a major source of local council funding and retention of scouts, were closed due to covid. "Scouting units ceased to meet in many communities, council and national events were cancelled and much fund-raising ground to a halt in many places throughout the nation." Scouting units ceased to meet in many communities, council and national events including local summer camps were cancelled and much fund-raising ground to a halt in many places throughout the nation. My $0.01

Back to OP, June: Due to covid and lack of profit, Greater Tampa Bay Council cancels Jan, 2021 Civil War Reenactment at 1200 acre Sand Hill Scout Reservation (event would have been 40th reenactment of Brooksville Raid). Nov: Greater Tampa Bay Council okays SEED Foundation's Snow Bash public event for Nov 28 at Sand Hill Scout Reservation. http://www.suncoastnews.com/news/brooksville-raid-organizer-sees-hypocrisy-over-use-of-boy-scout-reservation/article_b50827e6-2f2c-11eb-a4d2-e340fa1ad6ba.html

Good considerations. My take is different. BSA Scouting took some wrong paths, which seemed to respond to the times but did not. Get back on the right path with the old map. My $0.02,

Joni Mitchell is singing in my head.

Getting back on the OP would be welcome.

Camps becoming public campuses...or campluses ( I'm trademarking that. )? Crossroads of America Council (CAC) started renovation which will include a 9,400-square-foot Skip & Alex Lange Innovation Center with STEM labs, makerspace, team-building areas, climbing and rappelling areas, BB gun and archery ranges and a conference space for events up to 150 people. Also Belzer Fieldhouse will be improved with added structures which include a 9,700-square-foot maintenance building , tool and tent storage, and a storage yard for vehicles. A press release from the CAC said the center will be “at the heart of Camp Belzer” and “will become ‘activity central’ for the 200-acre campus.” According to CAC Scout Executive/CEO Joseph E. Wiltrout, “Really, we’ve gone through about a three-year master plan process and building implementation process all around our ‘Growing Future Leaders’ capital campaign,” Wiltrout said. “What we have really decided is Camp Belzer is going to be the front door to the public for Scouting to be introduced to, and we really are looking for the innovation center to be a vehicle that can be a collaborative partner for our school systems and educational partner for our school systems and a place where Camp Belzer and the innovation center can be woven into the fabric of the community’s outdoor needs and wants." “So, you don’t necessarily have to be a member of the Scouting organization to participate in the activities at the intervention center or at camp.” “There’s much more planned,” he said. “There’s RV sites planned, there’s family camping tents planned, there’s a welcome center planned, there’s a new pool planned. It’s all a matter of the more money you raise, the more you can do. Scouting is living, growing and strong in the 26 counties here in central Indiana, from Illinois to Ohio, that the Crossroads of America Council serves. Camp size: 200 acres Proximity to major city: 10-11 miles east of Indianapolis Cost estimate: $7 million Completion date: 2023 Covid closed Camp Belzer 2020 summer programs. Hope it survives Chapter 11. https://youarecurrent.com/2020/11/24/scouts-honor-7-million-innovation-center-and-maintenance-building-under-construction-at-camp-belzer-tag-cover-story/#prettyPhoto

IMHO, in BSA history our national leadership was been isolated, lacking; outside influences aggravated their bad decisions which were further exacerbated by not communicating with exasperated scouters. Some top of my head examples Founders fighting over control, competition from other scout organizations and YMCA dropping troops , White Stag leadership training replacing our old Wood Badge which focused on scoutcraft and Patrol Method , society changes in 60's and 70's, Improved Scouting Program, ..arrggg where's my aspirin. Summit Bechtel, economic downturn,...well at least Summit outsider booking changed the rule for alcohol on scout properties to allowed if not a scout activity Mortgaging Philmont, fires, Gawd National did not even have the Courtesy to discuss their decision with the Philmont Ranch Committee or the Waite family who found out months later via the media. Chapter 11, covid, revenue loss Lessons learned? My $0.01,

That was quick. It appears fixed. Thanks, RS

Since the weekend, new member accounts are not being created as the confirmation email is not being sent to new members. Could the admins have a look? Thanks, RS

Good articles below. Imagine instead of 20+ scouts spending an hour in a classroon for three Saturdays at a Merit Badge College Mill, a smaller group of 4 or 5 spends over 12 hours hands-on (Bee Lab in suits and Monarch lab) to earn a STEM merit badge. The article from University Nebraska-Lincoln stated professors and scouts were working on Entomology merit badge which may have been a hint to rename Insect Study merit badge. ... Terry Stentz, associate professor and graduate chair in the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, and associate professor in the UNMC College of Public Health, said he knows of many faculty members who are involved with Scouting, and he’s thankful to be able to give back to the organization that set him on his career path. He hopes his work with the Boy Scouts now has a similar effect. “I would say that my career as an engineer in public health really started when I earned the public health merit badge, which was a required merit badge for Eagle Scout,” Stentz said. “I got the public health merit badge and when I went through the requirements, I thought, ‘wow this is interesting. It’s science with engineering together.’ It came back around full circle later in life.” https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/scouting-goes-on-with-help-of-nebraska-u-faculty/ With apologies to my Nebraska relatives, I will be Scout and give equal shout out to Oklahoma for a similar program. https://news.okstate.edu/articles/agricultural-sciences-natural-resources/2020/gedon_insect-adventure.html

Good question. IMHO, National hopes it is families as in Family Scouting. In reality, it is our local communities which we serve. All politics and scouting is local. Scouting will continue at the local level whether there is a National or 13 Colony Council organization or not. My $0.02,

Another scenario has me wondering. I know Chapter 11 is not a criminal proceeding but given the number of claimants and their age range could we have a claim(s) where the alleged abuser is alive and possibly was never charged or otherwise been made to account? Possible?

Yes, as the way it was filed, collectively by National's attorneys would seem to suggest the latter.

Am I reading these right? It appears to me, at the last minute Councils are also filing proof of claims as did CO's? Dockets 1685 thru 1682 and 1680 which are titled STIPULATION REGARDING CERTAIN LOCAL COUNCIL INDEMNITY, CONTRIBUTION, AND RELATED CLAIMS Each stipulation has attached a list of "Specified Local Councils" with authorization and contact information. Effect of Stipulation. This Stipulation shall have the same effect as the timely filing of a proof of claim with the Claims and Noticing Agent; provided, however, that the Specified Local Councils each assert that neither this stipulation nor the filing of this stipulation on the docket or on the official claims register shall constitute, or be deemed to constitute: (a) a waiver or release of the Specified Local Councils’ respective rights against any person, entity, or property; (b) consent by any Specified Local Council to the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court or any other court; (c) a waiver of the Specified Local Councils’ respective rights to have final orders in non-core matters entered only after de novo review by the United States District Court for the District of Delaware with respect to the BSA’s chapter 11 case; (d) a waiver of the Specified Local Councils’ respective rights to withdraw the reference or otherwise challenge the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court, or to assert that the reference has already been withdrawn, with respect to (i) the subject matter of this stipulation, (ii) any objection or other proceeding commenced with respect thereto, or (iii) any other proceeding commenced in the BSA’s chapter 11 case against or otherwise involving any of the Specified Local Councils; (e) a waiver of the Specified Local Councils’ respective rights to a trial by jury in any proceeding so triable in the BSA’s chapter 11 case or any case, controversy, or proceeding relating to such case; or (f) an election of remedies. The BSA reserves the right to challenge the assertions set forth in the foregoing proviso, and this stipulation shall not prejudice or affect the right of any party in interest to challenge such assertions. https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/861526_1680.pdf https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/861546_1682.pdf https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/861552_1683.pdf https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/861558_1684.pdf https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/861621_1685.pdf

If instead of keeping secret files all those years, what if the BSA (or Catholic Church or schools) had immediately reported whatever information they had, verified or not, to the local authorities and then removed the suspect volunteer/employee pending investigation results. Remember the old discussions to protect the accused volunteer/employee from false accusation, that the BSA would investigate and act accordingly or not. Some thought priority should be given to the victims. In 1988, the BSA hired FBI agent Kenneth Lannings to develop YP policies. No criminal background checks, training was not mandatory, and volunteers were to told/tested to contact the SE first , not the police but it was a start. Despite the BSA stating they did all that was legally required, I wish the hell they had called the cops. My $0.02,

And to add...How do we compete with Boys & Girls Club and the Y which are serving the needs of these families, as much as possible, in the pandemic. What if families primarily want an inexpensive, after-school program and not a more expensive scouting program? Why are we the better choice? And why are we loosing our existing customer base...that fact does not help in extending our customer base. My $0.02,

Well in summer 2020, there were no major scout summer camp outbreaks in New England as our overnight camps were closed either by Council or state regulatory agencies. There were some in-person, short day camps and virtual merit badge classes. Currently the second wave of new covid cases is upon us. ..Chris Stapleton's Very Covid Christmas Album anyone... Deck the halls with sanitizer In spring 2021, will units again independently plan their own summer camp, or will councils, or will there be no local scout summer camp?

From American Camp Association Oct ,2020 Provided here are updates on the progress of the pandemic and expert insights into the hot topics of the time to assist camp professionals in planning and implementing safe and engaging camp experiences during the upcoming year. Interesting note: most campers are unlikely to be vaccinated by Summer 2021 due to the following: 1. essential workers and those at highest risk will be prioritized to receive the vaccine while healthy children and adults will be eligible in later phases of vaccine delivery. 2. Second, safety data for COVID-19 vaccination of children will be gathered later, as only one vaccine manufacturer to date has opened recruitment in Phase 3 trials to children age 12 and older. Although we believe that camp staff may meet state criteria as essential childcare workers eligible for vaccination, camps are encouraged to plan for a camp 2021 season without the benefits of vaccination. So for 2021, there will very likely be a continuation of 2020 summer camp cohort strategies and non-pharmaceutical interventions - masks, cohorts, distancing, frequent handwashing, enhanced sanitation, shorter camp weeks, no outside visitors. https://www.acacamps.org/news-publications/blogs/camp-connection/2021-looks-be-another-covid-19-summer-camp-time-covid-19 American Camp Association has updated their Field Guide designed to provide camp directors and staff with a practical guide and tool kit to implement specific recommendations provided by the CDC in relation to risk reduction at camps. The objective of this field guide is to provide educational materials for camp staff to reduce potential exposures to and spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) the virus that causes COVID-19. The recommendations provided here are designed to be implemented for various types of camps (e.g. adventure/touring; day, resident, backcountry, weekend) and geographic locations and pertain to camps in geographical locations under low and medium mitigation conditions, according to federal guidance. Any recommendations in this guide should also coincide with a given camp’s communicable disease plan. https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/coronavirus/camp-business/field-guide-camps

Over the years before Chapter 11, can anyone point to a 3,4, or 5 year National or Council Strategic Plan with its assorted org charts, flow charts, stovepipes, pillars, silos, best in class, centers of excellence, ...oh the MBA-wannabe double-talk jargon ...that did anything more than act as a diversion while wasting time and money during its formulation and before results can be evaluated...diversion, time to work on next Strategic Plan. https://www.dropbox.com/s/84zg3a6lccmza2p/BSA Churchill Plan-Proposed New Territory Structure and Council Standards presentation 10.6.20.pdf?dl=0 No mention of Chapter 11. Ugh.