Eagle1993

The 18 - 30 year old age group is prime to help if approached. One of my biggest complaints of the BSA is that they seem to ignore that demographic. When I was in my 20s, I didn't have kids, had a TON of free time (compared to now) and was volunteering for various organizations. BSA never reached out (and I never even thought of it). I volunteered for sports clubs & FIRST robotics. If BSA reached out, I could have been a district volunteer or even unit. I'm convinced that there is huge potential in that group.

My thought was primarily Cub Scouts. They have Squirrels (4 - 6), Beavers (6-8) and Cubs (8 - 10.5). I wonder if by keeping these groups in smaller age groups, they may see less drop off when they go on to Scouts (10 - 14.5). I do wonder how the patrol method works by moving 14.5 year olds to Explorers. Most, if not all, of my PLs are >14. My SPL is 16 and my JASM is 17 (Eagle).

I have forever been a fan of UK scouts. Their transparency, their smaller board, their media, etc. I also like how they separate their age groups. Their result ... 3% of available youth in scouts. BSA is at 1%.

For my kids, the only way to be 100% safe from CSA is to keep them in my house under constant supervision. However, that doesn't sound like a great way to raise a kid or for a child to grow into a mature adult. So, yes, I have to take risks. They go over to friends' houses where parents are home ... there is no guarantees those adults are safe. Yes, I trust all of them, but I also know that people with dark intentions can cover them well. My kids are in various sports. There are potential chances for grooming/assault. I am a coach for one of the teams so I know the training/rules in place that help prevent it ... however, there is always a chance. BSA/scouting is similar. They have rules, which if followed, should greatly reduce the risk of CSA. However, yes, there is still some risk. I could go on with school, clubs, etc. Going back to the question ... would I stop participating in scouting if it prevented 1 case of CSA. Well, I would also have to stop sports, school or my kids going to friends/relative houses (which is probably the highest risk right now). I am not willing to raise my kids in a locked down state. That means, yes, I would continue to participate in activities that could, possibly, have some children horrifically impacted by CSA. I think the real question, the key one, is if BSA can be made safe on a relative basis vs other activity. I personally believe BSA rules and training do make it as safe if not safer than similar programs and it will get better post bankruptcy. It won't be perfect AND there could be BSA units out there that are not safe. As a parent, I would recommend watching your BSA unit to ensure they follow barriers to abuse. If they do, I would trust them with my children ... even knowing there is still that remote chance something bad could happen.

We absolutely will. I didn't attend but the scouts had a blast. My son told me that they date back to the 1950s (?) and they hold up better than commercial planes as there are less flight hours and more time spent on maintenance. The engines were GE and 1980s vintage. Also, I didn't know that the fuel they provide comes from the planes fuel tanks (they basically share their own fuel). He took a ton of pics on the planes including the lay down position for refueling. It was supposed to be a young eagle's event but too windy.

Many members of our Troop went to a National Guard base 128th air refueling wing to tour and earn aviation merit badge (the airplanes were outdoors). Next weekend, we have a backpacking trip ... only 5 scouts out of 44 signed up. We have more adults interested than scouts...

If this is picked up by Netflix it will get a major audience. If it stays on a website, its distribution will be limited. I'll have to see the whole documentary before I pass judgement, but BSA should be prepared to respond.

I moved the "On My Honor" trailer/comments to a new topic. SCOUTER Forum

What was presented in court wasn't the Churchill Plan ... at least that term was never listed in any slide they displayed in court. The Churchill Plan dates back to 2020 or perhaps before. What was shown in court was from a senior executive meeting held at Philmont in August of 2021. This was not a big group of volunteers ... this appears to have been a meeting of senior staff/volunteers. My guess is only those watching the court hearing plus a few others have any clue what was discussed. I am also curious if/when the hearing recordings are released.

Not exactly an appeal. You can read the lengthy twitter thread below which details out the appeals process in bankruptcy. She includes a comment about BSA's case. The district court sounds like more of an "approval" of the bankruptcy vs appeal. I believe the debtor lawyers gets the choice of the path. What is interesting is that once district approves the bankrutpcy, the appeals process could be moot. Basically, by the time any appeal can be heard or reviewed, the bankruptcy is done. In #BoyScouts bankruptcy, case has been overseen entirely by bankruptcy judge. If she confirms plan, lawyers say they will immediately seek district court approval too.* *Authority for that procedure you ask? Probably a riff on other parts of 28 USC 157. 15/x Prof. Jacoby on Twitter: "Here is a thread on appeals from bankruptcy court decisions. Cannot say it is by popular demand - more by demand by a popular person! @alahav 1/x" / Twitter

Started new topic here as the hearing is now complete. Chapter 11 - Part 10

Hopefully this is the last topic on bankruptcy. The hearing is now closed. A few remaining items will be filed, tweaking the language in the plan. Then the bankruptcy judge will rule followed by district (assuming she confirms the plan). We can use this topic to discuss the case. If the discussion strays from the legal bankruptcy case (for example, price of Cub Scout books and belt loops) please use new topics. Thanks in advance for keeping the discussion scoutlike.

Dr. Doug Kennedy made an impassioned speech to the court and asked the Judge to keep her focus on the survivors as she makes her decision(s). Jessica Lauria thanks the court for the time devoted. A few more letters/filings will come in on the docket including minor changes to the plan (coming in next week). Next Friday will be a general hearing and the only topic is the sale of the BSA distribution center. Judge thanks all of the staff that made this so smooth. Hearing was pulled off very well and great teamwork between firms. February 2020 until mid April 2022. Matter is under advisement. Confirmation hearing is closed!

Seemed to be going well until right now. Judge seems to see some issues that BSA insurance counsel cannot defend well. Basically, non settling insurers are saying yes you can transfer the policies but that comes with the benefits and burdens. It is really a debate around language in the plan. It may require some clarifications in the plan. BSA doesn't disagree ... sounds like it is just working through proper language. Judge never entered in order (That she recalls) that assigns a contract & also by the way here is a bunch of stuff about it. Basically, she wants to say the trust is assigned the rights. She is concerned there is professions touching on post assignment and she doesn't do that. If there are issues with insurance honoring their contract ... take it to state court. Judge is working through this out loud as there could be some mechanics about payment of claims. I don't see this as a roadblock, more like a speed bump. She doesn't seem to agree with how it is written today. 4:30 eastern ... still hopeful arguments close today.

BSA, Ad Hoc LC, Century lawyers presented so far this morning. Very convincing arguments to approve the plan. They are pointing out clear factual errors that were made by opponents. It feels like this is wrapping up today.

Judge says ... I have 45 mins more today. I just heard a "Jesus Christ". So, it will go on tomorrow.

The good news is that BSA is making improvements. They do have online applications for youth and adults. They did buy Scoutbook which greatly improved tracking advancement. I'm glad they see this as an area to invest. However, I think they have a long way to go. I hope post bankruptcy, they further fund IT including providing better IT services to councils. This should not require $XXM of solutions. There are much smaller organizations with much less funding that have better IT solutions. The signing up of volunteers is typically their first experience with BSA. Nearly every volunteer I signed up had issues with training not working, payments, delays with COR approvals, etc. I guess my thought is that the volunteer signup is likely an easy area to address vs attempting to relook at major program content, merging councils, etc.

I really question this for TCJC. Basically, nearly every single boy in LDS was a scout. Since all LDS wards were COs, I wonder if TCJC sees this as a path to deal with 100% of all male sex abuse. The judge needs to be careful here ... LDS is very unique.

I think there could be a major issue. TCJC releases. What if you have a Ward leader who abuses a youth within the Ward as both a Scoutmaster and a leader within the ward. The TCJC believes this bankruptcy deals in total with that youth (since it involved scouting at some point). It is not clear that can be allowed. TCJC said they would never contribute the amount they did if that isn't the case.

I have spent years signing up adult leaders. While it is slightly better, it involves chasing down paperwork, chasing down signatures, chasing down money and a bit of a repeat every year for recharter. I just signed up to be a high school mountain bike coach on the NICA site. The Team Coach sent me a personal link. That ended their interaction/involvement. I completed all of my documentation online, including my health form and insurance info. I completed signing various wavers on line. I submitted for a background check online. I know the company who did it. I already know the results (1 hour later). I have an account to follow up if needed. I paid for this directly $38 and it includes a monthly check. I was able to see I passed a DOJ Sex register and some other checks. I can also use this for other orgs now (FIRST Robotics used the same company). I submitted my payment (only allowed if background check passed). $25 for registration During payment, they ask for an additional donation (optional). Now my training is available ... right on the same site, very easy to interact with. Required training is concussion (annual), Coach license level 1 (every 2 years), NICA Philosophy and Risk Management (annual) and Athlete Abuse Awareness Training (every 2 years) It was fast, clear and rather painless. The team head coach didn't need to sign off. I didn't have to list a bunch of stuff on a small form of references that no one will call. I certainly hope BSA is looking at other organizations on the future of signing up adult volunteers. There are groups out there that are far smaller that give a much better onboarding experience while limiting the demand on existing volunteers.

In court, BSA lawyer said it is critical for BSA to exit bankruptcy by summer as they run completely out of liquidity by then. They have agreement to receive a loan (I believe from a trust) to deal with their cash flow ... however, that can only occur if BSA exits bankruptcy.

Judge seemed very sympathetic to their points and didn't like BSA's response. Basically the GSUSA is expecting at least $17M. The insurance BSA set aside for them has limitations that will likely prevent that payout (even if GSUSA wins in court). BSA's point is their case sucks and there is no chance they are going to win. The judge basically that may be true but you still need to be ready in case they do win. Or.. she may just say district court's decision makes it highly unlikely for GSUSA to win so let's move on.

I have yet to see a single one of their arguments land. I think at one point Wollf talked for an hour (perhaps it was less, but it seemed like an hour). No questions from the judge just a thank you. The times I see a lawyer winning some points is when I see the judge more engaged. If you talk for an hour and just get a thank you ... To be fair, the DOJ also typically just gets thank yous but at least he only talks for 5 mins.

I think I fixed it correctly.

Yes. After looking at the term sheet and hearing discussions, it sounds like the Roman Catholic Church is not yet a participating chartered organization. They simply no longer op out and no longer objecting to the plan. Note there is still two diocese who are op out charter orgs (and I think 1 objecting). I think Agana and San Jose are the two.