Scouting.org News (293)
Save the Date for Scouting Forward – 2023 BSA National Annual Meeting
Plan to join the leadership of the BSA at the 2023 National Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, May 30 – June 1, 2023, as the organization looks to the future of Scouting.
During the first full face-to-face meeting since 2019, attendees will discuss the key imperatives critical to BSA’a ongoing work on behalf of America’s youth: Establishing a Culture of Safety, Relevant Program, Exceptional Experiences, Financial Stability, and the Revitalization of Our Brand.
During a packed three-day agenda, attendees will discuss each of these areas and explore how to implement them to prepare the next generation of youth for life.
Mark your calendars for this landmark event. Your in-person attendance and participation will be critical.
Hotel, travel, registration, and meeting details will be available soon.
Robert Ridgeway Selected Vice President and General Manager of the Summit Bechtel Reserve
Robert Ridgeway has been selected as the Vice President and General Manager of the Summit Bechtel Reserve, effective October 1, 2022.
Robert Ridgeway
Rob began his journey with the Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR) in 2009 as lead consultant for the State of West Virginia search committee. After the site was selected, he transitioned to Trinity Works as Project Manager for the development of the SBR. In October 2013, Rob began his BSA career as the Director of Facilities. In this role, he directed the maintenance and further development of the site along with leading the entire facilities team. In May 2021, he was promoted to Chief of Staff/Director of Facilities and continued to manage the facilities group along with providing leadership to the entire staff and assisting the EVP of High Adventure/GM SBR.
Rob serves on the Southern West Virginia United Way board and is active with multiple community and civic organizations in Southern West Virginia. He has been married to his wife Cara for 23 years. They are the proud parents of two sons, Hunter and Hayden. Rob enjoys hunting and fishing and is a sports fanatic.
Tom Pendleton Selected as Director of the 2023 National Scout Jamboree
Pendleton will become Director of the 2023 National Scout Jamboree effective October 10, 2022.
Tom Pendleton
After serving on summer camp staff, Tom began his career in Scouting in 2002 in the Blue Ridge Mountains Council in Roanoke, VA where he served as a District Executive, Senior District Executive, and Field Director. During this time, he also served as the Reservation Director of the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation, serving close to 10,000 Scouts and Scouters each summer.
In 2014, Tom was promoted to Director of Camping for the Greater New York Councils in New York City where he served for 5 years. In that role he gave leadership to all Greater New York Councils’ camping operations including the Ten Mile River Scout Camps (Keowa, Aquehonga, Ranachqua), Alpine Scout Camp and Pouch Scout Camp which serve over 70,000 people annually. During his tenure, camping attendance grew by over 20%.
In March 2019, Tom joined the team at the National Council where he has served on the Outdoor Programs and Properties team giving leadership to all Resident and Short-Term Camp National Camping Schools, the National Outdoor Conference and serving as staff adviser and subject matter expert for three national outdoor program subcommittees.
Tom and his wife Laura have two Eagle Scout sons. As a family they enjoy spending time together outdoors and being on the baseball field whether watching or playing. Tom is an Eagle Scout with three palms, a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, and Wood Badge trained.
Leslie Thibodeaux Selected as the General Manager of the Northern Tier High Adventure Base
Leslie Thibodeaux has been selected as the General Manager of the Northern Tier High Adventure Base, effective Sept 24, 2022. After many years serving on summer camp staff, Leslie began her Professional Scouting career in 2001 as a District Executive in the Longs Peak Council in Greeley, CO. She served as District Executive in two rural districts in Wyoming as well as the director of the Council’s Cub Scout resident camp. In 2003, she was promoted to Camping Director, where she managed the Ben Delatour Scout Ranch, eventually becoming the Director of Camps and Operations for the council. In that role, Leslie had responsibility for five camp properties and four council offices.
Leslie Thibodeaux
Thibodeaux’s experience in managing staff and facilities in multiple jurisdictions, as well as her fundraising skills, positioned her for the role of Director of Programs at the Northern Tier High Adventure Base. Leslie has been at Northern Tier since 2012, and during her tenure, the base has seen record attendance and the establishment of dynamic new programs.
Leslie serves on the executive board for Ely Community Resources, Inc, and is actively involved in many other community organizations.
Leslie and her husband Cade have been leaders in the local Cub Scout Pack and recently organized a Scouts BSA troop where their daughter Tracy is a Star Scout. As a family, they enjoy paddling, hiking and hunting. Leslie and her family are excited to evolve their roles in the Ely community and take on this new adventure with Northern Tier.
Boy Scouts of America Has Received Confirmation of Its Plan of Reorganization from the Bankruptcy Court – Emergence Process Continues
On Thursday, September 8, 2022, the Boy Scouts of America received confirmation of its Plan of Reorganization from the Bankruptcy Court. This ruling, issued by Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein in Delaware, brings the organization only one step away from emerging from bankruptcy, and from being able to equably compensate survivors while ensuring the mission of Scouting continues. In addition to approval from Judge Silverstein, the BSA’s Plan of Reorganization has also won overwhelming support from survivors of past abuse in Scouting, with more than 85% voting to approve it.
What happens next?
In order to officially emerge from the financial restructuring process, the BSA must receive approval of its Plan of Reorganization from the US District Court. Because certain parties have communicated their intent to appeal the confirmation order, the BSA will next begin a District Court appeal process in order to emerge from Chapter 11, which will allow survivors to be equitably compensated and preserve the mission of Scouting for future generations.
The BSA does not know exactly when emergence will take place, but the organization expects it to be sometime this winter. The BSA will continue to share updates and information as the organization navigates the final stages of this process with the District Court.
The BSA has posted information about this process, including information for the Scouting community, at www.BSArestructuring.org. This site includes a Milestones page, which provides a source for the latest updates as the organization navigates the final steps of this process.
Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Have Entered Into An Agreement To End Trademark Infringement Litigation
Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have entered into an agreement to end the ongoing trademark infringement litigation between the two parties. Both organizations are looking forward to focusing on their respective missions to serve youth. The agreement is subject to approval by the Court overseeing BSA’s bankruptcy proceedings.
Under the agreement, GSUSA permanently withdraws all of the trademark claims made in the case and agrees not to appeal the summary judgement ruling of the District Court. In return, BSA relinquishes its claims for legal fees and costs against GSUSA, which it asserted following the District Court’s grant of summary judgement. Neither party is paying the other as part of the settlement. As part of the agreement, both parties agreed to periodic meetings of their respective CEOs and board representatives. With this settlement begins a new period of cooperation and synergy between the two organizations.
One component of the agreement requires that BSA be proactive in ensuring its councils do not infringe on the GSUSA’s trademarks. All representatives of Scouting, including Scout units, should be mindful of this.
It’s important to remember that at all levels, from our members and volunteers to our professional staff, BSA takes the brand and trademark rights of all organizations seriously and the organization has worked proactively to differentiate its unique program offerings. That of course includes the Scouts BSA program, so when referring to that program in any local council or unit materials — including recruiting fliers, announcements, promotional materials, social media posts, and beyond — be sure to follow the guidelines set out in this infographic on the BSA Brand Center:
As has been our tradition at the Boy Scouts of America, we applaud the efforts of all youth-serving organizations and encourage families to participate in character and leadership development programs of their choice. The BSA wants boys and girls to have an opportunity to join one or more of these organizations. While we all use different delivery models, our distinct missions have one thing in common – to serve youth.
BSA Membership Fee Details – 2022
The value of Scouting is undeniable for those within the program and the greater public, and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is committed to continuing to offer this unmatched opportunity to young people and families nationwide.
As costs on many daily goods and services continue to rise dramatically, the BSA has worked to keep its membership fee as low as possible. However, these external pressures continue to have an effect, and the annual membership fee must be increased to address the fiscal realities necessary to continue delivering a safe and quality Scouting program.
To ensure the organization has the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the following national membership fee structure will take effect August 1, 2022.
- $75 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts participants ($3 increase)
- $45 for Exploring participants (no change in cost)
- $30 for council-paid memberships (no change in cost)
- $45 for all adult volunteers (no change in cost, includes cost of background check)
- $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee ($25 increase)
- $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts (Not pro-rated, no change in cost)
- $15 for Scout Life magazine; this is the first price increase since 2005 ($3 increase)
See an infographic explaining these updates.
The national membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, criminal background checks, youth protection, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs. As BSA moves forward, the organization will continue to look at the membership fee structure and how we deliver the Scouting program for future generations.
Across the country and in each of our communities, we know that Scouting remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in youth today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow.
Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and Scouting families make this possible. Thank you for continuing to support one of the most valuable opportunities available to young people today.
Update: BSA National Annual Meeting to Be Rescheduled for a Later Date in 2022
BSA’s National Annual Meeting (NAM) is an event that many in Scouting anticipate to both conduct our Regular Meeting of the National Council (the business meeting) and as an opportunity for other meetings and fellowship. While we had planned to gather in person in May 2022, developments related to the pandemic and BSA’s financial restructuring have required us to be flexible. I’m writing to share the recent decision to postpone NAM 2022 until later this year.
We had hoped to gather in-person in San Diego, but Covid-19 restrictions necessitated that NAM be transitioned to virtual. We had also expected that BSA would exit bankruptcy by May. With the recent rescheduling of the confirmation hearing to mid-March, that may not be the case. As a result, the Board decided to postpone NAM until after bankruptcy emergence.
Importantly, hosting NAM after BSA emerges from financial restructuring will also allow us all to clearly focus on our Movement’s future. I am excited about hosting a gathering that plans for BSA’s long-term success and energizes our volunteers, professionals, and young people to drive Scouting’s revitalization.
The Board decided that the 2022 Regular Meeting of the National Council will be rescheduled within 120 days after the BSA exits bankruptcy and the Plan is effective. Notice will be sent, and the required business be transacted at that meeting. The format of the other events associated with NAM is still being discussed and is dependent on public health and other circumstances at the time.
On behalf of the National Executive Board, thank you for your patience and ongoing servant-leadership to young people.
Yours in Scouting,
Dan Ownby
Chair, BSA National Executive Board
Update: The 2022 BSA National Annual Meeting Will Now Be Held Virtually
Last year, upon the completion of the BSA National Annual Meeting, the BSA announced that its intention would be to hold an in-person National Annual Meeting in San Diego on May 23-27, 2022.
Due to uncertainties connected with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the volunteer-led National Executive Board has made the decision to hold the meeting virtually again this year.
Look for additional updates in the weeks ahead with further details on registration, meetings, breakouts, sponsors, and more.
Anna Marie Moran Has Been Named Supervisor, Alumni Relations Annual Support Boy Scouts of America
Anna Marie Moran has been named Supervisor, Alumni Relations Annual Support for the BSA Office of Development effective June 1, 2021. Alumni Relations focuses on increasing and improving alumni involvement, supporting the BSA Alumni Association and members of the esteemed National Eagle Scout Association, and working closely with Alumni and NESA volunteer committees. Program areas under the auspices of the Alumni Relations department include the NESA Scholarship platforms, the many alumni award programs including DESA, NOESA and the Adams awards, as well as Alumni and NESA communications channels, strategic plans and marketing programs.
Anna Marie Moran
Anna Marie has been with BSA since January 2016, when she joined the Office of Development as a philanthropic advisor, working to secure major gifts to benefit the BSA High Adventure Bases and local area councils. She received her Wood Badge in 2018.
Anna Marie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and business administration from Pennsylvania State University, an MBA from the University of Dallas and a certificate from the Smith Management Program for women in business. Anna Marie worked in the telecommunications industry for many years, managing strategic business units for Verizon and NEC. She was president of the Dallas Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, and was an adjunct instructor for SMU, the University of Dallas, and the Art Institute of Dallas. Anna Marie first shifted her career toward nonprofit organizations by joining the University of Dallas College of Business Advancement team where she implemented an Alumni Hall of Fame and Alumni Advisory Board.
Anna Marie’s family has been affiliated with Scouting for generations, mainly through Pittsburgh and Lancaster, Pennsylvania–based councils. She is married to David and the mother of Eric, and spends her leisure time dabbling in art, yoga, swimming, traveling and endless hiking with her rescue Belgian Malinois, Tera.
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Patrick Sterrett Selected EVP, Assistant Chief Scout Executive – High Adventure Bases and General Manager of Summit Bechtel Reserve
Patrick Sterrett will assume a new role as EVP, Assistant Chief Scout Executive – High Adventure Bases and General Manager of Summit Bechtel Reserve, effective immediately.
Patrick Sterrett
In this new role, Patrick will accelerate the optimization of the BSA High Adventure Bases as pinnacle Scouting experiences and expand access to these extraordinary programs to new and diverse participants. Patrick will collaborate with the High Adventure Base teams to take advantage of creative opportunities to increase Scout participation, strengthen facilities and program, and attract new people to the programs, such as families and outdoor enthusiasts. Patrick’s leadership in building on the successful high adventure model will be important to growing Scouting’s program and securing its financial future.
“Patrick is the right leader at the right time, and I am grateful he has taken on this new challenge,” said Chief Scout Executive Roger Mosby.
BSA Membership Fee Increase Details and FAQ – Updated 6/4/2021
Over the last year, we have seen the Scouting community come together, even while being physically apart, to bring solutions, relief and comfort to those in need. Scouting continues to be a vital partner for communities across the country.
The value of Scouting is undeniable for those within the program and the greater public, and the Boy Scouts of America is committed to continuing to offer this unmatched opportunity to young people and families nationwide. It is important that we all reach out to Scouting families who might have left the program due to pandemic reasons and invite them back. We should also be thinking about how to invite new families to join.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has worked to keep the membership fee as low as possible. Unfortunately, operating costs have continued to rise, and COVID-19 has compounded the need to increase the fee to maintain the program.
To ensure we have the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the updated national membership fee is
- $72 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts participants
- $45 for Exploring participants
- $30 for council-paid memberships
- $45 for all adult volunteers (includes cost of background check)
- $75 for a unit charter fee
The membership fees will take effect August 1, 2021, for the 2021-2022 program year.
The one-time $25 joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts is still required; however, there is no joining fee for Exploring participants, participants previously registered in any BSA program, those transferring from one program to another, council-paid memberships, or adult volunteers.
See an infographic explaining these updates.
The national membership fee helps pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.
National BSA will also continue to develop and improve resources that support our volunteers and youth members through online registration, Scoutbook, and national initiatives that bring us all together.
Across the country and in each of our communities, we know that Scouting remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in young men and women today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow.
Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and Scouting families make this possible. Thank you for continuing to support one of the most valuable opportunities available to young people today.
FAQ
Q: Why are the fees increasing?
A: The national annual membership fee is increasing by $6, about 50 cents per month, because the costs associated with Scouting, including the cost of liability insurance, continue to increase and the organization is not able to subsidize the increased costs as it had in the past.
Q: When will this increase take effect?
A: The updated membership fees will take effect August 1, 2021, for new members in the 2021-2022 program year.
Q: Is Scouting still a good value?
A: Absolutely! While most extracurricular activities are seasonal, Scouting is a year-round program that remains one of the most valuable investments we can make to support young men and women today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow. For most of our participants, the new national membership fee amounts to $6.00 a month, which is an enormous value when you consider that many seasonal extracurricular activities often start at $100 for programs that last a few weeks.
Q: Does the fee increase apply to council-paid memberships?
A: Council-paid memberships will be $30 annually for youth members in fully funded council-paid units for low-income communities.
Q: What will the money be used for?
A: The annual national membership fee and new-member joining fee help pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.
Q: Is this increase being implemented to cover the cost of the additional background checks?
A: While the cost of background checks is paid for by the national organization, that is not the driver of this increase.
Q: Will membership fees go toward funding a victims compensation trust?
A: No. The national annual membership fee and the new-member joining fee will help pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.
Q: What measures has the national organization taken to offset its financial challenges?
A: In addition to ongoing efforts to streamline and simplify the organization, the national organization has taken a number of steps to address its financial challenges, which include multiple rounds of reductions over the past year. These were in addition to ongoing consolidation of departments and elimination of some significant vendors for the most effective utilization of resources in support of Scouting.
Q: In addition to the national membership fee, my council is implementing a council fee. Is that allowed?
A: Starting August 1, 2021, councils can also choose to charge a fee up to, but no more than, the national membership fee – up to $72 for participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts; up to $45 for participants in Exploring and up to $45 for adult members. The council fee can include local insurance costs (i.e., accident, property, etc.), as well as the cost to administer unique local programming. Units can continue to assess activity fees.
Q: Will the national membership fee continue to increase?
A: Although no decision about future increases has been made, the cost of operating our organization and services increases every year. Should it be necessary to increase fees in the future, the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America has agreed to evaluate the needs and make such decisions, whenever possible, at the National Annual Meeting so that decisions can be announced with as much lead time as possible to allow councils and units to plan accordingly.
BSA 2021 National Annual Meeting Fireside Chat: Governance
As part of the 2021 BSA National Annual Meeting, the organization held multiple Fireside Chat virtual meetings on a handful of key topics. These included Safety, Membership Growth, Female Board Leadership, and Governance. Governance was the topic for the fourth of these meetings.
Governance
The Fireside Chat focused on the ongoing evolution of the governance of the Boy Scouts of America – both at a national level and at the local council level.
The panel of speakers for this Fireside Chat included former BSA national chairs Jim Turley and Dr. Robert M. Gates, former BSA National Commissioner Ellie Morrison, and BSA General Counsel Steven McGowan. Each panelist offered thoughts on the governance model of the organization.
The panel began by referencing a previous Fireside Chat about increasing diversity on boards. They cited increasing board diversity as a means to gain greater perspective while bringing together people from different backgrounds with a shared focus on making the Boy Scouts of America the best organization it can be.
The panel offered thoughts on the evolution of governance in the BSA over the past decade, mentioning that it has been a journey that has seen a shift toward increased input and direction coming from volunteers, rather than BSA professionals. They also talked about the ongoing focus on a separation between operations and governance for the organization.
The panelists discussed the importance of the future emergence from bankruptcy as a driver in further progress being made on governance, and pointed toward increased engagement and input from local councils being sought.
Each panelist mentioned the importance of the ongoing journey and evolution of the governance model and that, though there may be differences of opinions and challenges, everyone is keenly focused on open dialogue, respect, and an unwavering commitment to the development of the youth in the program.
For more information on the Governance Fireside Chat, watch it below:
NAM2021 Governance Fireside Chat from Boy Scouts of America on Vimeo.
Top 12 Key Takeaways from the BSA 2021 National Annual Meeting
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