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February 18, 2020

Dear Scouting Leaders and Families,

Today, the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.

We want to highlight important points that are most relevant to the Michigan Crossroads Council:

  • The Michigan Crossroads Council has not filed for bankruptcy. Our Council is legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization.
  • Scouting programs will continue. This means that unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects will take place as usual. In short, we expect no changes to the local Scouting experience in the [Insert] area.
  • 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.
  • Restricted donations – past, present or future – can only be used for their designated purpose. In addition, 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 our local Scouting programs here in Michigan.
  • Our Scout Service Centers and Scout Shops will continue to serve our Scouting volunteers and families just as they always have
  • Our camps will continue to provide awesome outdoor adventures for Scouts and families of all ages. 

While we do not anticipate the national organization’s bankruptcy filing will have any direct impact on the local Scouting experience or your involvement with our Council, I understand you may still have questions about these issues and things you will see in the news. To that end, the national organization has established a dedicated restructuring website, www.BSArestructuring.org.

This 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.

General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

If you have any questions about local Scouting, you can always feel free to reach out directly to your local Field Service Council below.

Great Lakes FSC

Vic Pooler
vic.pooler@scouting.org

President Ford FSC

Aaron Gach
aaron.gach@scouting.org

Southern Shores FSC

Melissa Stricherz
melissa.stricherz@scouting.org

Water and Woods FSC

Sean Henneman
sean.henneman@scouting.org

Through your engagement and dedication to Scouting, the Michigan Crossroads Council 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.

Yours in Scouting,

Brad Arbuckle
Council President

Kevin Will
Council Commissioner

Donald D. Shepard, Jr.
Scout Executive / CEO

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Michigan Crossroads Council 
Boy Scouts of America

137 S. Marketplace Blvd.
Lansing, MI 48917

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