It is pretty normal for an org to talk about their year-end numbers as their numbers. This year, 2026, isn't over yet. 

The 877K number was reported as membership is the Dec 25 report.

My bet is that the number includes multiples.  So, a Cub Scout that crosses over this year counts as two memberships. A Scout in a Troop who is also a Venturer counts as two memberships. I suspect it also includes all those who were on the rolls until recently.  That is, if a youth had a renewal due in early 2026, but did not renew, they still count as a youth served in the program for the year. It would be telling to see a breakdown of the criteria for inclusion into the 887K number. I'd bet that net is as wide as possible

Im not sure. I think they might be reporting "total unique youth served" which may include LFL AND other headcount or NO LFL and other headcount. I have not completely figured out the total unique youth served calculation. Regardless, you are correct, something is off in how numbers are being reported.

"There is always home, a fool's hope."  We will see, but I am not holding my breath.