RememberSchiff

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.

Found it, well maybe , in Churchill Plan. https://www.dropbox.com/s/84zg3a6lccmza2p/BSA Churchill Plan-Proposed New Territory Structure and Council Standards presentation 10.6.20.pdf?dl=0

So award people but not to the extent of naming awards after them...unless they Nobelly donate significant treasure towards that honor? Might be an interesting spin to ask a Scout during Scoutmaster Conference - do you feel you earned this to the extent that you own it, this award hereafter will be called the (Scout name here) award?

Link below includes link to new requirements https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/conservation-and-environment/conservation-awards-and-recognitions/bsa-distinguished-conservation-service-award/

...newly-constructed concrete pier spanning 285 feet at the Florida Sea Base in Islamorada. In the years to come, thousands of scouts across the country will set foot on the pier — named after Keith Douglass — as they hop on sailboats for an adventure in one of the most diverse ecosystems in America. The facilities director of the high adventure program base for the past 11 years, Douglass couldn’t help but reflect on his 30 years of service and many memories as an executive with the Boy Scouts of America. Count his 10 years as a cub scout and boy scout, and Douglass has been a member of the Boy Scout family for 40 years. ... Douglass’ career began at the Florida Sea Base in 1990 when he accepted a position offered by founder Sam Wampler for director of programming. From their home in Watkins Glen, N.Y., Douglass, his wife, Diane, and two kids, who were 4 and 8 at the time, traveled to the Sea Base aboard their 24-foot sailboat “Ginny.” The journey took 52 days. ... Mike Johnson, executive director of the Sea Base, met Douglass in 1990 while working at the Sea Base. From his arrival via sailboat at the old dock to working with Douglass, Johnson relayed just how dedicated he was during his years with the Sea Base. “Keith Douglass made a difference in the lives of thousands of young people during his 15 years at the Sea Base and 15 years as a BSA professional with Chester County Council,” he said. “Service to others is how Keith has lived his life, including parish council member in his church, service to Monroe County as a commissioner and mayor and as an assistant Rotary governor. He is a truly good person who cares about others; it’s been a pleasure to serve with him.” Good article https://keysweekly.com/42/new-pier-at-sea-base-named-in-honor-of-douglass-30-years-of-service/ Scout Salute,

Great episode ...with a younger Eddie Haskell.

Camp Tulakes Scout camp (California) had amateur radio as well pigeons to call home. What if Scout Timmy fell in a well is there no Lassie to send home for help? https://www.newspapers.com/clip/14138821/homing-pigeons-at-camp-tulakes/

Spokane back in the day... “The local council has secured a pair of carrier pigeons and hereafter, when troops hike into the hills, they will be required to take a pigeon with them. In case of delay or if the boys get lost, they can send a message home.” https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/nov/06/100-years-ago-in-spokane-boy-scouts-started-using-/

So does this mean another membership change? Specifically that mostly all BSA scouting units will be coed (inclusive) on Jan 1, 2021 as UK Scouting Association units did in 2007?

The BSA does have adult leader training on Youth Mental Health First Aid derived from Mental Health First Aid (USA) (see links below)...however I am unaware of BSA leadership training and support services to specifically aid adult leaders with self-esteem and anxiety issues , such as Thoughtful Leader. the BSA needs training...IMHO no, we scouters have different training and support services needs which the BSA should provide. Here in this post a scouter and a few others are attempting to express those needs. Maybe we can design a new course or two or a weekly virtual district roundtable to address the OP's experience and let the Woodbadge discussion migrate to another topic. Example of said BSA in Georgia https://www.effinghamherald.net/local/bsu-leaders-get-training-youth-mental-health/

Happy wife, happy life.

BS ...oops forgot the A. Good campfire discussion here, please tell us how to improve. Please reflect on the good you have done for your scouts and community. Look at the photos, see their scout smiles and remember their scout voices. Maybe they seem small steps with small results now but their value will be long-lasting. Could others have done better? Unlikely, they did not step up. As you have found, not all advice, manuals, or training courses may provide what you need or even be KIND...yeah so... you and your son's journey continues be it in Scouting or elsewhere. How can we help? Throughout adult nonsense, spend time with your son. Help him become a man. Childhood is short, nothing like being a Dad. Thank you for stepping up. Isn't that where all leaders start? My $0.02, RS not a WBer and never lost sleep over it

According to a release from Brotherhood Mutual, “The effect of the bankruptcy will likely eliminate future claims and judgment against BSA for acts or events that took place prior to the bankruptcy. In effect, this could eliminate BSA’s obligation to indemnify a church for past incidents involving a Boy Scout troop that the church chartered or hosted.” ... Nashville-based attorneys Guenther, Jordan & Price who represent the SBC Executive Committee say the scenario sets churches to face problems down the road. “If a church, five years from now, gets sued by a former Boy Scout who was molested or claims to have been molested in that church’s troop, normally the church would turn to the Boy Scouts and say, ‘You guys said you would hold us harmless and insure us, so do that. And the Boy Scouts will say, ‘Sorry, we went through a bankruptcy reorganization and we no longer have any responsibility to do that.” https://kentuckytoday.com/stories/churches-that-hosted-boy-scouts-need-to-be-proactive-lawyers-say,28780

Above was from https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/855387_1519.pdf 10/29/2020 Certification of Debtor's Counsel regarding 1519 which was edited - shorter periods. https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/858888_1603.pdf 10/30/2020 Order signed by Judge Silverstein: The exclusive period for the Debtors to file a chapter 11 plan (the “Exclusive Filing Period”) is hereby extended by approximately 155 days, to and including March 19, 2021. The period during which the Debtors have the exclusive right to solicit acceptances thereof (the “Exclusive Solicitation Period” and, together with the Exclusive Filing Period, the “Exclusive Periods”) is hereby extended by approximately 154 days, to and including May 18, 2021. https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/859124_1606.pdf

Similar notice from Presbytery of Baltimore https://baltimorepresbytery.org/boy-scout-bankruptcy-protection/

UM (United Methodist Church) News 10/29/2020: Churches urged to file legal document in Boy Scouts lawsuit The General Council on Finance and Administration sent notice Oct. 21 to conference chancellors, treasurers and bishops, urging them to organize any local churches that have chartered Scout programs, even if the programs aren’t currently active, to file a “proof of claim” by 5 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on Nov. 16. Currently, more than 3,000 United Methodist churches charter more than 9,000 Scouting units serving over 300,000 youth, according to United Methodist Men, which oversees the denomination’s Scouting ministries. Though conferences are organizing the process, they cannot file on churches’ behalf. Churches should reach out to their conference office if they’ve not yet been notified. ... When a local church signs a charter agreement to sponsor a Scout program, the church is effectively responsible for conducting the program in its entirety, including the selection and screening of adult volunteers. That agreement could create liability in a sexual abuse claim. The Boy Scouts’ bankruptcy could not only eliminate its debts, but also potentially extinguish liabilities related to future claims. Though indemnification clauses in the charter agreements historically protected churches from liability, bankruptcy could leave those charters vulnerable. The original plan submitted to the bankruptcy court by the Boy Scouts includes protection for charter organizations. The judge sent the proposed plan to third-party arbitrators, who may decide against accepting the entire proposal, making any charter organization a possible target for litigation. The Council on Finance and Administration’s recommendation to file a proof of claim is a preventative measure that could ensure churches have continued access to the insurance coverage the Boy Scouts provides. “We’re protected now but the fear is the arbitrators might decide to separate the charters and go after churches as well,” said Gilbert C. Hanke, top executive of the Commission on United Methodist Men ... Churches are being cautioned not to simply suspend their Scouting programs, thinking doing so will protect them from liability. Since the deadline for filing abuse claims against the Boy Scouts is also Nov. 16, ending a scouting charter would not absolve a church of any claims made prior to that date. “It may not matter if you think your church has nothing to do with a BSA unit other than allowing them to use space for meetings. … If your church had been a Charter Organization going back over 50 years ago, your local church may still be fully responsible for damages arising out of a sexual molestation that far back,” Greater New Jersey Conference chancellor Sandy Brown explained in a statement to local churches. More details at source: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/churches-urged-to-file-legal-document-in-boy-scouts-lawsuit

IMHO, GSUSA leaders need a reminder from this former Girl Scout...

On Wed. night, the GSUSA posted on Twitter and Facebook “Congratulations Amy Coney Barrett on becoming the 5th woman appointed to the Supreme Court since its inception in 1789.” Their post included photos of all five female Supreme Court Justices with a Girl Scout green background. Their post quickly set off a fury of online criticism such that the GSUSA deleted the post and apologized: “Earlier today, we shared a post highlighting the five women who have been appointed to the Supreme Court. It was quickly viewed as a political and partisan statement which was not our intent and we have removed the post.” The tweet also read, “Girl Scouts of the USA is a nonpolitical, nonpartisan organization. We are neither red nor blue, but Girl Scout GREEN. We are here to lift up girls and women.” https://www.newsweek.com/girl-scouts-post-tweet-congratulating-amy-coney-barrett-then-delete-it-after-criticism-1543079 Buffalo Chip cookies coming soon?

Judge Silverstein signed order authorizing the Tort Claimants Committee (TCC) to employ and retain real estate advisor Keen Summit Capital Patrners 2.The Tort Claimants’ Committee is hereby authorized to retain and employ Keen as its real estate advisor, pursuant to sections 328(a) and 1103(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rule 2014, and Local Rule 2014-1, effective as of October 9, 2020 for the purpose of evaluating the eleven properties listed on Schedule A of Keen’s engagement letter. If the Tort Claimants’ Committee determines to retain Keen to provide any additional services, Keen shall file an amendment to the Application that will be subject to notice and opportunity for hearing, and nothing in this Order and the record relating to the Court’s consideration of the Application https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/858520_1589.pdf The eleven properties Page 28 of 96, Keen's engagement letter https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47373/854608_1477.pdf

Leadership Development is a method of scouting. Here is an opportunity for SM and ASM's to develop leadership skills in their SPL and ASPL and set expectations*. Breaking down a problem and competition between groups to solve a problem could help ...hmm Patrol Method. Boy Scouts emphasize "Zoom free" activities during pandemic http://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1418/print/Boy-Scouts-emphasize-Zoom-free-activities-during-pandemic.html * If there is not a safe, well-planned, and executed outdoor activity in next 30 days, the troop will need a new SPL, ASPL. Scouting is not about cursing the darkness, it is about lighting the candle...leadership is about where you light the candle under. My 0.02,

Thanks. BTW good research.