Eagle1993

Now discussing details of interactions with the Methodist Church.

I think it was evidence provided by Devang Desai. I was thinking of taking screenshots but then thought that may not be allowed. To be clear ... there was a BSA executive meeting at Philmont in August of 2021 to discuss BSA post bankruptcy. These slides were created to summarize that meeting. Nothing is "approved" but it does give an indication of their thoughts. The actual slides showed was a redline created by certain insurers to show the various edits of the final presentation. So, for example, the original presentation had reduce councils from 250 to 80 and the updated (final) slides showed something like optimize or streamline councils. Probably fair to not hard set to 80 ... however, it gives an idea that major council reduction is likely needed. Overall, it looked like a fair assessment of BSA. We have a public perception issue with youth protection. We have been declining for a long time. We will be in >$400M debt post bankruptcy. Overall, I actually thought the slides made a lot of sense ... even if it could be upsetting. Would be very interesting to get more details.

Sorry for typos, but a lot of slides and info. Attempting to capture some of the points. This was from late last year. What is clear is: - Some sort of comment about single scout program (not sure what they mean) - Councils will be reduced ... not sure by how much, but you can see they were thinking >50% reduction - Debt is large - Outdoor was mentioned a lot - Goal of eveyone getting to 1st class - Expand recruiting & fundraising - Improve youth safety - CO model in flux (a bit) but may be getting better...

If you are going to watch any of this ... I'd recommend now. They are going through the post bankruptcy strategy for BSA. For example, th #1 - Become the National Leader in Youth Safety #2 - Grow our Membership by making our program more relevant, easy fun. - Fully digital progrma - Make a single program #3 ... Slide showed reduct of council down to 80 (that we removed and changed with streamline) Change how girls are included ... missed the details

I'm attempting to find the PPT being reviewed. It shows what is going to happen to BSA post bankruptcy. CO model may need to be replaced ... Councils in trouble ... $400M of debt. Very interesting. Apparently, it was from a Philmont executive meeting and a redline posted from Certain Insurers.

For camping I use StarBucks via packets. They are easy to use and just require hot water. I know others who look like they are doing science experiments when creating coffee ... yes, it does taste a bit better but the vias are good enough and much easier.

New topic created as confirmation hearing starting today. SCOUTER Forum

Confirmation hearing starts today, 10AM Eastern Time aaa8a70d-a7ec-4442-b5fc-9854abbf2a35_9262.pdf (omniagentsolutions.com)

I would agree, the majority probably have strong state court cases. There is probably a group that is confused and don't realize they are better off with this plan. Finally, there is probably a group that desires the BSA to fail or are looking at alternate paths (such as the global CH 7). I only hope each person voting fully understands the situation and are being properly advised by their lawyers.

Purdue had 120,000 and were able to get 95% on board and the district court rejected the plan. The question .... can you force someone to eliminate their right to due process against a non bankrupt organization through a bankruptcy ruling? Many district judges are saying no. Others say yes ... but only in very unique cases AND it requires overwhelming support. I've struggled to see many cases approved <90%. It doesn't matter if they would be better off or not. It is their right to chose their own path in the legal system. I question if district court was going to allow this before seeing the 85%. That 15% of individuals are rejecting this plan is a major iceberg that could hit in the future. I understand there is no actual # as this is working in the gray area of law ... but I was hoping to see at least 90% to help improve the chances of approval.

Yikes. 85% seems low. I'm still 95% convinced Judge LSS will approve the plan. I expect some minor changes, but she could have easily changed the direction during the RSA hearing. Also, I think bankruptcy judges believe bankruptcy is the best path for compensation and dealing with non debtors. However, that 85% will provide plan opponents some fire power during the district court review. I haven't seen the 3rd circuit district court review/approve a non debtor release since Purdue. I wouldn't be surprised to see plan approval in bankruptcy then kicked back by the district. At some point, it may become BSA only. I think Purdue and BSA are examples 1 and 2 on why bankruptcy should be limited to debtors only. In BSA, there would have been a lot less spent on legal fees. Simply divide up BSA unrestricted assets and move on. Insurance ... settle or let the trust go through the battles. Pulling in non debtors wasted time and resources. Yes, I expect the $ pot grew a lot AND those outside SOLs probably faired better, but at what expense (legal)? Perhaps all will work out in the end, but man, this is some ugly sausage making.

I caught the last 5 mins of the hearing today and it didn't seem like anyone was happy. Did anyone listen to the hearing? Votes were due yesterday ... any update?

Objections coming in again on the plan. US Trustee once again objects and now adds in more concerns about the IR process. 08a0295e-d9b5-49d8-9d9e-714eeea939db_9015.pdf (omniagentsolutions.com)

Could be. It would be interesting how the rates are vetted. Now, if they are charging for labor they didn't use, that is the red flag. Omni is one of the top expenses of the BSA to date.

Omni FRAUD?!? A former employee of Omni is alleging they are charging high fees for lower wage workers. $16 - $20/hour workers are being charged at $80 - $125/hr to BSA. Also claiming they hired 30 temporary workers who did nothing and they charged BSA. Also claims knowledge that the ballot count is incorrect, and COO lied to court. Finally, also claims they did the same in other cases, including USA Gymnastics ba0e24ce-e4d9-42b1-a318-937317f50c1d_8971.pdf (omniagentsolutions.com)

BSA plans an information session for COs. 744039d2-3d37-4750-a3ff-4a65f2a359ef_8904.pdf (omniagentsolutions.com)

BSA's DEI statement. I struggle to see how the statement below would cause anyone to resign. The Boy Scouts of America promotes a culture where each youth, volunteer, and employee feels a sense of belonging and builds communities where every person feels respected and valued. Leading by example and encouraging each other to live by the values expressed by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, we welcome families of all backgrounds to help prepare young people to serve as successful members and leaders of our nation’s increasingly diverse communities.

Getting close on the settlement trustee and some other key names. Microsoft Word - BSA - Notice of Identity - Settlement Trustee and Claims Administrator (to be filed).DOCX (omniagentsolutions.com) Former Judge Michael Reagan - for the independent review process. 19 years on the district court Michael Joseph Reagan - Wikipedia Former Judge Diane Welsh - for the TDPs .. 11 years on the district court. Hon. Diane M. Welsh (Ret.), JAMS Mediator and Arbitrator (jamsadr.com) The Trustee is down to one of these two: Former Judge Barbara Houser - It appears she helped mediate the bankruptcy of Puerto Rico KMBT_C454e-20190604125753 (govdelivery.com) Former Judge David Levi - David F. Levi - Wikipedia - Former dean of Duke Law

Just saw some numbers from my council and was wondering if others are seeing similar trends. Changes from Jan 2020 to Jan 2022. We didn't have many LDS units, and I think they already dropped by Jan 2020. Cub Scouts decreased 15% Scouts BSA decreased 7% Venturing decreased 90% (less than 50 members left in our council) Explorers decreased 28% (less than 60 members in our council) In terms of units Cubscouts lost 18% of units Scouts BSA lost 5% of units Venturing lost 43% of crews Explorers lost 33% of posts Venturing is on life support. Adding girls to Scouts BSA is probably killing venturing. I do think there is potential there, but at least for our council, it is nearly dead. Explorers ... why have this risk for such a small program. Scouts BSA ... doing well all considering, but faced with uncertain future given Cub Scout number To me, the biggest concern right now is Cub Scouts. 15% loss still exists even after a very good recruiting year (and 18% loss of units). That will hit Scouts BSA in a few years. I do expect further recovery and the numbers were really bad Jan 2021. Hopefully BSA can exit bankruptcy and focus on their path forward.

I agree it is definitely not a requirement; however, I will say for those of us in colder climates ... it is tough to camp if you are only willing to camp overnight when it is above 40. That takes out half the year. I think in my Troop, the concern is that just 3 years ago we had 50+ camping in early Feb and now only 2. 100% agree. I would love to see this be the clear messaging to parents and Troops. Unfortunately, I think this message is muddled with too much focus on a binary outcome of scouts with many judging the success on achievement of Eagle. I'm not sure how many Troops buy into this ... hopefully most follow your summary.

Confirmation plan hearing now going to be delayed until March 14th. During court today, per Twitter sources, the US Trustee is asking how this can proceed when trained professionals are struggling to describe the deal. Also questioned how chartered orgs are being handled when many have not been part of discussions. Finally, sounds like some concerns that the "neutral" path currently has $0 in its account. I didn't attend today until late and now just listening in.

I highly recommend watching the TCC townhall from tonight once the recording is released. They went into a lot more details on the various aspects of the plan. Some quick, interesting points. 1) The TCC is now able to reject any new settlement. BSA cannot add a new settlement to the plan without TCC approval. 2) The only COs currently protected before 1976 are the UMC and LDS. 3) Most of the money that will go into the neutral ($20K trial) path will come from excess insurance companies. These companies didn't settle and provide insurance after the primary pays out. The belief is that by going down this special path, the excess ins. companies will either settle or have to pay out. 4) BSA must tell local councils which youth protection policy changes they rejected. 5) IV files most likely will not be fully released. Dr. Kennedy explained that there are a lot of non sex abuse members listed in there, also non validated claims. No one wants to be sued. So, it will take a lot of time and redactions. Something will be released, but limited. 6) Individuals can sue non settled COs 1 year after plan confirmation. That gives COs some time to reach a settlement with the trust.

It's interesting. I had a conversation with a dad at Klondike and he said Scouts has become too easy. He thinks Scouts would actually have more members if we increased the outdoor requirements (such as the ones you listed above). More hiking, camping requirements. I'm not sure if it would increase membership, but I think it could provide more value to those who are members.

The problem is with Citizenship in the Society and a ton of focus on online merit badge classes ... BSA is headed in the opposite direction. There are a few kids that seem to love this new direction and soak up these online merit badge classes but won't camp outside often (just enough to advance). My klondike experience was sad. Basically a day event only. Camp was empty at night. Yes, some of that is Covid ... but the momentum of an outdoor program is fading. Even the Troops who cabin camp left. Older scouts in my Troop told the younger ones that camping out in the cold is "miserable". We had 50+ scouts & adults camping just 3 years ago. 400+ across all Troops. Now, empty ... probably less than 50 across the entire district. My question ... does BSA see the future as online MBs, day events and heavy classroom based Eagle requirements OR outdoor, open play to gain skills (and thus advance).

Agree with the comments above. My son races NICA and is working on his mountain bike merit badge. There are various features (roots, rock, etc.), dual and single track, much of it in the woods. There are climbs and descents, etc. I would say this is mountain biking. I wouldn't count his flat, straight trail ride ... which they do for fitness ... as mountain biking.