Michigan Crossroads Council Responds To National Boy Scouts’ Bankruptcy

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bsamichigan

The Michigan Crossroads Council is responding to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America. In a YouTube video, the state’s scouting organization says the national decision does not impact local units.

“Local scouting packs, troops, and crews will continue to meet and operate, just like they always have,” according to the video. “Our scout service centers will continue to serve our scouting volunteers and family, the same way we have been.”

Michigan Crossroads Council Scout Executive and CEO Donald Shepard says the state organization is “separate and distinct from the national organization,” adding the BSA is the only entity involved in the Chapter 11 filing. Shepard says all meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and service projects are taking place in Michigan “as usual.” The BSA filed for bankruptcy in an effort to compensate sexual assault victims. The bankruptcy filing puts the lawsuits on hold for now. But ultimately the BSA could be forced to sell off some of their vast property holdings, including campgrounds and hiking trails, to raise money for a victims’ fund that could top $1 billion.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.