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Dear Scout Leaders & Parents,
As you've probably heard, the national organization has entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to restructure its assets for two purposes: to equitably compensate victims and to continue to carry out Scouting's mission for years to come. This national decision comes as a result of a change in the statute of limitations in various states across the country -- including California -- which has caused an increase in the number of lawsuits filed against the BSA.
We want to reassure you that this decision does not cause any interruption to the programs and services offered here in the Long Beach Area Council. Your regular unit meetings and activities, district and council events, and all other Scouting adventures will continue as usual. Please be assured that there is no scenario under consideration in which our council would file for a Chapter 11 financial restructuring.
The Long Beach Area Council is fiscally strong. We have a 98.8 rating -- the highest of any council in the United States -- on Charity Navigator, the nonprofit industry's leading watchdog. We have earned and maintained the highest four-star rating for four consecutive years.
Regardless of a national organization filing, please be assured that your Friends of Scouting (FOS) and other annual donations to the Council will continue to be used for necessary day-to-day expenses that are critical to our ability to provide quality Scouting programs in our communities. Additionally, any restricted donation you have made or plan to make to the council can and will be used only for its designated purpose.
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, we 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.
Our Council leadership has been briefed on this news and will work to represent our Council's best interests. We remain as committed as ever to deliver the Scouting program in our communities.
We will keep you abreast of any new details as they are available. Please do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions at 562-427-0911
Phil Bond Steve Richard John Fullerton
Council President Council Commissioner Scout Executive
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