Dear Leaders, Parents & Scouting Friends:
As summer comes to an end, Three Harbors Council is busy preparing for fall Scouting activities. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we had a successful camp season with 695 Scouts and their families participating in a Cub Scout or Scouts BSA session at Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta, Indian Mound Scout Reservation or virtually through our first ever Backyard Day Camp. As we begin a new school year by inviting new families into Scouting, I hope you will continue to be inspired by all the good that Scouting can do for youth, families and communities.
Due to the news earlier this year of the National BSA’s Chapter 11 filing, some people may have questions this fall about our youth protection policies and how we keep Scouts safe. It is important to emphasize that the safety of children in our programs is our absolute top priority. That’s precisely why, over many years, the BSA has developed some of the strongest expert-informed youth protection policies found in any youth-serving organization.
Conversations about safety will be especially relevant over the next several weeks when those in Scouting and other members of the public will likely see and hear print, TV, social media, digital and radio advertising from National BSA’s Chapter 11 noticing campaign. Since you may come across these ads as well, I wanted to make sure you knew their purpose and had the necessary information to address any questions or concerns.
These noticing ads are different than those you may have seen that have been sponsored by plaintiffs’ attorneys trying to solicit clients. The BSA’s ads are instead designed and sponsored by National BSA to ensure that victims have the opportunity to come forward and apply for compensation from a proposed Trust by filing a claim by the November 16, 2020 deadline set by the court. This advertising effort underscores the BSA’s commitment to the dual objectives of its bankruptcy proceeding: equitably compensate victims of past abuse and continue the mission of Scouting.
Please view and share this
video and
infographic about the BSA’s youth protection measures and resources that make Scouting safer than ever before. If you would like additional information, please see this
FAQ. For questions about local Scouting, call Three Harbors Council at (414) 774-1776 or
click here to contact our staff team.
Even in these challenging times, Scouting continues to build character, confidence, leadership, and hope in youth members and families across the country. Your efforts and support have made a difference in the lives of thousands of Scouts in southeastern Wisconsin. Thank you for all you do for the Boy Scouts of America!
In Scouting,
Andrew Hardin