FEBRUARY 08, 2022 UPDATE

 Dear Scouters, 

As a valued member of our Scouting community, we are reaching out to provide you with an update on the national organization of the BSA’s financial restructuring and how the Heart of New England Council is participating in the efforts to equitably compensate survivors and ensure the future of Scouting’s vital mission. Specifically, we would like to share an update regarding our local council contributions that will be used to compensate survivors. 

As we communicated with you last fall, our council’s contribution was determined to be $1,400,502.75. 

It is important to note that restricted donations can only be used for their designated purposes and are legally protected so that they are used as the donor specified. Local donations through Friends of Scouting (FOS) go straight to supporting Scouting in our communities today; these donations are used in real time and are critical to maintaining local operations. 

The Heart of New England Executive Board and our local council Ad Hoc Committee have identified resources to fund our portion of national settlement. Specifically, funds from the sale of the Harvard St. office and the Lancaster office which total close to $1,000,000 will be used. In addition, an undeveloped, unused parcel of land known as the “Hunt Property” at Treasure Valley will be sold or contributed to the National BSA settlement. Please note: WE ARE NOT SELLING CAMP. The property to be sold is across the road from any camp property we use, and we have no plans or needs to ever expand to that area. The property has been professionally evaluated and the most logical use of the property would be for 1-3 single family homes. Selling this parcel of land will have no impact on our camp programs and will allow us to fulfill our obligations. The property will be listed commercially for 30 days at which time the Executive Board will review offers and select the most beneficial for the council. If an acceptable offer is not received, there is a process which allows the council to contribute the land to the settlement. The commercial listing of the property is enclosed. 

The last couple of years have been a challenge for everyone, however there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Our camping programs last summer were well attended, and we look forward to another great summer camp season. Recruiting new members in the Scouting program was far better this past year then in 2020 and we look forward to expanding our Scouting ranks even more this year. 

Thank you for your service to the youth in our community. Scouting only happens because of your dedication to the program. 

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 UPDATE

 Dear Scouters, 

As valued members of our Scouting community, we are reaching out to provide you with an update on the national organization of the BSA’s financial restructuring and how the Heart of New England Council is participating in the efforts to equitably compensate survivors and ensure the future of Scouting’s vital mission. Specifically, we’d like to share an update regarding local council contributions that will be used to compensate survivors. 

Our Council’s Contribution: 

As part of the Boy Scouts of America’s financial restructuring, in the coming weeks, the specific contributions each local council will make to help fund the Trust for survivors will be filed with the Court. These figures were determined through a combination of information filed in the claims process and what local councils could meaningfully contribute while ensuring Scouting can continue in their areas. 

Our council participated in the process and our contribution was determined to be $1,400,502.75, which will be comprised of a combination of cash and other assets. 

The Heart of New England Council is legally separate and distinct from the national organization. Our camps, properties, and local donations are controlled by our council. We share in the BSA’s commitment to equitably compensate survivors of past abuse. We are carefully reviewing how we can fund our contribution to the compensation Trust while ensuring that Scouting can continue to serve youth, families, and communities in Central Massachusetts for generations to come. We have not yet determined exactly which assets will be used to fund our contribution but will share any relevant updates with our Scouting community as decisions are made. 

It is important to note that restricted donations can only be used for their designated purposes and are legally protected so that they are used as the donor specified. Local donations through Friends of Scouting (FOS) go straight to supporting Scouting in our communities today; these donations are used in real time and are critical to maintaining local operations. 

The BSA’s Path Forward: 

There is still much to be done to obtain approval from the Court to solicit survivors to vote for the BSA’s amended Plan of Reorganization. However, the BSA is wholeheartedly committed to working toward a global resolution. The BSA intends to seek confirmation of the Plan this fall and conclude its financial restructuring around the end of this year. 

While this is an important step forward in the national organization’s financial restructuring, we also want to take a moment to recognize the exciting things happening in our council. Pack, Troops and Crews are meeting, and Scouting is alive and well! There has never been a better time to be a part of Scouting. This fall, we look forward to welcoming new members to our ranks as we begin our fall recruiting campaign. 

Thank you for your continued support of Scouting. If you have any other questions about the national organization’s financial restructuring, please visit www.bsarestructuring.org.