Dear Scouting Families:
We have learned that BSA plans to make an announcement later today about an increase to the annual membership fees. This increase is a result of financial needs created by the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings and COVID-19, which has created a substantial unplanned loss of revenue due to mandated Scout Shop closures and shortened high adventure base seasons.
We understand many of our Scouting families are also dealing with similar financial issues. Once we receive the official notification from BSA we will evaluate how it will impact our local families. We do not want finances to be a barrier to participation in Scouting, and will do our best to assist families who need it to the fullest extent possible.
Locally, our Council also faces these same issues and are doing our best to address the impact of three months of office closure, activity cancellations, diminished fundraising campaigns, and the loss of our entire summer camp season. We know, however, that our staff and volunteers will continue to do their best to offer high-quality Scouting experiences during these challenging times.
We continue to be amazed by the innovation our Scouting family has shown at every level, from Scouts making masks for essential personnel in their community to Goshen’s new alternative summer program. We are living in interesting times, as the saying goes, but will emerge the stronger for it.
Please review the infographic below. As more information is released, we will continue to share it with you.
