Impacts of a Merger to Scouts
Be Prepared
This discussion will trigger strong feelings. This page is here to clearly explain the impacts to the most important part of the mission of Scouting - serving the youth. You can see that youth will continue to meet, camp, learn and have fun without disruptions.
Troop/Den/Pack Meetings, Activities, and Camping Trips
Nothing would change. Scouts would still meet at the same places on the same day with the same scouts and follow the same process they already do. Most scouts wouldn’t even realize a change has occurred other than a new patch on their uniform.
Troop Leadership, Chartering Organizations, and Equipment/Assets
Nothing would change. Your adult leaders remain the same. The organization that sponsors your troop (often times a church or civic organization) would also remain the same. Your unit’s equipment and assets would continue to belong to the current owner(s).
Access to Council Program Properties
Scouts would have access to all program properties at the “in-council” rate, which would likely mean a lower cost than before.
Unit Numbers
Most Troops/Dens/Packs/Crews wouldn’t need to change their unit numbers. Only those that have an identical number as an existing unit may need to be updated. The chances of this are low, so very few would be affected.
Order of the Arrow
This particular topic is likely to be a hot point, especially for adults that are focused on the past instead of the future. Names on a patch are just that. They don’t change the program, the goals of the Order of the Arrow, or the values that it helps to instill in youth in the future. Move on and let’s all focus on the benefits of an OA lodge that has twice as many youth.