Dear Scouting friends,

As we learn more about the financial discussions underway at our national organization, it’s important to note that Scouting in the Michigan Crossroads Council is as strong financially and programmatically today as it’s been in many years. As our council is a separate non-profit 501c3 corporation based in the state of Michigan, the Michigan Crossroads Council should not be impacted by the recent news stories regarding issues that affect the National Council BSA and its operations based in Texas.

Below are a few facts about the Michigan Crossroads Council:

• The Michigan Crossroads Council is financially strong and membership is growing! More than 60,185 boys and girls participate in Scouting in our Council, despite a declining demographic and more competition than ever.
• Our Council receives no funding from the National BSA organization. In fact, we pay fees to National BSA as a part of our charter agreement and for specific services. We receive value back from the national organization, but we operate as a financially independent not-for-profit corporation.
• Dollars given locally to support Scouting in the Michigan Crossroads Council stay at the Michigan Crossroads Council.
• Our programming and services will go on uninterrupted regardless of what, if any, financial restructuring the National Council BSA pursues.
• 12,089 youth have joined Scouting in Michigan Crossroads Council this year alone, a growth of 3.8%. The Michigan Crossroads Council’s retention rate of 72.2% is equal to the regional average and is further evidence of our success here, and the benefits of Scouting.
• Also included among the thousands who already participate in our program are our newest members — over 2,444 girls have enthusiastically joined Cub Scouts in our council for the first time. Excited families are in the process of organizing more than 104 new Scouts BSA female troops in our communities and preparing to launch in February 2019. We are on track to continue our overall membership growth trend at the end of this year.
• Our Scoutreach program continues to break down barriers to membership for lower-income, under-served families in urban communities. This program has assisted 10,378 youth this year to date.
• As they have for over a century, our Scouts continue to make a real difference in our Michigan communities. In 2017, a total of 499,110 community service hours were completed by our Scouts and volunteer leaders.
• Summer camps are a great part of our Scouting adventure. Last summer a total of 15,994 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers and their families attended.
• Scouting is the finest and most effective youth development program in America instilling character, leadership and service. Youth in our programs gain an advantage in life that prepares them for success. A recent 3-year study by Tufts University finds that youth in Scouting report increased happiness, trustworthiness, hopefulness for the future and kindness as a result of our programming.

Given the achievements of our Scouts and volunteers this year, we have no reason to believe that the future is anything but bright for Scouting and the Michigan Crossroads Council.

It’s more important than ever to make sure that the next generation of Americans learn character, leadership, citizenship – and the importance of being a kind, caring and decent person. For over 100 years the Michigan Crossroads Council has done that, while helping to create memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Thanks to our volunteers, donors, and families, we will continue this vital work for many, many years to come.

It is our hope that the National Council BSA organization can navigate the difficult waters that many organizations face. The Michigan Crossroads Council will continue to focus on bringing high-quality and safe programs to the families we serve throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan.

Thank you for your continued support, help and leadership.