Please share this message from Jim Turley, National Chair, Boy Scouts of America
Dear Scouting family,
With the best interests of our volunteers and employees in mind, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has decided to cancel the in-person 2020 National Annual Meeting, which was scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. during the week of May 18, 2020. We will begin processing your refunds shortly, which will be made in the original method of payment.
The decision was made after careful consideration of many variables including state and local guidelines and the needs of our attendees. No further decisions about other national activities or events have been made at this time.
We are currently exploring ways to provide alternative opportunities to share timely information, accomplish necessary business, and provide inspiration that will help us guide Scouting forward in the months and years to come. This will include a virtual meeting of voting members to address requirements outlined in our bylaws.
We look forward to empowering our volunteers and professionals so we can continue to focus our energy on building Scouting’s strength as we look to empower and support youth and families in our communities.
I also have a special request I’d like you to consider. If you had planned on attending this year’s meeting, we ask that you instead redirect the funds you would have spent attending the meeting – for registration, travel, and your hotel stay – to your local council. This will go a long way to help Scouting come back stronger after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
Our communities will need our support more than ever, and with your partnership, Scouting can be ready to help Americans come back together in service and adventure when the time is right. Thank you for your dedicated support of Scouting.