Although one sexual abuse case is one too many, priests in the Catholic Church who have perpetrated such actions do not mean the church as a whole does not and has not done enormous good through the years. Although one case of excessive violence is one too many, officers in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office who have committed such acts do not mean the force has not and does not go out and attempt to keep local citizens safe every day.
And although one incident of sexual misconduct is one too many, Scout leaders in the Boy Scouts of America who have taken advantage of their position do not mean the organization – both locally and across the country – has not and does not strengthen and broaden the lives of other boys.
On Tuesday, many Boy Scouts in the Cherokee Area Council, their parents and guardians, and their Scout leaders learned that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it confronts increasing costs associated with lawsuits over hundreds of cases of alleged child sex abuse.
What they should know, though, is that the national organization will continue, that the Cherokee Area Council is not filing for bankruptcy (and is a legally separate, not-for-profit chapter organization), and that all that they know and love about Scouting will continue.
Their trip to Skymont? That’s still on. The Pinewood Derby for the Cub Scouts? That’s still on. The upcoming Eagle Scout ceremony? That’s still on.