On The Scouting Trail: Wall Street Journal Article
Clarke Farrer 11-09-2023

Wall Street Journal         April 20, 2023     Page A7

An Open Letter to Scouts, Survivors, and All Who Share in Our Purpose

More than 110 years ago, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded with a singular purpose: to help young people become the very best versions of themselves.

The BSA has emerged from its financial restructuring and into the future. While the BSA takes its first steps out of bankruptcy, there is a sobering, profoundly tragic reality that we carry with us: more than 82,000 have come forward because of sexual abuse in Scouting.

To the thousands of lives that were forever changed when individuals took advantage of Scouting programs to abuse innocent children—we have failed you and we are truly, deeply sorry. Survivors, your bravery has moved us beyond words. On behalf of the BSA, and all who hold the future of the mission close to our hearts, please know: we will make it our lives’ work to honor you. Your courage will serve as a permanent reminder of the obligations we have to all young people in our programs.

Today, we look around and see a world more in need of the values of Scouting than ever before. We see young people in need of the opportunities to grow in confidence as leaders and individuals; we see families in need of meaningful experiences to bring them closer together and provide a brighter future for their children; and we see countless communities in need of service, support, and a greater sense of unity. And that is why we believe that continuing the mission of Scouting is important to our nation.

To be prepared, the BSA must adapt its timeless mission to meet the needs of young people—a future that is inextricably tied to the BSA‘s unyielding commitment to be a leader in youth protection. With the safety and wellbeing of all those in Scouting as our North Star, the BSA‘s hope for tomorrow is this: 

May we always act to keep young people safe, first and foremost.

May the stories of survivors and the trauma they have suffered be heard, believed, respected, and never forgotten.

Maybe we work tirelessly to be worthy of the legacy handed down by generations of Scouts who climbed mountains, earn merit badges, and taught us about the kind of people we want to be and, in turn, became the very best versions of themselves.

This is the legacy of the Boy Scouts of America—and with our priorities clear, our purpose steadfast, and our members united as one Scouting Family, the future of our organization in service of America’s young people is certain.

Yours in Scouting,

Boy Scouts of America,

Roger Mosby                     Dan Ownby                        Scott Sorrels 

CSE/President & CEO      National Chair                    National Commissioner