Resources for Units Chartered to Catholic Churches

Catholic Church & Scouting
Resources for Buckeye Council Leaders

The Catholic Church is a long-standing partner with Buckeye Council in providing character development, leadership training, and mentorship to youth through scouting programs. Hundreds of youth, leaders, and their families have been, and continue to be, positively impacted through this valued partnership.

Recently the Youngstown Diocese of the Catholic Church provided instructions to local church leadership regarding their future involvement as a chartered partner for scouting units. In short, local parishes have been instructed not to enter into any new written agreements with their local council including charter agreements and to let current agreements expire. Moving forward they intend to continue supporting scout units through a Facility Use Agreement where units would be able to use their space to meet, but they will no longer charter units. This announcement creates some questions about the future of your unit, and we stand ready to assist you in answering those questions and navigating the path forward.

Please note: Only units in the Youngstown Diocese (units in Stark and Columbiana counties) are directly impacted at this time. There is limited information currently available as the Diocese did not notify the Buckeye Council about this change. We have begun working on tools to assist you and will be in direct contact with more information as soon as possible.

Please review the following guidance on this matter:

• Buckeye Council values our partnership with Catholic Churches across our territory.
• Your unit is still chartered and will continue to be, until your current charter expires. You should continue to deliver the scouting program in the weeks and months ahead.
• For units in the Youngstown Diocese only (units in Stark and Columbiana counties) - a new chartered partner is needed for your unit and Buckeye Council staff will help to ensure that one is found and that the program continues for your scouts and families. You should suspend your activity towards the recharter process at this time. The change to a new charter partner must be made before you can complete the recharter process.
• For units in all other Dioceses - No action should be taken at this time by the leadership of your unit. However, a similar announcement may be coming.
• Any questions or concerns should be directed to Nathan Hopper, Director of Field Service for Buckeye Council, at [Click for member's page] / 330.580.4272 ext 133.

Download the Next Steps Transition Guidebook

This guidebook provides resources and important information for how to proceed through this transition. It is critical for unit, council, and chartered organization leadership to be in close communication and collaboration throughout this process. We value our partnership with the Catholic Church and look forward to working together to provide unique and impactful experiences for youth and families for many years to come. 

NEW CHARTERED ORGANIZATION PROSPECTING & SALES MATERIALS

• New Unit Prospect Profile Worksheet
• The Role of the Chartered Organization
• Scouting Programs Overview
  
• How Scouting Works Infographic
• Strengthening Youth Through Scouting Sales Book (Buckeye Council has printed copies of this book)
• BSA General Liability Insurance Coverage for Chartered Organizations
  

FINAL PAPERWORK TO COMPLETE

• New Unit Application
• BSA Adult Application for new Chartered Organization Representative
• The Annual Unit Charter Agreement
• Release / Assumption of Unit Charter
• Facility Use Agreement - COMING SOON