Anyone Find $250,000???

Dear Scouuts, [sic] Scouters and concerned Friends of Scouting...

The pasion, concern and dedication to our LBAC shown by our members over the last few weeks has been overwhelming. Although it is a shame that it takes a "crisis" for all to rally on such an important cause...it is more important that we now have "all hands on deck" tp prove to our Council Board what we are really made of. [sic]

I have heard comments that our execuitive [sic] board is cold and heartless to even consider selling an asset as important as our beloved WJR. I believe that this is far from the truth. The true fact is that they are charged with maintaining the health, financial stability and sustainability of our 90 year old Council all while delivering a quality program to our youth. This is a tall order.

Please remember that they, and all of us in our individual units, by association with LBAC, have accepted the sheparding responsibility to continue the mission of hard work and Scouting tradition that was laid down by those Scouters that waked in our shoes long before we came on the scene. Our three camps are absolute jewels and the autonomy of our LB Council has a long and proud heritige. We were all handed this legacy on a silver platter when we signed up and it is up to ALL of us to maintain and grow it...or squander it. [sic]

Belaboring the past and trying to point fingers has no positive result. The board's first and formost responsibility is to protect our autonomy and charter and a guaranteed "fix" would be to sell WJR.. Asside from balancing our books it would provide a substantial endowment increase which would produce in excess ( i understand) of $300K every year of funds available for overhead, capitol improvements etc.....but no more WJR and home to our Cubby program, Training facility, and our neighborhood hideout. [sic]

The board is entertaining this option for one reason .sustainability of our Council and protecting our Tahquitz legecy..the heart of LBAC. Past history of under utilization, low user fees, deferred maintenence to name a few points has made WJR an anchor around our neck. The difference could easily be made up every year through a strong FOS program.....BUT...the current culture and FOS trends has proven that we can ony count on a low percentage of families to kick in to the cause....typically the same deicated faces that attend every unit meeting, campout, parent meeting, training, Council "call for help" and work days. The only reason that we have even a marginal FOS showing is that these few families step up BIG and in essence carry the load for those who do not. [sic]

What group do you resemble?? Are you in yet?

If every family, roughly 4000 registered Youth, stepped up for only 20 bucks… chicken feed... that is $80.000. at $100.00 each.... $400,000 which would blow our FOS goal out of the water. At the Gold level $225 we would be at $900,000..... problem solved in ONE campaign with funds left over to bolster our programs!

The future of our Council is now up to a vote... a wallet vote. By reaching the benchmark gaol [sic] in 90 days of $250,000.00 we will send a message to our Board that we as Scouters and concerned parents DO care and are willing to shoulder the load.... We need 100% participation... Are you in yet?

I am already in.... and will be upping my # shortly. My Troop is in. We now need you and your unit in too.... everyone at whatever level fits your situation. In my circle this extends to grandparents, personal friends and business contacts too.

Please stay tuned as our drive picks up steam. We need all the help we can get to spread the message. Are you in Yet?

Yours in Scouting


Blake Whitney
Asst. Scoutmaster Troop 29

Are You In Yet?

Hello,

Yes there will be a coordinated effort to safe [sic] this Council and Will J Reid. I invite you all to be a part of the solution.

I was appointed at Wednesday's Executive Board meeting by Council President Jim Jeffrey to head up a fund raising effort to raise $250,000 in 90 days.

That's a tall order; but I believe we can do it. Blake Whitney, ASM Troop 29 and the leader of our recent Centennial Camporee at Emerald Bay, believes we can as well. He has offered a great theme for the campaign; Are You In? It's fitting. Don't you agree?

The truth of the matter is that our Council is in jeopardy of getting a Provisional Charter from National in January 2010. That's 'scouting-speak' that equates to having a 1 year probation-of-sorts to get our finances turned-around or be merged with a neighboring Council. Not because we don't have quality programs, youth, volunteers, training or properties. We do!

It's that our financial model that is unsustainable. We slashed spending by laying off many staff members. That's the Scout Executive's job. Our job as volunteers is to raise more Friends of Scouting dollars. Are you In?

Some have [sic] you have asked for financial transparency. That's reasonable and appropriate. I believe we have nothing to hide. This is our Council. We have a new Scout Executive John Fullerton since July 2009. I've often said; It's a brand new day at LBAC. He's a terrific individual. He has my full faith and confidence as does his team of scouting professionals.

Our current problems have really been festering for a number of years. The truth is our past Scout Executive did not have strong financial monitoring [The Scout Executive works for the elected Executive board; did the Executive Board fail to do their job?] or fund raising skills. I can't change the past. I can provide leadership for the present and the future. Are you in?

The focus seems to be all on WJR. But the real focus should be our Council. Since the strategy offered by the committee is to sell WJR to save the Council. Which while a tidy solution that would pay off debt, provide for substantial needed resources for capital improvements to Camp Tahquitz and Sea Base. Then deposit about $5 million to our endowment raising it to about $8 million. Which in turn would generate (at 4% return) approximately $320,000 in investment income.

Again a tidy solution that would make us very sustainable. But, and its a big but, we would lose our beloved WJR. As those who are following this issue closely are aware, I stood up at Wednesday's meeting and offered an alternative strategy.

My strategy is to clearly articulate the issue to our council family, with honesty and clarity, then commence to raise the funds to sustain the Council so we don't have to sell now (in a down market) allowing for some to develop solid plans for our 10 acre park that would likely include community partnerships that will include improvements to the property, increase youth usage and fees generated making the property sustainable for the long term. Are you in?

Tonight and Friday my focus is on a grand Centennial Camporee celebration this Saturday. Come join us and pour your best scouting enthusiasm and support toward it.

Encourage your Scouting Circle to do the same. That includes both current and alumni scouts, friends, family and neighbors.

Let's show our true commitment that includes both emotional and financial commitment to our Council. Our children and community deserve nothing less! Are you in?

I will be leading the Centennial Campfire. Let's enjoy this celebration to provide a terrific commencement to this challenge before us.

Yours in Scouting,

Brian C. Russell
Los Fierros District Chair

Board Meeting Update 06/02/10

Dear Scouters,

Let me start with thanking everyone for coming out today. We had about 30 Scouters there (including one Cub Scout and his young sister) for the meeting. The press was also there today so look for stories that will come out tomorrow. There were also a few published today. I have some links below. Although the same courtesy was not extended to the Scouters who attended today's meeting, I would like to remind those who are contacting the council, to be please remember that most of these folks have only been with us a brief period of time. It appears that many of the problems we are facing have been building for some time (more on that later), so the current professional staff did not cause this to happen. Please treat them accordingly and in compliance with the Scout Oath and Law. With that in mind, here is our update for today:

We are not sure that you know, but apparently we are a corporation. That term was used over and over today as the board voted (legalese aside) to attempt to sell Will J Reid Scout park. We always thought that we were a youth serving group - not some "corporation" that seems to be more interested in the health of the "corporation" than the program they were charged to deliver. It seems we may have been misinformed. It was particularly painful to watch as as several board members recounted how many years they have served on the board and in Scouting. There were several past board presidents there as well. Several noted that the financial problems were 20 years in the making. Somehow they failed to mention that they were actually serving on the board - and did not to fix the problem - during the time this was building. The amazing part was that they all said that they didn't want to sell the park, yet nearly all of them voted to do just that (again legalese aside). It was very clear that the only reason the board allowed us in to watch the meeting was to try to convince us that they were doing the right thing.

In all, about five voted against the idea and 20 voted for it. There was a call for abstentions, and it seemed that there were more board members there, but no one raised their hand to abstain. One would have thought that a vote this important would be a role call vote, so there was no confusion, but the board president decided on his own to go with a hand vote.

There were some voices of reason. Mara Childers seems to understand where we were coming from and Karen Codman also made some great common sense suggestions. Brian Russell also tried to at least stall the proceedings until other options could be investigated. Both Mara and Brian had some ideas on fundraising but both ideas were basically tabled at the meeting. Another board member (who's name I did not get) said that even of we sell Will J Reid, it may not be enough to save the council. What's next, Tahquitz?

Speaking of fundraising, have you donated to FOS? Has your unit donated? How about your neighbor or work? Remember, that this is all about money (as disgusting as it sounds, it is). The council's goal was $50.00 per Scout as I recall. There are some units who have not donated any money and others where donations are way down. If you are a member of those units, please reconsider. Talk to those who have not donated and see if we can bring in some more dollars. We are facing a process now that will result in the sale of a major program resource and big part of Cub Scouting and training in the council. It will also affect the other area councils and other groups who use the park. This sale will permanently cripple the LBAC and in particular, the Cub Scout program in our council. Let's see if we can help.

Today's number for the outstanding debt is $710K according to John Fullerton. He told me (Tim) that the $500K number that was quoted to those of us who attended the budget meetings in February was for the end of the last fiscal year, it wasn't made clear at the time. We still are hearing that the actual number is different, but $710K is the "official" number. Most, if not all of it, is to repay the endowment fund.

There was an ad hoc committee formed today that was charged with raising funds for the council. Although the board would not earmark the funds to any property, it can only help. This is a short term committee that has been charged with raising $250K in a a relatively short period of time. Hopefully, the committee will be allowed to do their job and more information will be provided to us later.

Finally, I spoke briefly to John Fullerton today. He says that he wants to work with us to find a solution. We are not sure what to do about that so we are looking for ideas from you. In my mind (Tim) and in the mind of a chartered organization rep that emailed me, we could start with more transparency from the council. I will now shamelessly borrow/build upon from some of their ideas. The council should provide:

• Organization charts, bylaws and governing documents for the LBAC and Board of Directors (for example, it appears that they do not follow Robert's Rules as noted by the Board President today) including terms of office and rules regarding removal of members
• Financial records for the last several years including loans from the endowments
• Title/lease documents related to all of the LBAC properties including any encumbrances
• Detailed information on how the funds will be spent if Will J Reid is sold
• A detailed plan of improvements needed to transform Will J Reid to a first class Scout facility
What do you Scouter's think? Email me with your thoughts. We are also looking to see if we have any real estate or corporate attorneys among us for a possible next step.

In the media:
http://www.lbreport.com/

http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_15211791

http://www.gazettes.com/articles/2010/06/02/community_news/doc4c06a1cd2d017298735967.txt

Web Site to Save Youth Camps

http://www.savecamps.org/

A Sad State

It is a sad testament when only 30% of those whom have voted against selling Will J. Reid in the online poll have and/or are willing to put their name to paper and also sign the petition against the sale.

The Executive Committee vote is only a day away and I have heared a lot of talk about how wrong it is to sell WJR, but so little effort shown to back up those words. It takes no efforts to put name to petition, but it will take a tremendous effort to hold your head up after the vote when you stood by and did nothing. I hope I am not disappointed in my trust in the Scouters of the LBAC and that there is a last minute flood of names on the petition or turn out at the sea base to protest this sale.

Can you turn to a Cub Scout and say "I tried" or will you have to explain to them, when they have no camp, why YOU DID NOTHING!

Letter from LBAC Scout Executive

LB Area Council Scout Executive John Fullerton tells LBReport.com

LB Area Council Scout Executive John Fullerton tells LBReport.com that although board meetings aren't usually open, "if there are people who'd like to come to observe and receive information, they're welcome"...with the following caveats in mind.

Mr. Fullerton noted that the meeting location (Boy Scout Sea Base 5875 Appian Way adjacent to LB Yacht Club) has limited space for the 7:30 a.m. meeting (and the Scout board has up to 40 boardmembers if they all choose to attend)...and there's only so-much room in the meeting room.

He said that although there won't be public comment at the board meeting, there will be at least two public meetings scheduled thereafter [no matter how the board votes; it could vote to approve, or not approve the committee's recommendation; or a boardmember could make some other motion] to get public input on the best course(s) of action and possible alternatives to pursue.

Mr. Fullerton stressed that the June 2 vote won't be a vote to sell the property but to begin a process that could put it on the market (there's no buyer currently). "In the meantime, if we can come up with a viable plan -- a truly viable alternative -- then I think there'd be support for it," he said.

Mr. Fullerton said the situation has been developing for some time. "Back in the 1950s and 60s, we had roughly 11,000 youth involved (for the LB Area Council which serves Bellflower, Lakewood, Signal Hill and Avalon). Today (at the end of last year), that figure was down to about 4,500. In 1971, we had 12,000 individual users of Will J. Reid for programs (an even larger number if one includes meetings on site). Last year, in same category, we had only about 3,700...and over half of that number came from Scout Councils outside our area or from other groups, so membership to support type of facility and usage have declined greatly and our ability to make payments has declined."

Mr. Fullerton said the LB Area Council has had two years of consecutive deficits...and national scouting officials have put LB on notice that if it can't show financial sustainability, there's a chance the LB Charter may not be renewed...and in that case the LB Area Council would be absorbed by Greater LA Council or OC Council...and neither have use for Will J. Reid Scout Park, he said.

He also noted that the OC Boy Scouts have opened up two new properties in the last five years...and while they require a drive from LB (including Oso Lake, roughly 45 minutes), they offer new facilities beyond the scope of Will J. Reid.

Mr. Fullerton added, "Many of our boardmembers camped at Will J. Reid when they were kids. Others have camped there recently with their kids. This board isn't some group of disengaged people; they're very engaged on this...and nobody wants to see the camp close."

He added, "If the board approves putting the property on the market, it will start a lengthy process. It would enable us to be prepared that if and when the market comes around to have a better price when people would look at the property. And in the meantime, we'll have public meetings to see if there are viable alternatives."

Some comments from others wanting to save WJR

It would be a huge tragedy to see the sale of WJR. This is a park that benefits HUNDREDS
of kids throughout the year. If they indeed sell this park...they will never be able to
replace it with anything that is as helpful to our scouts, packs, troops, and crews. It
will be the beginning of the end of Long Beach Area Council.

For many within our Council, WJR provides the only opportunity for camping and other

outdoor related activities. It would be a shame to sell such a valuable piece of land that

provides so much opportunity. Selling of properties that provide program opportunities
should be the last resort, only after other means have been tried and failed. Simply
estimating failure or success should not be the determining factor, real action should.

from Suzanne M. Millett titled Selling our Heritage:

June 2nd, 2010 will mark a sad day in the history of the Long Beach Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. At 7:30 in the morning, the Executive Board will meet inside our Sea Base facility to vote on selling off a generous gift by one of our local business leaders to the youth of our community.

I am of course speaking about Will J. Reid Scout Park, located just south of Del Amo Blvd, adjacent to the Los Angeles river system. This approximately 12 acres of open space was gifted to our local Scouts in 1941; and includes classrooms, a pool, and amphitheater; and has hosted thousands of our local youth over the decades. There, they have perhaps had their first camping experience, learned how to cook in the outdoors, shot B B guns and arrows, learned the proper handling of woods tools, and just enjoyed communing with nature, all without leaving our city limits. What a rarity for an urban community such as ours.

I don't believe that Will J. Reid intended for this property to be sold for development, but rather to stay in the hands of those that would cherish it as a retreat in a big town. If you share these thoughts, and especially if you yourself or your family have had fond memories of this camp, please help me in saving this gem.

Again, the vote to sell this facility will take place at the BSA Sea Base, adjacent to the Long Beach Yacht Club, at 7:30 A.M. on June 2nd (Wednesday). This is early enough that you might consider stopping by on your way to work and making your thoughts known to the Board Members, as they assemble.

You may also consider contributing to our Friends of Scouting campaign, as a way of preserving our park...