All –
We want to update you on a new documentary titled Scouts Honor, which will be released on Netflix on September 6, 2023.
While we have not yet seen it, nor has anyone at the National level of the BSA, we expect the film will recount the experiences of survivors of abuse in the BSA and cover topics such as our youth protection policies, speculation about how reports of abuse were handled by the BSA, and questions about safety in Scouting today.
The BSA was contacted and interviewed during the film’s production to try to address any misconceptions about the BSA and our commitment to youth safety. Our hope is that the documentary properly portrays the BSA’s side of the story in a factual and meaningful manner.
Despite efforts to inform the documentarians, we expect some aspects of the film to mischaracterize the BSA’s actions and likely raise some questions and concerns about Scouting.
We strongly believe that Scouting is safer than ever before, and that the safety of youth in our programs is our absolute top priority. The BSA continues to be on the forefront of developing youth protection policies to strengthen and enhance our efforts to protect youth through clear policies, training of adult volunteers and effective screening of volunteers. We want our parents, volunteers, donors, employees, and all those we serve to know and understand the BSA’s commitment to youth protection.
What Can You Do?
If you or anyone you meet has questions about how we work hard to keep everyone safe in Scouting, please contact us at scott.impecoven@scouting.org. Also, please visit our updated Safety page at https://otcbsa.org/safe-scouting/ where you’ll find more information about the safety-centered culture we all are creating in the Oregon Trail Council.
Thank you for all you do to make the BSA something we can all be proud of – a close-knit community that is bettering lives across the country and shaping the next generation of leaders.
Yours in Scouting,
Randy Hill, OTC Board President
Phil Westover, OTC Council Commissioner
Scott Impecoven, OTC Scout Executive
