The executive committees of the boards for Milwaukee County Council and the Southeast Wisconsin Council have recommended a merger of the two Boy Scout councils at separate executive committee meetings earlier this month.
The issue moves forward toward a vote by the full board of each council. Those votes — June 29 for the Southeast Wisconsin Council (Racine and Kenosha Counties) and June 30 for the Milwaukee County Council, are the next major steps in the process. This process began earlier this year when the two groups agreed to study consolidation as a way to enhance Scouting in southeastern Wisconsin.
That study revealed several advantages to consolidation. Those include:
- Expanded Scouting program opportunities — More merit badge counselors, more merit badge clinics and other training for Scouts
- Expanded access to camp and events — Twice the number of council camps: Indian Mound Scout Reservation in Oconomowoc, LeFeber Northwoods Camps in Forest County, Camp OhDaKoTa in Burlington, and Robert S. Lyle Scout Reservation in Elcho
- Enhanced support for leaders — Stronger training programs and enhanced support and resources for adult leaders
Overall, the consolidation study committee determined that a unified council would create a better, stronger Scouting program for all of southeastern Wisconsin.
The consolidation committee will continue its discussions on June 14 and finalize documents for the respective executive boards to consider at their June 29 and 30 meetings.
If the executive boards recommend consolidation, a series of seven meetings will be scheduled throughout the area, offering charter organization representatives and Scouters an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of a unified council. Voting members of each council would then meet on September 7th for a council consolidation vote.
If the consolidation is approved at those September 7th Milwaukee County and Southeast Wisconsin Council meetings, and then by the National Office, a new council name would be selected, following National BSA guidelines.
Complete information about the consolidation proposal will soon be available at www.BetterStrongerScouting.info.