Locals react: Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy

Yuma, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Boy Scouts of America, a century’s old organization has filed for bankruptcy— a sign of financial instability amid about 300 lawsuits filed by men who say they were sexually assaulted as scouts.

This news raises concerns on a local level, but Yuma Boy Scouts officials say it’s specifically a Chapter 11 process to compensate victims.

Local Boy Scouts programs in Yuma County will not be financially affected by the recent bankruptcy.

Because of recent news, it's something local Boy Scouts volunteers find themselves reiterating to parents.

“People have always asked us what was going on, including parents and other leaders, and we would tell them, That it’s Chapter 11," says Rick Rademacher, District Vice Chair of the Yuma Boy Scouts.

"It’s reorganization, getting their finances straight, so they can cover expenses from the lawsuits they have, to still keep scouting going.”

Despite the lawsuits and raised scrutiny, Boy Scout volunteers are confident this aspect of American tradition will not fade away.

“Scouting is alive and well in Yuma, " Continued Rademacher. "We’re not going anywhere. We’re still having fun doing things for the community, and teaching our young people. We’ve got several events where Boy Scouts help out.”

Boy Scouts of America has already paid millions in settlements and legal costs since 2017. But now as a result of recent filing, all civil litigation concerning sex abuse is suspended.

Yuma Boy Scouts will continue to run future events as usual, and volunteers say they will continue to partake in community events, keeping with tradition.