I would like to make your readers aware of some information circulating regarding the potential sale of Will J. Reid Scout Park.
But first, I’d like to make your readers aware of the mission of the Boy Scouts. The mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
For nearly two decades the Council’s volunteer leadership and professional staff has struggled to meet the Council’s financial obligations and address maintenance issues on its properties. Also, over the years several factors, including a change in the community, increasingly demanding facility maintenance and a significant decline in this camp’s usage, coupled with the current economy and shrinking membership, have made this property a financial liability.
Last Wednesday (June 2), the board of directors of the Long Beach Area Council voted to seek proposals for alternate uses of Will J. Reid Scout Park, which may include its sale or lease. It also voted to entertain proposals from brokers or other advisors to assist in evaluating the market and, if necessary, to advise and represent it in a sale.
It’s important to note that this was not a vote to sell Will J. Reid: it is only the first step in what will be a strategic process to explore ways to ensure the Council’s financial condition and sustainability for the future. We need to first identify what our options are under the current circumstances and then determine the most prudent course of action.
In the meantime, the Council will continue to seek alternatives to enhance its financial security. The president of the Council appointed a chairman to form a committee that will organize a short-term campaign to help stabilize the Council’s finances, which will include reducing our inter-fund loan and attending to some critical deferred maintenance on our properties.
In addition, we will be holding two meetings to discuss our current financial challenges and to talk about potential options as we move forward. The first meeting will be held at Will J Reid, 4747 Daisy Ave., on Tuesday, June 22 at 7pm, and the second meeting will be on Saturday, June 26 at 9am at the Sea Base, 5875 Appian Way. Our collective goal is to continue to deliver quality programs to our youth by virtue of having a sustainable and viable Council.
Questions can be directed to John Fullerton, Scout Executive for the Long Beach Area Council at (562) 427-0911.
Albert Guerra
VP Marketing
Boy Scouts
Long Beach Area Council
