Update from the Scout Executive

Dear LEC Scouting Family,

Let me begin by apologizing for not being able to communicate sooner. It has always been my approach to be immediately responsive with the hope that you would hear both good and bad news directly from the council if possible. Unfortunately, a set of evolving circumstances prevented us from a mass distribution prior to yesterday evening.

By now, you are likely aware that yesterday a former adult member was arrested and charged in federal court with production of child pornography. We were disturbed to learn about and condemn these charges. Nothing is more important than the safety of our youth members and we take these charges very seriously. Upon learning of the investigation by Homeland Security, we removed this individual and prohibited him from any future participation in our programs.

In addition, you have likely seen mention of an incident that occurred in June of 2017.  Let me assure you that this incident was both thoroughly reviewed at the time and the appropriate action was taken. While that incident was different in scope and kind to this case, in our determination and efforts to fulfill our commitment to protecting our youth and to fully cooperate with the authorities, we were able to provide information to Homeland Security that resulted in criminal charges.

The Boy Scouts of America seeks to prevent child abuse through comprehensive policies and procedures to serve as barriers to abuse. These include a thorough screening process for adult leaders and staff, criminal background checks, requiring two or more adult leaders be present with youth at all times during Scouting activities, and the prompt mandatory reporting of any allegation or suspicion of abuse.

Anyone with any information on potential abuse should contact authorities to ensure the safety of our youth, in and out of Scouting. For more information about the BSA’s youth protection policies, please visit bsayouthprotection.org. 

We are committed to providing ongoing support to victims and their families, including counseling. We want to help victims heal, on their own terms, with a professional counselor of their choice. Through the ScoutsFirst Helpline, the Boy Scouts of America offers assistance with counseling to any youth member, former youth member, or the family of any youth member who suffered abuse during their time in Scouting. To reach the ScoutsFirst Helpline, call (844)- Scouts1 or 844-726-8871, or email scouts1st@scouting.org. 

In addition, if you have specific questions about this case, please contact Homeland Security at 216-749-9602. As this matter is ongoing, they are the only ones who are able to provide answers to our questions. Know that we continue to cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate this matter. 

Yours in service to youth and families, 

Marc J. Ryan 

Scout Executive / CEO 
Lake Erie Council, Boy Scouts of America

A message from our Scout Executive.

A message from our Scout Executive.

As you may have heard, earlier today a Scouter was arrested. We were disturbed to learn of these allegations. Nothing is more important than the safety of our youth members. Upon learning of the investigation by Homeland Security, we removed this individual and prohibited him from any future participation in our programs.

We seek to prevent child abuse through comprehensive policies and procedures to serve as barriers to abuse. These include a thorough screening process for adult leaders and staff, criminal background checks, requiring two or more adult leaders be present with youth at all times during Scouting activities, and the prompt mandatory reporting of any allegation or suspicion of abuse.

Anyone with any information on potential abuse should contact authorities to ensure the safety of our youth, in and out of Scouting. 

We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate this matter.

As this matter is ongoing, please contact the authorities with any further questions. Or, for more information about the BSA’s youth protection policies, please visit bsayouthprotection.org.

Yours in service to youth and families,

Marc Ryan
Scout Executive/CEO
Lake Erie Council

Council Impact Meetings

Dear LEC Scouting Family,

It has been some time since I reached out directly to the overall LEC family. Perhaps too long. As we quickly close in on the two-year anniversary of our existence, there is so much we can and should be proud of here in the Lake Erie Council. As one of the newest councils in the BSA, we continue to challenge norms and long-held “traditions” all in the search for answers on how we can better serve and connect with today’s families and provide meaningful and needed solutions to the community. That said, significant work remains to achieve our full potential. Specifically, efforts in rebuilding our infrastructure, volunteer and staff, to emphasize the critical importance of placing our “units at the center” are not yet where they need to be to reach the impact they were intended to deliver.

Perhaps one of the great things we’ve accomplished is that everyone agrees that change was and is necessary. However, change is never easy. We knew that as we left the docks, but it is undoubtedly time that those who are ready and willing to move to the front of the boat do, so we, can begin to focus on our new horizon. Our new unit-based structure, known as the Unit Service, Tools and Program Model, has not yet found its footing. Confusion remains. Frustration rears its head from time-to-time. While unfortunate, I am confident that some level of confusion and frustration often comes along when changing/attempting to improve a 108-year-old model. One thing remains certain, we are all in the same boat and there are well over 12,000 young people and 500 units that are counting on us to row together.

On April 1, 2016, we held our first Scouter’s Summit. Today I am pleased to announce the next iteration of that meeting.  The Council Impact Meetings will begin with a series of three dates over the coming six months designed to accelerate the execution of the new model and deliver tangible resources to our units as they prepare to plan their 2019-2020 Ideal Year of Scouting. At the end of the 3 meetings, a regular Council Impact Meeting schedule will be released. ALL SCOUTERS ARE INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

Disclaimer: With a council as large as ours and with as many activities already on the calendar, a conflict or two is generally likely. I have worked diligently to limit potential conflicts to the best of my ability.

Council Impact Meeting # 1

Saturday, December 8, 2018

8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Continental breakfast included: pastries, fruit, juice & coffee

RSVP required - Click https://scoutingevent.com/440-ImpactMeeting

Rocky River United Methodist Church; 19414 Detroit Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116

Desired Outcomes:

  • Clarify and finalize Unit Service, Tools and Program Model 

  • Introduce and determine who does what 

  • Assign key tasks to be completed by the next meeting (2/16) including Golden Circle Exercises and full staffing of teams 

  • Order of The Arrow Presentation- State of the Lodge Address to the Council 

  • Introduce 2019 Giving in Partnership Campaign (formerly known as Friends of Scouting)- seek participation from staff and volunteers 

  • Membership Update - What is our new makeup and what does the future hold? 

  • Engage in discussion and feedback 

  • Seek significant buy-in and develop a strong and prideful partnership between staff and volunteers 

Council Impact Meeting # 2

Saturday, February 16, 2019

8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Continental breakfast included: pastries, fruit, juice & coffee

RSVP required - Click https://scoutingevent.com/440-ImpactMeeting

Location to be announced at December 8th meeting

Desired Outcomes:

  • Updates and deliverables on key tasks assigned from last meeting (12/8) 

  • Assign key tasks to be completed by next meeting (4/6) including completing Aug. 2019 - Sept. 1, 2020 calendar process and building the Unit Resource Workshops 

  • 2018 year review?

  • Update on 2019 Giving in Partnership Campaign 

  • LEC Camping Presentation - The summer of 2019! 

  • Unit Funding - Scouts Own Maple Syrup launch 

  • Scouts BSA - an update on new endeavors 

  • Engage in discussion and feedback 

  • Continue to build strong buy-in and develop a strong and prideful partnership between staff and volunteers 

Council Impact Meeting # 3

Saturday, April 6, 2019 (2 years since our first summit)

8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Continental breakfast included: pastries, fruit, juice & coffee

RSVP required - Click https://scoutingevent.com/440-ImpactMeeting

Location to be announced at or before February 16th meeting

Desired Outcomes:

  • Updates and deliverables on key tasks assigned from last meeting (2/16) 

  • Aug. 2019 - Sept. 1, 2020 calendar launched

  • Unit Resource Workshops plans finalized

  • Update on 2019 Giving in Partnership Campaign 

  • Unit funding - Popcorn plan launch 

  • Future schedule launched for Council Impact Meetings (these) 

  • Engage in discussion and feedback 

  • Solidify the needed strong buy-in and galvanize a solid and prideful partnership between staff and volunteers 

As I hope you can see, the plan is to lay out and execute on an aggressive timeline. Related, at the end of this series of meetings, our council will be well positioned to effectively deliver the critical support and resources our units need to plan their 2019-2020 adventures.  

I’ve longed believed in the adage that all of us are smarter than any or some of us. I’ve also long known that Scouters can and will accomplish anything they set their mind to. We are on the right path. I believe that with every grain of my existence. I am honored to serve alongside you in the world’s best valued based youth movement! Let’s stick together and be ever mindful that the things that unite us will always be stronger and more important than anything that could possibly divide us!

Thanks for all that you’ve done to get us to this point and all that we will do together to move us forward!

Yours in service to youth and families,

Marc J. Ryan

Scout Executive / CEO

Lake Erie Council, Boy Scouts of America

Holidays at Camp

Join us in December for Holidays at Camp! The whole family is invited for a winter celebration at Beaumont and Firelands Scout Reservations. Scouts can enjoy activities such as wreath-making, a winter hike, cookie & gingerbread house decorating, pictures with Santa, holiday crafts and a delicious dinner. 

The first weekend of Holidays at Camp kicks off December 1, 2018, at Beaumont Scout Reservation, followed by the second weekend of holiday fun on December 8, 2018,  at Firelands Scout Reservation. We hope you kick-off your holiday season with the Lake Erie Council!

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