The third and final column addressing a challenging topic: the Boy Scouts (now Scouting America) and a century of sexual abuse, recent lawsuits against the organization and its decision to file for bankruptcy, plus ongoing efforts to address this sorry situation. Throughout this series, I’m indebted to my friend Tom, a survivor/advocate, who I’ve turned to for information and for reviewing and editing preliminary drafts.
It must be noted, there’s much that’s positive about scouting. As one writer noted, “It’s Norman Rockwell and apple pie, fresh air and the rewards of nature… wholesome, patriotic, and God-fearing – and, sure, a bit hokey.” This series is an attempt to explain this complex situation for a more “grassroots scouting constituency” since it’s at the local, community level, where scouting becomes relevant. And, where hokey in the name of character-building somehow feels fitting and appropriate.
In this concluding column, I’ll share five observations about the scouting saga.
This story is far from over. I asked Tom to employ a baseball analogy to describe where things stand in a very time-consuming process. He settled on the seventh inning stretch in the second game of a three-game series. The first game focused on survivors speaking out. The current game is about a five-year bankruptcy process. The next game will determine if the organization can move beyond its shortcomings and establish transparent, accountable youth protection.
One of the most complex lawsuits and bankruptcies in U.S. history involves a national organization, 82,000 claimants, more than two hundred councils, maybe one-hundred insurance companies, and thousands of chartering organizations (such as churches). While the national organization sought to shield local councils, claimants will seek to enlarge the Settlement Trust, with councils a likely target. When will it end? Confining this question to final payments, it will be years, perhaps another decade.
Much of the focus now comes under the heading of payout. Initial estimates of the scouts’ liability ranged from $2.4 billion to $103 billion (yikes!); a victim-sponsored tally estimated $30 billion. Obviously, very wide differences. So, how much will victims/survivors receive, which backs into the question, how large is the Settlement Trust for compensating victims/survivors? Currently, the account is $2.46 billion; in June 2025, the estimated cost of compensating victim/survivors reached $7 billion. Worth noting: at least 5,000 claimants chose a “quick pay” option to receive $3,500; furthermore, legal fees are an estimated 30 - 40 percent.
The Trust has billed non-settling insurers for an additional $7 billion, however insurers dispute such claims. If agreements aren’t reached, litigation against 83 insurers might take years, increasing the chances that survivors won’t receive full compensation. When all the dust settles, insurance companies will be the largest payers into the Settlement Trust.
Childhood sexual violence is a silent pandemic. An estimated 1-in-6 men experienced sexual abuse before age 18, in schools, youth programs, churches, homes, etc. A non-profit organization, “1in6,” suggests the actual number may be even higher since male survivors are disinclined to acknowledge being sexually abused. Stereotypes about masculinity and sexuality mean many males suffering silently.
The impact of abuse is different for each victim/survivor. That said, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, the nation’s largest anti-sexual abuse organization, sexual abuse survivors (both men & women) are 3 times more likely to suffer from depression; 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide; 6 times more likely to suffer from PTSD; 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol; and 26 times more likely to abuse drugs when compared to those not abused.
In researching this topic, I encountered a new (to me) term: “delayed disclosure”. The National Institutes of Health estimates between 55% and 70% of those experiencing childhood sexual abuse delay disclosure until adulthood. Delay lengths vary but have been reported of up to sixty years; the mean age of disclosure for adults sexually abused as children is between 40 and 50 years old.
In short, there are a great many hurting males between ages 20 and 40 carrying a burden of psychological “toxins” they’ve not yet come to terms with.
Organizations must be vigilant. Every organization that works with children and adolescents faces abuse risks. Far too many, including the Scouts, attempt to deny or hide serious behavioral problems — such as sexual abuse — which obviously does not make the problem go away. As one critic observed, “(The Scouts) essentially had a product defect they were ignoring. This organization was built in a way that molesters could get in, abuse kids, and get away with it.”
For decades, Boy Scouts and its leaders chose organizational protection over child protection. Thanks to lawsuits and news reporting, this is now available for all to see.
The future of scouting is unclear. Boy Scouts of America recently rebranded itself “Scouting America,” conveying a more inclusive, up-to-date organizational approach. According to the entity’s website, “This change highlights our ability to adapt while staying true to our core mission: preparing young people for life through leadership, resilience, and environmental stewardship.” It’s too early to gauge whether the right words are reflective of a innovative, dynamic, inviting culture.
People inside and outside the organization are divided about whether the organization can thrive again. But one thing is clear: it will NOT be the same program Americans have come to know. Again, from the website: “While the core of Scouting — camping, hiking, canoeing, and other outdoor adventures — remains timeless, the program now incorporates skills designed for the modern world. With a focus on STEM programs, Scouts (are equipped) for a tech-driven future. Sustainability initiatives (prepare Scouts) to be mindful citizens in a world increasingly focused on conservation.”
One concluding statement, an attempt to encapsulate the scouting challenge and dilemma. This quote is from an editorial writer who benefited greatly from his Boy Scout experience, pondering what he learned more recently. “Fond memories can get mixed up with dark questions and horrible truths. I learned that it’s easy to be angry. It is harder to be both angry and grateful.”
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My column is published weekly in the Nora Springs - Rockford Register and I’m also part of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative (IWC). I’m pleased to be affiliated with both of these platforms. Below is a roster of my IWC colleagues.