Two Local Boy Scout Councils To Merge

Two local Boy Scout Councils are merging.

The Otschodela and Revolutionary Trails Councils of the Boy Scouts of America are joining forces.

A new and larger Council will be created to serve over 3,4000 youth across six counties in central New York.

Officials say merger discussions began eight months ago around a shared goal of attracting more youth to Scouting and creating a better Scouting experience.

“It made sense that two strong Councils could do more together than separately” said Rick Bamberger, Council President of the Otschodela Council headquartered in Oneonta. “The months-long feasibility study we conducted showed that this is the right thing to do. We are going to harness the combined strengths of both of our Councils to offer a world-class Scouting experience to our Scouts and volunteer leaders.”

With the vote of both Councils, the merger must be finalized with New York State and the National office of the BSA but will be completed in several months.

For more details on the merger, visit the Council website at www.scoutingcny.org.