An announcement Tuesday that Boy Scouts of America has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy does not impact local troops or Cimarron Council, which serves 19 counties of northwest and north central Oklahoma.

Local councils, which provide programming, financial, facility and administrative support to Scouting units in their communities, have not filed for bankruptcy. They are legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization, according to a BSA news release.

The BSA bankruptcy filing will create a trust to compensate victims alleging they were sexually abused while participating in Boy Scout activities.

“The BSA cares deeply about all victims of abuse and sincerely apologizes to anyone who was harmed during their time in Scouting. We are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to harm innocent children,” Roger Mosby, BSA president and chief executive officer said.

“While we know nothing can undo the tragic abuse that victims suffered, we believe the Chapter 11 process – with the proposed Trust structure – will provide equitable compensation to all victims while maintaining the BSA’s important mission.”

Scouting programs, including troop meetings and activities, council events, other Scouting activities and service projects, will not be affected by the bankruptcy filings, according to the news release

“The BSA fully intends to maintain its commitments to its members, families, volunteer leaders, employees, retirees, do-donors and alumni to the fullest extent permitted by bankruptcy laws,” the news release said.