Mountaineer Area Council & Ohio River Valley Council
Merger Frequently Asked Questions
Dear Mountaineer Area Council & Ohio River Valley Council:
Scouting remains a vital program for youth around the world. Expanding opportunity to young people with diverse backgrounds makes us stronger, and we want to continue this positive momentum. As you are aware, the Mountaineer Area and Ohio River Valley councils have been in discussions to unite.
Conversations have been ongoing for some time, and we have been working together to develop short- and long-term plans. We have passionate, dedicated leaders and volunteers who want to see Scouting grow and prosper in our region. We believe combining these organizations will make us a very strong council – one that is prepared, committed and able to meet the everchanging needs of our youth.
Of course, our success also relies on the steady mentorship and leadership of our volunteers across our Scouting community. Local involvement is critical, and we want to broaden our reach to connect youth to our local communities.
We are excited about the future of Scouting. Our goal, as always, is to provide a high level of service to you and the youth we serve.
On Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10, voting members of the Mountaineer Area and Ohio River Valley councils voted to unite the two councils. Please see the frequently asked questions below. As always, you are welcome to reach out to merger@mountaineerscouting.org with additional questions or feedback.
last updated 12/4/2024
Our focus continues to be on the mission of Scouting America and providing youth with meaningful experiences that help them be the best version of themselves. Together, we are stronger and more sustainable.
We anticipate formally recognizing and chartering the combined Council by the national Scouting America organization by early 2025, based on the approval of the West Virginia Secretary of State.
UPDATE: The merger was approved by the West Virginia Secretary of State to be effective December 1, 2024.
The new Council will operate under the Mountaineer Area Council name. Any subsequent renaming must be approved by the executive board of the newly formed council. The headquarters will be in Wheeling. To best serve our Scouts, leaders, volunteers and families, the Mountaineer Area Council will maintain current service centers in both legacy Councils.
Two. Each legacy Council will become a district. District names will be determined later.
The current staff will continue to provide support as we grow to reach even more youth in these areas.
This transition should not include any significant changes to current operations. If anything, we hope to increase program opportunities within our new Council.
No action is required at the time of the merger. The changes will automatically take place during the normal, annual re-charter process.
Camp Mountaineer, Fort Steuben Scout Reservation and Sandscrest Scout Reservation will all continue to operate as usual. The new governing board of the Council will evaluate all properties for a period of no less than 12 months following the merger, and develop a long-range plan.
They will be combined as described in the National Lodge Merger Handbook for Councils. A youth-led transition task force will guide the lodges through this process.
No. We are committed to keeping the cost of local Scouting as low as possible. The new Council’s registration fee (currently $25 for MAC, $0 for ORVC annually) will be $0 for at least 12 months following the merger effective date and will be a decision of the new governing board to make if needed for financial sustainability.
Units with the same number will be provided an opportunity to discuss and recommend a solution amongst themselves. If the units cannot reach an agreement, assistance will be provided in identifying a solution.
No. A new CSP will be produced sometime in early 2025 to represent our new council. At that time, current members can consider changing their patch if they wish to. The new CSP will become the official one sold through the Scout Shops.