For Immediate Release
As we communicated earlier this year, the Five Rivers Council and the Western New York Scout Council have been engaged in merger discussions. Since that announcement, the approval processes for both Councils have been completed. We are excited to let you know that, effective November 1, 2024, the councils will formally come together to create the new Great Falls Council, Boy Scouts of America.
The Great Falls Council will serve youth from the greater Buffalo area, the Southern Tier of NY, and the Northern Tier of PA. It will continue to operate Scout service centers in Cheektowaga, Elmira, and Oakfield, as well as Camp Gorton, Camp Scouthaven, and Camp Sam Wood.
The Great Falls Council leadership will be:
- Kevin Cross, Council President
- John Sharkey and Bob Confer, Executive Vice Presidents
- John Moscati, Council Commissioner
- Marc McGrain, Assistant Council Commissioner
- Gary Decker, Scout Executive & CEO
- James McMullen, Deputy Scout Executive
A full list of board members and staff will be announced as it is finalized. The transition process will take a few months as we work with BSA National on many system issues behind the scenes. We are excited about the future of Scouting in the newly forming Great Falls Council and believe that we are truly better together. Thank you for all you do for Scouting and the amazing young people we serve.
We will continue to communicate via email and on our website (https:/fiveriversbsa.org) as we go through the process. If you have any questions, please contact your District or Council leadership.