Reactions to Boy Scout Jamboree conflict continue
By C. Ruth Ebrahim

In November, when the Pentagon sent the message to military
installations reminding them not to charter Boy Scout troops, the word
spread quickly.

Though much of the ongoing discussion centers on how the remaining
portion of the lawsuit may affect the Boy Scout Jamboree in Caroline
County, local officials did not react with alarm to the announcement.

The organizations most affected—by the decision to settle the portion
of the lawsuit regarding troop charters—began to take action.

Boy Scouts of America immediately started working to comply with the
federal government’s instructions.

The ACLU—an organization backing the five taxpayers who filed the
lawsuit against the DOD and Urban and Housing Development—basked in
their victory.

Soon, even the DOD released statements clarifying their position.

“We intend to fight [the remaining portion of the lawsuit],” said Lt.
Col. Joseph Richard. “We want to make it clear that none of our
support of the BSA is unconstitutional or illegal.”

Meanwhile, First US Army had to field a lot of questions about how the
other pending lawsuit may or may not affect the Boy Scout Jamboree held
every four years at Fort AP Hill. AP Hill representatives decided not
to comment on the situation.

Caroline County officials and residents—amid all the complying,
basking, clarifying and fielding—took it easy.

“I think it’s a wait and see matter at this time,” said Board Chair
Calvin Taylor. “Anything that might possibly end up in litigation, I
don’t want to comment on that.”

BSA spokesman on Constitutional Issues Bob Bork said plans are
currently going forward as scheduled for the 2005 Boy Scout Jamboree.
He also explains the Boy Scouts position on the issue of federal
funding.

“We don’t receive funding from the military,” Bork said. “The military
spends money on the programs for the Jamboree.”

He said that since AP Hill began hosting the Jamboree in 1981, the Boy
Scouts of America have expended $12-15 million on updating facilities
and utilities at the military post.

Most recently, the Boy Scouts renovated 25 acres at Fort AP Hill for
camping purposes, Bork said.

Though Boy Scouts only use the facility for nine days every four years,
the spokesman says that BSA is pleased if any other groups get to take
advantage of the work they do at the post.

Regarding the recent lawsuit settlement, Bork said it hasn’t
interrupted day-to-day operations, but it has created a lot of
paperwork. Only about 400 out of 121,000 Boy Scout troops are affected
by the Pentagon’s decision.

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