Boy Scouts bankruptcy filing will not affect local chapters

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Boy Scouts of America's bankruptcy filing will mean "no change to the local Scouting experience," according to a local Scout council.

Meanwhile, the Boy Scouts of America is hoping its operations across the U.S. can continue intact even after it has filed for bankruptcy protection.

The filing is an attempt to work out a potentially mammoth compensation plan for victims of sex-abuse and put their lawsuits on hold. Scores of lawyers are seeking settlements on behalf of several thousand men who say they were molested as boys by Scout leaders decades ago. The organization could be forced to sell off some of its vast property holdings to raise money for a compensation fund that could surpass $1 billion.

ABC 17 News contacted the Great Rivers Council, which covers much of Mid-Missouri.

"The Great Rivers Council has not filed for bankruptcy," the council said in a statement. "Meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects are taking place as usual. In short, there should be no change to the local Scouting experience."

The council is separate from the national organization, according to the statement.

"Our camps, properties and all local contributions are controlled by our council," the council said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.