Where things stand as of August 2026, and what comes next.
On August 1, Simon Kenton Council (SKC) began managing the day-to-day operations of Muskingum Valley Council (MVC) under a signed managed service agreement. That agreement covers membership, program, and all operations of the Council. It supports the due diligence work that is underway as we explore a potential merger of our councils.
This is a meaningful step, and it comes with real work ahead. We committed early on to sharing what we know as we know it, including the parts that are difficult. This update continues that commitment.
What the agreement means
Simon Kenton Council staff are now supporting Muskingum Valley’s operations directly. Practically, that means our teams are working side by side on the fall popcorn sale, the membership campaign, and budgeting for the year ahead.
The financial picture
As shared in previous communications, MVC is facing significant financial challenges. While the Council carries no known debt, recurring losses have created cash flow pressures and led MVC leadership to explore the potential sale of about 400 acres of the Muskingum Valley Scout Reservation to a Nature Preserve (110 acres would be retained for Scouting programs). Please reference the Properties Committee update below for more information.
As part of our merger evaluation process, SKC will conduct a comprehensive review of MVC’s financial records and operating performance to develop a clear and accurate understanding of its financial condition.
Our focus is on establishing a fact-based assessment of the Council’s financial realities. Once that review is complete, we will share the results and any implications for the proposed merger.
Governance and the merger vote
The MVC Board is expected to vote on the merger later this month. The board’s vote represents an important step in the merger process.
If the MVC Board approves the merger, Simon Kenton Council will complete its full due diligence before bringing any recommendations to its board.
Committee updates
Program. Work is underway on prospective new district boundaries, using current membership, total available youth, population centers, and demographic data. Alongside that, district program calendars are being merged within those proposed districts.
The goal is to preserve many of MVC’s existing district programs while integrating select council-wide programs into the new district calendars. We believe that successful programs should continue regardless of how boundaries might change.
The committee also plans to set dates in the first quarter of 2027 for district all-hands meetings, bringing volunteers together at the district level, modeled on what the council committees are doing now.
Properties. MVC has been in discussions with a group about the potential sale of roughly 400 acres of undeveloped ground, with the intent of keeping that land protected from development. Separately, there have been conversations about placing the entire camp under a conservation easement agreement.
Two other property items are in progress: a possible second timber sale at camp that would generate approximately $100,000 in revenue, and repair of the lake’s overflow pipe.
Finance. As noted above, a comprehensive review is underway.
Governance. Please reference the Governance section above for a full update.
Culture. This committee is scheduling its next meeting. We will report on their work after they reconvene.
What comes next
The next month is pivotal in our process. The MVC Board’s merger vote, the transition in Scout Executive leadership, and the start of joint popcorn and membership efforts will all take place in the weeks ahead. As these milestones occur, we will continue to share updates, including the outcome of the board vote and the results of the financial review.
As always, we welcome your questions. Transparency is a conversation, not a one-way broadcast. We would like to engage directly on challenging topics rather than leave room for speculation.
Thank you for your engagement and commitment to building a stronger future for Scouting across the communities we serve.
If you have questions, please contact the Simon Kenton Council office at
614-436-7200 or
[email protected].
