As if this is going to improve the level of service to scouts and scouters.
I guess in the long run it makes no difference as eventually all of the chapters and lodges will merge into one with all chapter/lodge meetings held in Texas.
Actually, my true opinion on mergers in general is not that flattering to BSA. I understand that they are mostly done to consolodate administration and staff as operating expenses are reduced. That may be a necessary part of today's economic reality. However, I see no need to merge districts nor chapters or lodges. A council can advise 2 lodges almost as easily as one since much of the effort to support lodge activites is done at the volunteer level. In fact, merging may even reduce the level of support as volunteer roles become merged as well so that were once two volunteers served "X" number of OA members, now one volunteer serves "2X" members.
District and Chapter consolodation also reduces active participation as it invariably moves roundtable and chapter meetings further away from the scvouters and, more importanly, the youth. As you expand the geographic area covered by a chapter, more and more youth will be farther away from the meeting place. In urban areas, it's an inconvenience of a long bus or subway ride. In rural areas, it's a longer car ride and many OA members don't drive. Is it a wonder that participation drops?
