FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Northern Arizona is experiencing a decline in Boy Scouts of America troops prior to an anticipated split between the organization and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Arizona Daily Sun reported June 9 that the region is expected to lose more than 1,800 scouts who are church members unless they transfer to community troops, although less than 10% are expected to transfer.
The church announced it would sever ties with the Boy Scouts by the end of 2019.
Officials say about 70% of Boy Scout troops in Arizona are chartered by the church, while in the northern Arizona district the percentage is higher, with 105 church troops and 22 community-chartered troops registered.
An Arizona Boy Scouts official says many troops have already pulled back from scouting.
