050431-N-1810F-181 Fort A.P. Hill, Va. (April 31, 2005) - The spirit of brotherhood through scouting closely resembles that found in the Navy, which add to the spirit of adventure during the National Boy Scouts Jamboree. More than 40,000 Boy Scouts from every state in America and dozens of other countries attended the Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill. U.S. Navy photo by All Hands Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Todd Frontom (RELEASED)
June 24, 2019 /Local News

Arizona Boy Scouts losing numbers prior to split with church

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.

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