Mahwah Scouts Recharter With Police Union, End Agreement With Elks

MAHWAH, NJ — After Mahwah Elks Lodge 1941 ended the charter agreement with local Boy Scout troops, in accordance with guidance from the Elks Grand Lodge, the scouts had to search for a new sponsoring organization.

As of last week, Mahwah Scout Troops 258 and 259, and Cub Scout Pack 258, have rechartered with Mahwah Police Benevolent Association 143, Committee Chair for Scout Troop 258 Michelle Crowe Paz said.

The Elks national headquarters encouraged all lodges to sever ties, at least for now, with local scouting groups, amid the scandal of child sex abuse claims made against Boy Scouts of America leaders, Patch previously reported.

The Mahwah PBA filed an application with the Northern New Jersey BSA office and completed a required training to prevent child abuse, and are now the new charter organization for the three local groups, meaning it will provide a meeting place and other support as needed.

"We all look forward to a positive working relationship, and we thank Elks Lodge 1941 for all of their years of support," Paz said.

Mahwah PBA President Eric Larsen declined to comment on the recharter or the BSA scandal.