Vandalism closed the Scout House

We thank everyone for their concern regarding the extensive vandalism to the Scout House.

Over a dozen extinguishers were emptied by vandals. They sprayed every single room, attic and basement. The Scout House has both standard fixed room extinguishers and our training extinguishers. As part of our emergency preparedness training (along with first aid and lifesaving training), we have each scout learn to handle an extinguisher and actually put out a fire. Unfortunately, during the destructive spree, the vandals found the training extinguishers in the attic storage and created a blizzard-like condition in the building.

The Scout House is closed due to the potential harmful effects from the fine chemical used in dry powder fire extinguishers on the lungs, skin and eyes. When we know the Scout House is completely safe, we will allow our Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, along with their highly dedicated adult volunteers to resume normal meetings and activities.

The three youth who have been arrested created damage that will require a professional cleaning crew in white jumpsuits and masks, with specialized commercial-grade vacuums with HEPA filters. Then they will use technical cleaning equipment to wipe down every surface, wall and ceiling on the main floor as well as the attic and basement.

Our standard insurance coverage does not explicitly cover this type of extensive clean-up. Therefore, we may need to divert some of our program budget for repairs along with a GO Fund Me campaign to raise the necessary funds. The professional cleaning is just over $20,000, plus damage costs to the doors, equipment and supplies. While we think there was not a lot of theft, we can't tell what is missing because we can not see all of our equipment under the powder.

We will find a way to overcome this challenge. In fact we teach youth how to deal with tough situations and overcome obstacles (ask the scouts who camped overnight this past Feb)

When this is over, the Scout House will be better, the scouts will be better from the lessons learned from this experience, and we hope Wayland will be better.

Scouting began in Wayland 98 years ago, not our first challenge, not our last.

Please consider contributing to our Go Fund Me page.

Or you can write a tax-deductible check to ‘Wayland Scouters INC ( a 501 C3 nonprofit) and mail to Wayland Scouters Inc , PO BOX 5282 , Wayland Ma 01778

Thank you for your support of youth in our community.