Proposed Andrew Jackson & Choctaw Area Councils Merger Background and Frequently Asked Questions

Andrew Jackson Council, headquartered in Flowood (Jackson), MS, and the Choctaw Area Council, headquartered in Meridian, MS, are moving forward with a proposed merger. A combined Council would enable us to increase membership, consolidate resources, share resources, add field staff, and better position ourselves for long-term stability. 

This merger, if approved, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Scouting and expanding service to youth and families across our combined territories. National Scouting America has encouraged Councils nationwide to explore consolidation opportunities that improve service delivery and sustainability. By combining two strong, financially stable Councils, we are proactively positioning ourselves to offer greater resources, stronger programs, and improved support for Scouts, leaders, and families. Together, our Councils can more effectively reach communities where Scouting is not yet present, while ensuring long-term stability for those already participating in our programs. 

Merging the two Councils would bring several meaningful benefits to Scouts, leaders, and units: 

● Aligned Service Areas: The borders of both Councils naturally align, enabling more efficient delivery of programs and support through coordinated staff and volunteer leadership. 

● Enhanced Camp Access: Hood Scout Reservation and Camp Binachi would continue to serve Scouting for the entire Council, with long-term summer camp programs centered at Hood Scout Reservation and weekend unit and district opportunities, as well as training at both properties. 

● Council Program Committee support. Sharing of leadership will improve support for unit-level programming, expanding training and advancement committees, and delivering more training opportunities.  

At the effective date of the merger, both Councils would adopt the following program fee structure: 

● $25 Annual Program Fee (Youth & Adult Volunteers) collected with annual membership renewal 

● New members do not pay an annual council fee until they “re-enroll.” 

Most likely yes. With the combined territory and more funds directed to unit service, District boundaries will realign to membership and population needs to grow Scouting and serve existing unit leaders better. Will have Service Areas East and West, plus districts. 

Yes. A new Council name would be adopted as of the merger’s effective date. Representatives from both councils have selected the name Scouting America, Mississippi Riverlands Council and has been approved by the national council of Scouting America. The new name and new Council Sholder patch will be effective on March 1, 2026.  

The name Mississippi Riverlands Council captures the essence of unity, heritage, and geography that defines Scouting in our state. It honors the mighty Mississippi River—a symbol of strength, continuity, and life—while embracing the network of rivers that flow through the counties now served by the new council. These counties, in alphabetical order, include: Adams, Amite, Attala, Clarke, Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Hinds, Holmes, Issaquena, Jefferson, Kemper, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lincoln, Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Simpson, Walthall, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo.

Within this expanded area, the council encompasses rivers such as the Mississippi, Pearl, Big Black, Yazoo, Homochitto, Amite, Bogue Chitto, Tangipahoa, Bayou Pierre, Sunflower, Strong, Yockanookany, Chunky, and Chickasawhay. These waterways are not only geographic landmarks but also symbols of resilience, connection, and exploration—values that mirror the spirit of Scouting. 

● Reflects shared geography and identity

 “Riverlands” authentically unites the Delta, Hill Country, Pine Belt, and the Capital Region—even to our Gulf-ward watersheds—under a single banner that mirrors where our Scouts live, camp, serve, and explore. 

● Symbolizes unity and growth

Just as tributaries join to form greater currents, this merger brings two strong councils together to expand program reach, deepen volunteer support, and broaden opportunities for youth. 

● Honors tradition while looking forward 

Mississippi’s rivers carry centuries of culture, service, and enterprise—paralleling Scouting’s legacy. The new name respects that heritage while signaling a modern, mission-driven focus. 

● Inclusive and inspiring 

“Riverlands” is welcoming and aspirational. It evokes adventure, leadership, and service—inviting every community in our 28-county area to join a council that is unified, purpose-filled, and outward-looking. 

No. Unit numbers would not change. 

When the proposed merger becomes effective, Mr. Ken Kercheval, current Scout Executive of the Andrew Jackson Council, will become the Scout Executive of the newly merged Council. This transition coincides with the Vacancy of Scout Executive in Meridian, MS. Future Scout Executive selections will follow the prescribed Scouting America HR process.  

Over the next couple months, both Council’s will collaborate to submit a single nominating Committee report. Both Boards will be nominated to the new single Board and officers will be selected from the existing membership of the newly combined Board.  Selection of the new officers is ongoing. Suggestions should be sent to Ken Kercheval to share with both Council presidents and Nominating Committee chairs.  

The new Executive Board will select the New Council Commissioner; at this point in time, that decision has not been made.  

Both Order of the Arrow lodges will maintain their current status immediately following the merger. Within approximately three months after the merger becomes effective, lodge leadership will present a unified plan for consolidation to the new Executive Board. Both Lodges are already in conversation. Scouting America policy allows only one lodge per council. 

At the time of the merger, the combined Council would continue to operate the following facilities:

 ● Council Administrative offices: Flowood, MS  

● Council service center: Meridian, MS 

● Camp Bianchi – Meridian, MS 

● Hood Scout Reservation- Hazelhurst, MS 

The combined council will have the ability to redirect critical funding resources to more closely align volunteer and youth membership support. Examples include. 

● Consolidating Audit requirements

●  Consolidating Accounting and donor data management services. 

●  Consolidating back-office 3rd party service contracts (BlackPug, website, IT management) 

● Adding a full-time Program staff person 

● Adding an Assistant Scout Executive to be located in the Meridian Service Center.

● Adding additional Field staff 

Each Council’s finances would be combined into a single corporation. The newly elected Board of Directors would have the same fiduciary responsibility as the two independent boards. The Choctaw Area Council’s investment fund will be closed to future gifts  (with the exception of known planned gifts), and the income generated by the fund will be administered by local trustees appointed by the new board and used to support Scouting and Camp Bianchi as designated by the donors. The Andrew Jackson fund would remain open to new gifts and again be administered by trustees appointed by the board to ensure income generated would be used in accordance with the donors’ wishes. 

The proposed merger process has been approved by the Executive Boards of both Councils. Both Councils will continue due diligence and collaborative planning. Throughout this process, we remain focused on supporting every Scout, volunteer, and family we serve. Further updates, including the new Council name, branding, and detailed transition plans, will be shared as soon as they are finalized.