The original troop had four families remaining and declined to repeat the pie auction this year. The others had reorganized as the new troop and asked me to do the event if the originals passed. I don't know which group is which as to opinion on the national policy - I didn't ask.
We had a great time, they raised a goodly four-figure sum and I made my usual three-figure fee.
People just left. The handful that I spoke with - our pack is sponsored by a church that we don't attend, so I don't see the parents/kids very often - just gave non-committal excuses: "too busy", "too much going on" and so on. No real fire and brimstone, but then I wasn't really expecting any.
They're not going to other packs - we did a recruitment drive not too long ago, and the other leaders said they were having a hard time with retention, as well. The elephant in the room was the decision on gays in scouting - no one said a thing about it...they just walked right up to the line and stopped.
Since I was the new guy, I just kept my mouth shut and listened.
However, it's obvious. This time last year, there were 50-odd kids, now there are 20-odd. It's not a coincidence that it happened overnight.
It's a shame. "Boy Scout" used to be an ideal to aspire to.