I’m constantly amazed that scouts isn’t more popular with families. I’m a huge supporter of the whole worldwide program (particularly Scouting America and the Girl Scouts in the US).

Yes, let’s all acknowledge that there were past abuses that the Boy Scouts ignored and covered up. But, primarily due to the lawsuits associated with those abuses, Scouting America has instituted a lot of really strong child protection policies that arguably make it the safest youth program anywhere.

It’s a really great, comparatively cheap, program that offers amazing opportunities to kids and families.

If you find yourself having trouble making friends as an adult, I really recommend looking into it.

  • AA5B@lemmy.world
    1·
    8 days ago

    2 of those five aren’t even a concern. As someone said, scouting was always classically conservative, in the sense of service to community and country, not in the MAGAt sense.

    • How is there an objection to waiving registration fees for families of service members? They already waive fees pretty much on request if you have a good argument that you can’t afford them
    • military merit badge? I don’t see any details but merit badges are always optional and priestess by the scout. That Elwood serve many scouts, and everyone else would ignore it.

    Separation from f genders is exactly how I left scouts but I don’t know if anything changed. Cubs were together and more family oriented, scouts are generally expected to bring a parent to camp outs. But the troop was separate campsites for boys and girls. That part seems unchanged

    The gender scare thing is mean spirited and despicable, very much against the ethos of scouting. I’d expect most scout leaders to ignore it, not that it helps individuals

    Rejecting the dei merit badge is the other charge very much against the ethos of scouting. However I don’t remember that existing for my kids. If it’s any mitigation, at least it’s one without tradition.