I am a Cub Scout leader in my son's Pack. I have been a Cub Scout leader off and on for several years. My wife and I enjoy the idea of Scouting and love the outdoors. We are both involved in Scouting with Cubs and Girl Scouts. We have girls who would love to be in Cub Scouts rather than Girl Scouts.
Over the years we have thought about the two most prominent scouting groups in the world. How can we have the best of both for boys and girls in the same program? We have looked at various other programs (Earth Scouts, Adventure Scouts, Campfire USA, AWANAS). But the tradition Boy and Girl Scouts have won, at least until we either create a new program or someone else does that allows boys and girls to do scouting together yet retain the true essence of scouting.
In this 100th year for the Boy Scouts, I have done some research into the formation of scouting and specifically the BSA. Robert Baden-Powell started scouting as a result of an unexpected phenomenon. He wrote a book on surviving in the wild based on his experiences in Africa. It was intended for his follow military members. But upon his return to England after a trip to Africa, he found that the young boys of England had taken to his book. He got the idea to use the scout training in his book to teach the boys to be good citizens. He republished the book for young boys and began the scouting movement. His vision was to capture the imagination of the young boys and develop their since of adventure and exploration of the world around them.
A few years later, Boy Scouting had come to the US with the same ideas and purpose. And that purpose is what should be driving the BSA today. With the 100th year anniversary of the BSA, I truly hope that the original vision of scouting is remembered and embraced. Yet I have found a few disturbing issues.
First thing I see is that scouting, (Boys/Girls or both) seem to be for the rich to middle class. The lower class can not afford to get into scouting. I know we are doing it because we believe in it but our kids cannot do everything the pack/troop does. Which sort of hurts them in advancing. Scouting is for everyone. And it should be accessible for all. I am not suggesting that we have a government program to make scouting free for all! Scouting is not for everyone. And that is OK. Not everyone plays football. But to inadvertently exclude a group of people because they don't have or make as much money? It does not line up with Baden-Powell's vision.
Another issue that plagues the Boy Scouts is the issue of pedophiles. There is an unfortunate history of these people with in the ranks of scouting as well as other organization that work with youth. I mean even Facebook has them! Schools have problems. Churches do too. Hospitals, doctors, day cares, and even individual families. The world is full of sin and corruption. What makes scouting different? A mother just sent her adopted Russian son back to Russia with a note saying I cannot care for him anymore. That is abuse, neglect, and more. Yet we do not sue the airline that took him to Russia. We don't sue the state of Tennessee. We go after the mother!
Why do I mention this? Because another item in the news is a trail in Portland, OR concerning a man that was molested at the age of 9. He is now 37 (I am 38). So we are talking over 25 years ago. I DO NOT in ANY way shape of form approve of the man's action that did this to the 9 year old back in 1981. Nor do I condone anyone, male or female that violates a person's body regardless of age. However, the BSA and the local council are both being sued, 29 years later!
There are no statutes of limitations in these cases, however, the BSA has changed A LOT of things since then. Yet, I am sure that it still happens. We have affirmative action plans in place to prevent discrimination in the work place yet it still happens. Our own president created a hostile/sexual work environment in our nation's Oval office! Yet, we are in the new millennium now. And we are above these things! Or are we?
What has the BSA done to protect its youth? Since the early 80's when the above case occurred, BSA has adopted polices that protect youth and leaders. A leader, for example, must never be alone with a scout. there should always be some else there. On over night trips, no leader can sleep with a youth and no youth can sleep alone(without another scout). These are standard practices now. There are also guidelines to how a leader can and should use physical contact with scouts (and other leaders!{unless married to them ;^)}). There is also a background check done.
Another neat thing that is done now is part of what is known as the Bobcat Badge in Cub Scouting (not sure what it is called in Boy Scouts). One of the tasks that is required to get the Bobcat Badge is to go through, with a parent or guardian only, is a Youth Protection lesson. In this lesson, the parent/guardian discusses sexual safety with the young scout (age appropriate!). It gives examples of situations and what should be done. This, in my humble opinion, is an example of how the BSA is taking the responsibility to educate and protect the young boys as much as they can. Does abuse still occur? Yes. Just as having a car alarm does not prevent car theft! But it does reduce it greatly.
Please understand that I would never protect the BSA or any council if they were guilty of neglecting a child's safety (sexual or otherwise!) but neither would I reject the whole group because one guy or lady got through the cracks and did an unthinkable act. I am for the child. First and always.
In conclusion, if the purpose is to encourage and inspire young people using the art of scouting, then we, as parents and leaders should work to maintain that purpose in all we do in scouting and ALWAYS protect those whom we are working for-- the youth.
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