BSA Membership Policy Resources

Let the Scoutmaster remember that in addition to his duty to his boys he has a duty also to the Movement as a whole.

Scoutmasters must necessarily be above petty personal feeling, and must be large-minded enough to subject their own personal views to the higher policy of the whole. … it is only by looking to the higher aims of the Movement, or to the effects of measures ten years hence that one can see details of to-day in their proper proportion.

Where a man cannot conscientiously take the line required, his one manly course is to put it straight to his Commissioner or to Headquarters, and if we cannot meet his views, then to leave the work… We are also fortunate in having a body of Scoutmasters who are large-minded in their outlook and in their loyalty to the Movement as a whole.

Baden-Powell in Aids to Scoutmastership The BSA membership policy resolution regarding youth members has been approved and will take effect January 1,

2014. The BSA will, no doubt, be issuing direction on this pending change. In the meantime this is my attempt to help Scouters, Scouts and their parents working their way through the issues involved. I’ll be expanding these resources as more information becomes available. If you have a suggestion of what should be included here please contact me . My best advice is to take the initiative to learn everything you can, think your way through the issues, and only then, make decisions or take action. I’ve stated elsewhere on the blog that I support this change and the reasons why.

These articles track the developments and my thoughts on the issue (discussions in the comments on these articles contain a lot of information as well) – Messages from BSA National President and National Executive BSA Membership Standards Review Information Scouting’s Past Marks Our Path to the Future Thoughts on the B.S.A.

Membership Standards Resolution Boy Scouts of America Review Announced General Resources Here’s some background information you may find helpful: The BSA and Religion information on the religious aspects of the Scouting program as presented by the BSA.

Educational Resources about Sexual Orientation Understanding orientation, resources from inclusive organizations such as Scouts UK, our the Department of Defense, and a number of religious organizations.

Opposing Views I acknowledge that there are a number of Scouters who are strongly opposed to this change and I have had a number of exchanges with those holding opposing viewpoints.

I remain willing, as always to discuss any difficulties or questions you may have with this particular issue or any aspect of Scouting.

Please use the contact form to get in touch. If you find name-calling cathartic it’s likely your question or comment will go unanswered.

Chartering Organization Issues Some chartering organizations may choose to end their association with the BSA. If your chartering organization decides that they will not renew your unit charter first and foremost contact your District Executive (DE) as soon as possible. DE’s are trained and prepared to help you locate another chartering organization and you will be able to continue serving your Scouts with as little disruption as possible. A Local Unit is directly chartered to the sponsoring group by the Executive Board of the BSA based on a favorable recommendation from the Local Council. In most instances, charters are issued to existing organizations (church, civic, etc.). In some instances a charter may issue to a unit of interested and qualified citizens formed specifically for that purpose. In either case (existing organization or community unit) the applicant is obliged “to provide adequate facilities, supervision and leadership for a period of at least one year and to make an effort to provide youth members with an opportunity for a quality program experience as set forth in the official literature of the BSA.

Examples of civic and educational organizations that currently Charter BSA units Groups of citizens American Legion and Auxiliary Business/industry Lions International Rotary International VFW, Auxiliary, Cootie Parent Teacher Associations Fire departments Kiwanis International Elks lodges (BPOE) Community centers Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Nonprofit agencies Playgrounds, recreation centers Athletic booster clubs Chambers of commerce, business associations Homeowners’ associations Optimist International YWCA, YMCA Masons — Eastern Star Private Schools BSA Resources for Chartered Organizations The Chartered Organization The Chartered Organization Representative Statements from Religious Organizations National Catholic Committee on Scouting – May 30 “We should be encouraged that the change in BSA’s youth membership standard is not in conflict with Catholic teaching” “ We ask that Catholic Scouters and chartered organization heads not rush to judgment” Assemblies of God “We believe the BSA policy change will lead to a mass exodus..”

Southern Baptist Convention Open letter from R. Chip Turner , chairman of the BSA Religious Relationships Task Force and past president of the Association of Baptists for Scouting “…consider the people in your church family who are better members, parents, leaders, and citizens because they had the Scouting experience delivered by godly men and women.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Issued this statement Issues of Youth Protection and Logistics Many Scouters have concerns over how this policy change affects the delivery of the program, camping arrangements, etc. I’ve put collected my thoughts and resources about these issues here.

Alternatives to the BSA Some Scouters and Scouts will choose to leave the BSA and look for other organizations that more accurately reflect their personal views.

Understanding that this is a difficult decision I sincerely thank them for their service and wish them well (I labored for many years under a membership policy that I opposed, I did what I could to see that it was changed, so I understand how difficult this can be).

I offer these links as a service to those seeking alternatives to the BSA, not an endorsement of their specific policies or goals.

Awana “Awana helps churches and parents work together to develop spiritually strong children and youth who faithfully follow Jesus Christ. Our programs offer a proven approach for evangelizing and discipling kids in the church and community.”

Calvinist Cadet Corps “independent (non-denominational) youth ministry organization whose purpose is to provide the local church with a ministry program that will enable them to effectively share Christ’s love with boys from their church and community.

Founded in 1952, the Corps has more than 600 clubs throughout North America. We encourage any evangelical Bible believing church to consider using our ministry programs.”

Christian Service Brigade “CSB Ministries provides weekly programs that enable men to mentor and disciple groups of boys through adventure-packed, action-filled experiences that grow young men closer to God…and equip them to be our leaders of tomorrow.”

Royal Ambassadors “discipleship organization for boys in grades 1-6.

Through hands-on activities that encourage spiritual growth, games and sports, and mentoring relationships with RA leaders, RA members become a faith-based brotherhood.”

Royal Rangers ” a mentoring program for future men. We provide Christlike character formation and servant leadership development for boys and young men in a highly relational and fun environment. Our mission is to evangelize, equip, and empower the next generation of Christlike men and lifelong servant leaders.” onmyhonor.net has announced a coalition meeting that will discuss the creation of a new character development organization for boys.