Boy Scouts versus Cub Scouts (& Yes, Girls Can Join)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BSA is desperate for membership and filed for bankruptcy protection a year ago. Apparently, the Mormons and Baptists don’t want to prop them up anymore since the organization arrived in the late 20th century and decided gays and atheists might be okay. After, of course, refusing gay members for years while covering up the sex abuse and bullying, which they are trying to get out of paying judgments for via bankruptcy.

Great organization - have fun!

I am the parents of a Cub Scout. I am one of the Committee members for his Pack. I don't like how the National Council treats the Scouts and the Local Units. I don't like how they raised dues after the year started without any advanced warning because of the costs associated with the sex predator suits. I don't like their internet presence, there are far too many sites doing too many different things. It is confusing and hard to navigate. I don't like the lack of real support to local Packs and Troops. National BSA does little, in my opinion, to support the Local COuncils and groups. If I could do Scouting without National I would be all in. But I cannot.

I love the Local Council and our Pack. There are lots of involved parents who work hard to provide kids camping options as well as canoeing, fishing, rocket launches, pool parties, and other fun events. DS enjoys his Den and the mix of social activities, outdoor activities, and STEM activities. Our Den Leader is big into STEM and has added on the NOVA elements for the Den to participate in.

I would guess that would be less happy with Scouting as an option if I lived in different parts of the country because your experience really is based on the local Packs and Troops. There are still parts of the country where the Local Councils probably reflect the old school approach to Scouting and their Packs and Troops reflect that. We would not participate in such a Pack or Troop. The good news is that the vast majority of Packs and Troops in this area are far more diverse and open to change then other Packs and Troops.

BSA is not perfect, god knows that it has its flaws have been on full display for the last 20 years or so. Our Pack takes the 2 deep adult communication seriously. Most of our events, even Den meetings, end up having 3-5 Leaders who have completed the Youth Protection Training. We take the safety measures safely, from cancelling overnight camping if it is too cold to making sure that there are two adult leaders on every email we send to a child's parent. We are diverse and have loved adding girls into the mix.

I agree with all you have said. Our boy started his Cub Scouts, and they both in a troop now. We are not in the NCR. My husband is the scoutmaster, and I am the camping coordinator.
Our council is worthless besides having a campground. That said, 80% of the time we camp at state parks or other councils’ campgrounds.
I hate all the $$ that goes to council and national. It is a complete waste of money. They do not benefit us at all.