Cub Scouts
Tonight, we go to a meeting where we learn about and register for Boy Scouts.
My father was a scout leader for years and years. I thought that was so cool. I was proud of him for that. There are so very many great things about scouting. I love the respect for nature, the philanthropic and humanitarian service projects, the friendships & memories that can be formed.
Over the past few years, though, I’ve become aware of some things about the scouts that I am not very proud of.
I don’t think that what a person does in their private life, as long as it is not harmful to kids or to others, should have any bearing on whether they participate in scouting (or any other activity).
Jim and I are both finding ourselves to be agnostic humanists, too, which makes me uncomfortable with the idea of the scout oath:
Cub Scout Promise
I, (name), promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack.
That one, actually, might be easier for Shelby than I think, though. I’m pretty sure that, right now, he is leaning towards a belief of his own. And, that’s fine, as long as he respects others decisions to believe in their own God, to not believe in God or to not know whether they believe. And, I know that he does. I’ll take the time to explain all of the words to him & make sure that he can find a way to believe them before he makes the promise. I want him to always be able to keep any promise that he makes. I know that he wants that, too.
I’m also not sure if *my* understanding of my duty to my country is the same as the scouts 
It’s going to be weird, going into the scouts. But, starting a campfire group seemed overwhelming. And, for social reasons, I think it’s best for Shelby to just quietly go along with the majority for now.
So, I guess I’ll just try to keep my mouth shut at the registration/information meeting, tonight. :-p
It’s a tough one, isn’t it? I, too, admire the Boy Scouts except for what you mention here. We want our kids to have a knowledge of other lifestyle choices and to embrace diversity, but it’s another thing when we ask our children to pledge their allegiance to principles that do not represent our family ethics.
My Molly was a Girl Scout, a feminist organization, cookies and all. So, for us, it was a happy no-brainer.
I’ll be watching your blog for developments along the Boy Scout front.
In the meantime, I thank you for coming to my blog and gifting me with words of support and kindness.
Peace to you…peace to all of us,
Grace
Comment by GraceD — September 19, 2006 @ 4:14 pm
I’m looking forward to getting my Annie into Girl Scouts, too! Now, that’s an organization that I can jump into with both feet!
Comment by naivemelody — September 19, 2006 @ 4:26 pm