Local alternatives to Boy Scouts?

Does anyone know of any local, secular, organizations that are similar to Boy Scouts? I have a kindergarten-aged son who is very interested in hiking, nature, general science, building things, etc., so I'm looking for an organization that he might like to join.

Please, no recommendations for actual Boy Scout troops that just don't focus on religion. I do not want my son (or me) to be involved with the Boy Scouts of America.

Thanks for anything you might recommend.

 

I too have some reservations and bad tastes for the religious aspects of Boy Scouts but I am thinking that the "benefits" for the kids outweigh the challenges. Kids get exposed to religion all over the place at this age and I actually like the educational challenges that are presented.

My son was baptized Orthodox Christian, but our family life is not really religious. I am not an atheist but not a fan of organized, traditional religion... but at the end of the day, when my kids ask about and explore this stuff, I think they are better off with the exposure they get and the activities that include this.

I think I have more problems with a group that would discriminate for something like homosexuality that just pure religious grounds.... but that is something I would rather not be an issue with the kids at all but it is hard to avoid as a potential concern because the kids do not really understand (the younger ones) and some parents I think see this as something bad for their kids to be around.

And to stay on topic, I too am wondering if there really are any alternatives similar to Boy Scouts... I have never heard of anything else.

 

I know a family from Leesburg that had a great experience with 4H here; you might try that.

 

Thanks for the thoughts, but I am an atheist. The Boy Scouts are clear in their position that they believe folks like me cannot be appropriate role models to others (http://www.bsalegal.org/duty-to-god-cases-224.asp, look under "Policies"). I think I'm doing just fine as a role model to my son, and cannot be part of an organization that really does want to exclude me and my family.

The Boy Scouts are a private organization, and they have the right to exclude anyone they wish from their club. I'm not out to change the Boy Scouts, I just don't want myself or my son to be a part of an organization like this. So that's why I cannot just overlook their religious aspect, no matter how subtle.

 

4H has always been a good organization for children.

I have the same concerns about the Boy Scouts.

 

I, too, was looking for an alternative to Boy Scouts because I can't stand the thought of some religion being taught to my kids. We believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster and I'm not sure the Boy Scouts would approve.

I like the 4H option. Plus it doesn't cost an arm and a leg!

http://www.loudoun.gov/controls/spe...318505bef21881a407&tabid=335&fmpath=/4-H+News

 

I hope no one thinks Boy Scouts costs an arm and a leg! We've been extremely happy members for going on six years now and found it an incredible value, especially the summer camps and the opportunities for boys of different ages to learn from and lead one another. It is an extraordinary organization that I highly recommend. But if your family has a strong objection to the religious element that plays a part in scouting, I can understand that.

 

If you're looking for some fun things to do with your son, you could always join the Isaak Walton league. http://www.loudouniwla.org/

 

We are interested as well in an alternative to boy scouts. The Isaac Walton org sounds interesting but too much shooting for my tastes.

 

Wow. I had no idea. We're not particularly religious around Tatertown but I was a Girl Scout for 10 years and loved it, so I kind of assumed that Boy Scouts was similar. I didn't realize that it was that religious organizationally. I reviewed the website link provided above and I understand an athiest's or an agnostic's issues. However, my overall take-away impression is that the Boy Scouts are having to spend way too much time and money defending themselves from legal attacks. As someone said earlier, if you don't like it, don't join--its a private organization. I think its a shame that they are having to devote so many resources to defending themselves.

Practically, at your average Boy Scout meeting for 1-3rd graders, how much time / focus is there on religion vs. other scouting issues? Is it a brief mention during the pledge/oath or do they spend half the meeting doing bible study?

 

I my son's den they say the pledge, like they do in school, and then there is no other religious aspect. In fact there are many different religions in the den.

 

My boys have been in scouts for years here.
Here is a simple fact: They DO NOT teach religion, in any way, shape, or form.
It is also not that expensive. Most of the things that cost the most, such as campouts, come out of the troops/child's scout accounts. They get money there from fund-raising activities such as mulch/popcorn sales.

We're also involved in 4H, but they aren't as active and do not go on nearly as many trips, campouts,etc. as scouts.

Before the whole scouting experience is sterotyped, it might be worth looking into a little.
It would sort of be like condemning the entire Catholic faith because of the horrible actions of some individuals.

 

but--- if you are an atheist, why would you join any faith based organization, regardless of how much or how little actual religion is taught?

you would just want an organization that offered iwhat you want with no religious affiliation whatsoever so there's no risk of conflict... just my worthless 2 cents.

 

Wait... I thought I saw your child's baptism pictures? Maybe I'm getting that mixed up with someone else?

Anyway... sorry... that is not on topic... My bad.

 

I think you can put aside some of the ideology if you think the program is worthwhile enough. We're not Lutheran but I send my son to a Lutheran preschool because I think it's a great preschool.

When I was a Cub Scout leader we never talked about religion. If I remember correctly, we had kids that were Buddhist, Jewish, Protestant, and Catholic in our den.

 

I reviewed general information packages from the various dens around here and there were fees, charter costs, dues, "grub money", uniforms costs, etc.

A mom I talked with last year during the popcorn fundraiser said scouting was very time consuming.

Plus, the troops are affiliated with specific churches. My kids may feel different, but I don't need them right now pledging to any religion (they can when they're older if they want).

 

Here are some interesting references

http://www.bsalegal.org/duty-to-god-cases-224.asp

http://www.bsa-discrimination.org/html/bsa-god_policy.html

It should be noted that these references are not from BSA websites despite the use of the term BSA in the url.

 

Sorry but I laughed out loud at this one. Maybe I misread it. No BSA organization that is sponsored by a church or any other civic organization "pledges" to that organization. The organization may provide a meeting place or other assistance but that's about it.

I understand the OP's concerns as an atheist because the boy scout pledge mentions God just like the pledge of allegiance and there may be a group prayer led by a scout. But other than that, our experience is that scouts is pretty much void of any religious teachings or overtones. To the OP, if you don't find an alternative to your liking, I would contact one of the local troops and just state your position and what you are looking for to see if there is a solution. I don't think exposure to "religion" in a boy scout troop is any more than the exposure in mainstream life. There are many troops in the area and all are run a little differently so check around, you may find a solution there.

 

To comment your three points:

1) Most costs can be covered by what your child earns in their account. Good luck finding organizations that offer excellent events/programming at no cost.

2) It is as time consuming as you want it to be. To the contrary, some parents practically use it as a baby-sitting service so they can have a few hours away from the kids.....some are completely uninvolved.

3) This is just pure bunk. Many troops/packs meet at schools, not churches.

redon1-
Scouts would be a great organization for atheists. Your children learn leadership skills, survival skills, socialization, charity projects, independence, how to interact with adults, raise and budget money, etc.
And that's besides all the fun they have with camp-outs, etc.

My teens can literally take care of themselves. Cook, do laundry, budget their time, organize activities. These are great life skills that many kids are lacking when they leave home for the first time.