Local alternatives to Boy Scouts?

Cliff - I was looking at Troop 997's website (http://troop997.org/) and on their site they said they're proud to be affiliated with St. Theresa's Catholic Church. I understand that it's non-denominational, but there is still a religious undertone no matter how faint it is.

As for pledging, I mean they pledge to god...not the organization sponsoring the troop.

 

My two sons, and myself were involved in scouting for a very long time. Elementary school through high school. Never did I see or suspect any religious pressure. Half of our scouting experience was spent meeting in a school and the other half meeting at a Church. Any religious references were always non-denominational in nature.

We live in a country that has "In God We Trust" on our money. Our pledge includes, "One Nation Under God". If you feel threatened by some stereotype about Boy Scouts and their religious influences, then you'd probably feel just as threatened by "In God We Trust" or "One Nation Under God".

If you wish your child to have no exposure to religion then you may want to look for an alternative to Scouts. They do, sometimes, have a small non-denominational service on Sundays when they are out camping. If you really want to investigate it for yourself, I'd ask the scout leader for a copy of one those services. I think you'll find it very vanilla. I never found it to be offensive, or "brainwashing".

We were involved in Scouts for a hundred other reasons before religion was even considered a part of the experience.

 

You'll also find the same type of reference from Troop 1173 in Ashburn. They are sponsored by the Church of Latter Day Saints. I happen to know several kids who joined there. None of them were Mormons when they joined. And if it makes any difference two became Eagle Scouts and now are in college. I can report neither have become Mormons.

Some troops maybe linked closer to a religion, others are not. I know of none that discriminate against religious choice. If religion is one of the main reasons for selecting or not selecting a Pack or Troop then ask questions. Others choose scouting organizations for the types of activities they have. Such as some troops spend more time backpacking, others may spend more time on destination camping. If religion is one of your top interests then make sure you ask about it and choose accordingly. On the other hand if you're so hell bent to think scouting is all about religion then find an alternative. It's a free country with freedom of or from religion.

 

I never said there was anything wrong with being religious or in a religion. I know there's no brainwashing and I never implied there was. Maybe I do need to check out some meetings to make myself comfortable that it's not as religious as it seems to be.

And maybe people just need to realize that the fact of the matter is when a church is sponsoring something you can be rest assured that there's going to be some reference to god.

 

Wow, I haven't checked this thread in a few days, but I really feel that as the OP I need to re-state my personal objection to having my son in the Boy Scouts.

I never stated that I feel threatened by anyone mentioning God, or having my childen hear about God. This happens to me and my children all the time, and I do not feel threatened by it at all. I'm quite comfortable in my lack of belief in all gods.

I simply cannot be a part of an organization (or have my son be part of an organization) that clearly states that atheists cannot be appropriate role models. As I said in a previous post, I think that I'm doing fine as a role model for my children. I just do not want my son to be part of an organization that thinks I cannot be a good role model.

Also, the BSA is quite clear that it does not allow atheists to serve as adult volunteers/leaders. Again, I don't want my son to be part of a club that would exclude me from volunteering, simply due to my lack of belief in a deity.

Thanks to all of those who suggested alternatives to the Boy Scouts for me. I will look into them. Like I said before, the Boy Scouts are a private organization and they absolutely have the right to exclude anyone they want from their club. I am certainly not interested in trying to change anything about the Boy Scouts. I just don't want my son to be a part of that organization. Thanks again.

 

In all my years of being involved in scouts your reference to "atheists" is the first I've ever seen or heard when associating it with scouting. Additionally, I never saw parents denied of an opportunity to volunteer. My personal experience saw very little focus on religion. And one heck of a sales job to get parents involved.

Here is a link to the volunteer application. Which by the way does include a criminal background check. (A very good idea, you might want to check the organization you end up with on whether they do this). http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/28-501F.pdf

You will notice on the application a statement on religion. This might help your decision process. Notice there is no reference to atheism. Granted it might be a little too strong for your interests.

From the application: "The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life. Only persons willing to subscribe to these precepts from the Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership."

You're right thou, I'd think scouts will not meet your standards. We should probably get back to the main question as to alternatives you might find appropriate.

One suggestion might be Indian Guides. I don't have any direct experience with the program but have talked to several that have. It has a very good reputation. Here's a link: http://www.ymca.net/adventureguides/ag_history.html

Like boys scouts some ymca's are affiliated with churches. Not sure how much thou.

 

So did you find a program you like?

 

4-H was very interesting. We're really trying to limit our kids' extra-curricular activities so we haven't yet decided what he'll be doing (his tastes change all the time, like most young children).

We'll probably get him into some type of club or sport in the fall.

 

My boys have recently finished up their Eagle Scout projects.
I can't praise enough what a wonderful experience scouting has been for both of them.