What do you think of the Boy Scout organization?

[Cheryldee]

Does it have any connections to the free masons? Thanks, Cheryl

[Gordon b]

My son has been a scout and is now working on his eagle project. AS far as I know there is no masonic connection. We have had a great experience with BSA. There is a fraternity associated with scouts that they can join. The Order of the Arrow is strictly optional but it has secret oaths and stuff like that. My son was nominated for it but was to busy with other stuff anyway so we didn't have to deal with it.

[StinkerBell]

I think it depends on area...Some troops embrace The traditions of the Scouts (God). Yet other troops (depending on the parents) will somehow let (God) be forgotten, placed aside. I have seen great troops, and som troops so politicaaly correct I want to slap the people and say hey, if you dont believe in God why oh why do you join an organization that does? why not start your own version?

[Harley]

BSA is OK.

[Gordon b]

I think it depends on area...Some troops embrace The traditions of the Scouts (God). Yet other troops (depending on the parents) will somehow let (God) be forgotten, placed aside. I have seen great troops, and som troops so politicaaly correct I want to slap the people and say hey, if you dont believe in God why oh why do you join an organization that does? why not start your own version?
We didn't get involved in Scouts because they believe in God. We attend a chuch for that. Any acknowlegement of God in Scouts is pretty vague because of different peoples beliefs. We don't have a problem with that because Scouts never was meant to be a religious organization. If you don't want your son to be exposed to people of different faiths, don't join Scouts. I hope you don't think that is being "politicaaly correct" of me. Our beliefs are much different from many of the families in my sons troop so I think it is best for my family if the troop has a very genaric belief in God statement.
That said, scouting really helps a boy mature, learn teamwork, take responsability, and have a great time.

[Maverick]

My son is in the boy scouts and we love it.

[Xlcor]

Only as good as the local leadership, which 99% of the time is pretty solid. Great program. I was involved with the AoG's "Royal Rangers" program which is similar to Boy Scouts, but with a spiritual emphasis.

Remember, the LDS church also has Boy Scout troops.

[StinkerBell]

We didn't get involved in Scouts because they believe in God. We attend a chuch for that. Any acknowlegement of God in Scouts is pretty vague because of different peoples beliefs. We don't have a problem with that because Scouts never was meant to be a religious organization. If you don't want your son to be exposed to people of different faiths, don't join Scouts. I hope you don't think that is being "politicaaly correct" of me. Our beliefs are much different from many of the families in my sons troop so I think it is best for my family if the troop has a very genaric belief in God statement.
That said, scouting really helps a boy mature, learn teamwork, take responsability, and have a great time.
No I dont think poorly of you. No its not a religious organization. However with that said one of its core principals is God. I just get real irritated when something is established and people want to change it. make sense?

[UNeverEverNo]

Many confuse or believe that "Scouting" is all the same. But there is a real difference between the dedication of the girls scouts vs the boy scouts.

The girls scouts have allowed themselves to be infiltrated by liberals. Do you hear of the ACLU suing the Girl Scouts? Not that I can recall. But the ACLU is after the Boy Scouts of America constantly. Why? Because the Boy Scouts are very deciated to honoring God.

We should support the Boy Scouts of America with our gifts, prayers, and words. They are being targeted on a daily basis by liberals.

Sample list of Eagle Scouts who have greatly contributed to US society:

James A. Lovell Jr.
Apollo Astronaut and Business Executive

The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
38th President of the United States

H. Ross Perot
Founder, Electronic Data Systems Corporation and The Perot Group

Donald H. Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense

Dr. Robert M. Gates
Former director, CIA
President, Texas A&M University

William C. DeVries, M.D.
Surgeon and Educator
Transplanted first artificial heart

J. Willard Marriott Jr.
Chairman of the Board and President, Marriott Corporation

William McCool
Space Shuttle Columbia Pilot

Neil Armstrong
Apollo Astronaut and first man to walk on the moon

Peter Agre, PhD
Nobel Prize receipient for chemistry

Michael Bloomberg
Mayor of New York City, founder of Bloomberg News

John Tesh
TV celebrity and pianist

http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=mc&c=fs
http://www.troop139.com/home.html?eagles/1-eagle_facts.html#10

[Gordon b]

Remember, the LDS church also has Boy Scout troops. What's your point. You will find Buddists, Muslims, Baha'i, Church of Christ, Scientist. Hindu, Meher Baba, Zoroastrian, etc. in Boy Scouts.

[WisdmInTheWorks]

Only as good as the local leadership, which 99% of the time is pretty solid. Great program. I was involved with the AoG's "Royal Rangers" program which is similar to Boy Scouts, but with a spiritual emphasis.

Remember, the LDS church also has Boy Scout troops.

My son (15) is a Royal Ranger. WOW the tremendous impact God has made on him through this program.

Did you enjoy the Royal Rangers?

[Knight of Faith]

Does it have any connections to the free masons? Thanks, Cheryl
What an odd question.
What would make you ask that?

[Goliath]

Once a Boy Scout always a Boy Scout after 30 and then some years I know still know by heart what a good scout values.

A Scout is.
1 Trustworthy
2 Loyal
3 Helpful
4 Friendly
5 Curteous
6 Kind
7 Obedient
8 Cheerful
9 Thrifty
10 Brave
11 Clean
12 Reverent

[TonyM]

Me and my brother were boyscouts, we had fun. It was at the local salvation army that I guess hosted it when were both kids. I remember carving cars with my brother from wood and adding wheels, painting them and having races with the other boys. Fun time.

[Harley]

Once a Boy Scout always a Boy Scout after 30 and then some years I know still know by heart what a good scout values...
My boss asked once "You were an Eagle Scout, right?" I said, "No, I AM an Eagle Scout." I've got him trained now so that when it comes up in groups (which is not very often, but it does) He says it in the present tense.

Any other Eagle Scouts out there?

[SpaceAngel]

I wish I was a Boy Scout.