by Derek—2006.03.26 @ 1833
A 2005 study commissioned by the Boy Scouts of America from Louis Harris & Associates resulted in a number of findings that the BSA has known for years.
The Harris Study found that Scouts are more likely than non-Scouts to:
The Scouting movement is being seriously attacked, along with many faith- and values-based leadership courses and programs. The scourge of secularism is undermining the great work and effort of so many in this country who work for the benefit of others. I appreciated this quote from the Scouting press packet:
In its more than 90 year history, the Boy Scouts of America has served more than 100 million members and their families as a consistent platform for the values upon which America was built. We remain committed to providing these values to future generations.
A core value of the BSA is respect. Scouting respects those with ideas and customs that are different from our own and expects the same respect from those who may disagree with Scouting’s position. Tolerance for a diversity of values and ideals does not require abdication of one’s own values.
As a values-based educational movement, the Boy Scouts of America asks its members to subscribe to the tenets of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Inculcating moral and religious values in young people benefits all of society.
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
A Scout is:
I, for one, am grateful I was raised with the values of the Scouting movement. My father was an Eagle Scout and so am I. I enjoyed being a scout and it is something I am very proud of. I am ashamed that there are some in this country who view the values and work that the scouts work through and believe in as something “old fashioned” and “intolerant.”
As a private enterprise, the scouts have created a set of values and ideals for people to aspire to. These values respect and protect those who do not share them, not the other way around. Scouting does not ask, demand, or expect the people they serve to hold the same values that the scouts do. It is rediculous that some organizations have withdrawn support of the scouts because the organization does not have the same value base as the scouts. The benefit from the scouts is that they serve and give service. They help and provide comfort. They learn life skills that promote a more tolerant society.
By withdrawing support, it gives a message that you cannot tolerate certain groups (in this case, scouts) when that is precisely what the organizations are complaining about: tolerance. The scouts are about doing good—a good turn daily—and some are now turning their backs on this service. Secular ideas are dividing our country and in the process are hurting the youth who do not deserve to be so disrespected.
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