I’m really struggling with my future action. I’m a Scout Leader of a troop sponsored by a School PTA. I live in the Bay Area (obviously the most liberal part of the country.) My biggest gripe is about the inconsistency of it all!
The scout oath and it’s meaning have been immutable to me. Now I find out it doesn’t mean what it says, but whatever the current fad interpretation of the day is!?! Of what value is that as a moral compass?
It also felt like - we’ve done a internal study and we aren’t changing our policy. Uhm - that isn’t the answer we want - go back and try again. Okay - we’re changing our policy.... BS!
Finally - my son, an Eagle as of two years ago told me last evening that the work I’m doing down in the trenches as it were is worth while and that I’m making a difference. I had a long Scout Masters conference just before hearing that comment with a very inspiring young man who is an Eagle Candidate (who waited till 3 days before his 18th bday ;-) that gives me hope for our nations future.
So I’m confused as to what my course should be.
Hate to walk away from the BSA as many fond memories and skills were forged with men who cared to pass down such be they fathers, brothers, friends or neighbors......
I don’t see how anything but a massive outcry of all parents, scoutmasters and sponsors can fix this. No good answer. Like wrestling with a muddy pig...no one comes home clean and the pig loves it.... Has to be grass roots anger in handwritten snail mail, email, phone calls all directed to districts and council headquarters.
What actually forced this decision ? Was a lawsuit lost ?
Hope yer well, grateful for the work you do for scouting. Keep me posted if ya have time !
Stay safe !