[formosa]

My rule of thumb is always this. If a man or woman gets involved with scouts etc., and does not have children involved, then their intentions are highly suspect at best. I would never allow another adult(with the exception of some relatives) spend extra time with my children in absence of their own.

Call me paranoid, but I do not think it is normal for an adult to want to spend time with children of strangers in situations where they may be alone with them or there is some chance there might be nudity.

The only exception to this would be some church events that are supervised by other adults or school teachers(though a lot of them are suspect as well).

[HiTech RedNeck]

A healthy dose of caution is called for, however some singles might well have the right heart.

[tenger]

Formosa, The reason you stated in your post is the reason I have not gotten back involved in the Scouts. I grew up (with no father around) in the Scouts in the 70s, earned my Eagle and helped out a bit with a Scout troop in Alaska during some of my USAF days.

Time slipped by. I considered helping out again but thought against it because I didn't have kids. I also know how easy it is to be accused of something (while having no kids in the troop) so I never really considered it beyond a passing). It's unfortunate because I really believe I could have made a difference in kids' lives.

I am totally disgusted with what has transpired over the last few years in BSA. I think they're toast now.

While I understand how you came to your "almost without exception" comment, it doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for those who care about kids but don't have them.

[MacNaughton]

60 My rule of thumb is always this. If a man or woman gets involved with scouts etc., and does not have children involved, then their intentions are highly suspect at best. ... Call me paranoid, but I do not think it is normal for an adult to want to spend time with children of strangers in situations where they may be alone with them or there is some chance there might be nudity.

64 A healthy dose of caution is called for, however some singles might well have the right heart.

Given the times, paranoia can be excused, sadly. I knew many single men over the decades who served as scoutmasters and assistant scoutmasters. And they were all bona fide heteros. Singles' involvement in Scouting too, may become collateral damage in this all out cultural war. Of course, BSA National has required a criminal background check of all adult leaders since 2011.