I find myself siding with bert on this even if I disagree with him on other points.
IronJack, you are correct that an external organization is no substitute for sound parenting, but I also believe that there are skills and structures built into things like Scouts that contribute as well, and having those destroyed is a loss no matter how you look at it.
Parents can’t really foster the group skills, structures and placement into action and experience the way an organization such as the Scouts can...or could.
Those skills and structures can just as easily act in opposition to the parents’ values as in support of them. Witness the abominations known as public schools.
I wouldn’t trust the influence of ANY organization on my children. An organization has no vested interest in the outcome.