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But another obvious fact is that a lot fathers (particularly non-Scout fathers) aren't interested in spending nights with a bunch of little boys at Scout meetings and jamborees when there's the exciting world of gaming, phone staring, and social media to interact with.

I would submit to everyone on this thread that Boy Scouts (forget the new name) remain an alternative to a decaying culture. But you have to be local, and smart.

The National Office is a disaster. National is where all the stupid and destructive policies and decisions are made, and housed. They’re a bunch of jack wagons, just like the people of America are good (in general…) but the government sucks.

However, in practice the real management of the Troop is with...the Troop. Furthermore, Councils wield more power than National and in general Councils provide resources and advancement help without a heavy hand.

As I said, it is at the Troop adult/leadership level where the general tone is set. Despite what the MSM want you to believe (because they really, really like the goodness for which Scouting stands…), the century+ tradition and time-tested skills/spirit/education combo that developed the character of tomorrow's men remains alive and well with thousands of individuals who haven't bowed to the enemies of civilization.

To be fair, some Troops have drunk from the Kool Aid. Well, this isn’t Russia (yet) - if you find a Troop that isn't in synch with you, find another one. You aren't shackled to your town's Troop. Or start your own...you know...innovation and self-starting initiative.

And BE INVOLVED. Because even if you choose an alternative to BSA, nobody has your child's best interest at heart as much as you do. Become an Assistant Scoutmaster, go on trips, maybe even learn a few things.

I have been involved in Scouting for decades, always at the Troop level. I’ve seen plenty of Scouts grow up to become strong leaders. I’ve seen a few become losers, too. But I’ve seen some kids who society would have dumped rise to the occasion, and make it to Eagle. This is first-hand, empirical evidence….not an opinion formed by reading the posts of guys (not necessarily cc’d) typing bravely from their home responding by other guys typing bravely who couldn’t tie a square knot or treat for shock to save their life, and think a deadman anchor is a nautical apparatus. /rant

One clarifying point: if you don’t have a kid in Scouts, I would think long and hard about getting involved. You will likely be treated with suspicion (and, to be fair, I’d prolly do the same) and you COULD become a fall guy for Bad Stuff if it happens.

I get the desire to dump the BSA. I also understand how society wants conservatives to abandon tradition. Do what is best for your kids - be it BSA or something else. But don't let CNN or some dude who knew a guy who knew a guy who said Boy Scouts sucks, or a putz from National, think for you.

Reality here is there’s good folks everywhere, much like yourself. I remember being a tenderfoot working my way up in the early 60s. I stopped, did 4H for awhile then highschool came and then life.

The educational system is the same way as the scouts.. there’s some really good people there but these institutions have been infected but the lefts rot. Same with many religions and churches. Everything they touch they destroy.

The scouts like all these other infected institutions need to be eradicated and start over with strict vetting processes for normal people. You can’t fix something that broken... you need to start over.