Keep Calm and Scout On

Last month the National Board of the Boy Scouts of America voted unanimously to open their Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs to girls, beginning in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Predictably, the predictable media immediately jumped on the story, predictably reporting that major changes had come to the BSA, that the long-time Scouting movement as we know it was gone, and that the non-profit organization had made the move in desperation for money. Anyone could have predicted that response. 

Additionally, naysayers gleefully declared that Scouting was finally dead, the century-old organization now altered beyond repair, and that this faithful entity of America had at last met its demise.

As a 30-year Scouting member myself, and after 20 years of being married to a professional Scout executive, I feel that I must speak out and clarify what these changes mean and why I still think Scouting is relevant and needed.

If one looks past the predictable media and the ever-present critics of good, the changes made by the National Board actually deserve a levelheaded review.

First of all, it is important to note that despite the many program alterations the Boy Scouts have made during the past century of existence, the Scout Oath and Scout Law remain absolutely unchanged—word for word.

Unlike other shifting organizations, the vision of the BSA has always been the same, with their familiar and resounding Duty to God and others. Commendably, all of the leadership, program and membership policy changes have never ever affected the foundation of Scouting. That feat alone deserves respect and applause, especially in a society where God, morals, and family are increasingly disintegrating.

Second, it might be worthwhile to take a look back at other changes the BSA has made in the past 100+ years.

Originally, the organization was formed for young men, ages 12 – 18. When the Cub Scout program was officially added in 1933 (allowing boys ages 8 - 11 to participate), people perhaps declared that “Boy Scouting” was dead. But the programs were simply expanded.

In 1949 the Scouting entry age changed to 11 years old, and in 1969 young women could join special-interest Explorer Posts. Program changes occurred again in 1988 when ladies were finally allowed to serve in all Scouting leadership positions (a blessing for the LDS Church, since Primary sisters are often called to serve in 11-year-old Scout patrols). In 2013 and 2015 membership requirements expanded to allow all boys and adults to register as Scouts and leaders. These newly welcomed individuals are still asked to raise their arms to the square and pledge the Scout Oath and Law.

Despite loud opinions on what the BSA should or shouldn’t have done in these circumstances, it’s commendable to note that they have never altered their Oath or Law. They do, however, have a history of changing their programs to fit the shifting needs of society—a fact that I also find commendable since we no longer live in 1910 (thank goodness!).

The October change does not make Scouting coed, but instead allows females to register in separate Cub Scout dens and Boy Scout troops. Broader and more inclusive programs benefit everyone. Single parent homes are more prevalent in this century. While youth in affluent communities may have many safety nets to catch them as they grow, struggling families will benefit greatly by allowing young girls to participate in Cub Scouting. Imagine a busy mother able to engage her children, both sons and daughters, in the whole realm of Scouting, supplementing her efforts to teach citizenship, character, and fitness. (No, the Girls Scouts offer a different foundational program, so you can’t truly compare the two entities.) Additionally, many minority communities already function as a complete family unit in extra curricular events, and Scouting’s program changes will now allow them all to be involved.

And what about the name, Boy Scouts of America? Does that need to change with the program alterations? Well, have you heard of the YMCA? Have you been to the YMCA? Are you Young? Are you a Man? Are you a Christian? Everyone goes to the “Y” regardless of who they are and can benefit from this time-tested association known throughout the world by their definitive title. The Boy Scouts of America is no different. As Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh explained, their name will not change.

Now, a word to my good LDS friends who may sometimes declare in church hallways that “Scouting is almost gone and thank goodness!” 

First of all, Scouting has been part of the Church for 104 years, so I invite you to give it a rest. I don’t usually hear gossip about how “I’m hanging in there until they get rid of this ridiculous Visiting Teaching.” Or, “Sure wish the Church leaders would go to a two-hour block.” We generally take other Church programs at face value, doing our best to live them whole-heartedly. Yet sometimes we think it’s ok to bad-mouth Scouting or act like it’s not really part of us.

What about the yearly Friends of Scouting drive, when we are asked to donate to the local Scout council? There is sometimes open irritation over money to support the “BSA administration.” Yet I rarely hear frustration regarding our tithing donations, even though that money is also supporting Church employees in Salt Lake City. What about seminary? Do we begrudge the good men and women who work full-time to teach and coordinate the education of our youth? How about when we are invited to donate to humanitarian efforts, both in and outside of the Church? Do we reluctantly give, thinking that the Prophet has really made a mistake? Let’s try trusting that our wise Church leaders can also make prudent decisions regarding Scouting.

I'm personally grateful for the good men and women who dedicate their careers to this commendable non-profit organization. Of the many, many, many weekends and evenings they give to fulfill their jobs, above their modest-salary pay. Of the sacrifices their families (and mine) make to support them while they help other youth—usually youth who have less than we do.

I also applaud the thousands of volunteers who receive no pay, yet tirelessly keep Scouting moving; the good diligent people I know from across the nation of many religious faiths who sacrifice to help the youth of America. What a blessing to work shoulder to shoulder with them.

It might also be helpful to consider the hundreds and thousands of good non-LDS boys who have thrived in our Church troops and packs. Just last week I was with my husband when a stake president tearfully told him that he was standing in the Church today (as a stake president!) because of the Scouting program. He couldn’t express enough gratitude for how his life had been altered and blessed by Scouting.

Although some Church members may that feel Scouting isn’t specifically benefitting their own sons, I invite them to consider that the program might still benefit others. Perhaps it’s time to take off our self-centered glasses and look to see if there is a boy in our neighborhood who would jump at the chance to go on a high adventure hike with good priesthood leaders and well-prepared boys.

Finally, a word for those who say that Scouting will go away once President Monson dies.  (This type of attitude was also common when President Benson—another dedicated Scouter—was our prophet.)

I believe we should be cautious about declaring what the prophet will or won’t do. There are 15 prophets, seers and revelators at the head of the Church and I’m happy to let them have the job. Also, if the prophet was twice my age (which he is) and had spent years and years serving on the Boy Scout National Executive Board (as he has) and hours and hours sitting through Scout meetings (as he has) and counseling with the other Church leaders (as I imagine he has) then I would trust his judgment and his revelation. And right now he says our Church supports and uses Scouting for boys and young men. That is enough for me.

So, how do I feel about the BSA change? I’m grateful that Scouting has opened its doors to new members. I’m grateful that chartered organizations can still choose guidelines for their units. I’m grateful that the Scout Oath and Law still ring true today, teaching young people to be physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. And most importantly, I hope I can look beyond myself to serve and observe how Scouting blesses my sons and the lives of boys around the nation. I choose to Keep Calm and Scout On.