Isn't this group intolerant of gays and atheists? I'm an atheist (my son is a believer) and I have gay friends. My husband thinks it's a cult. I'm just not sure what to do. My son REALLY wants to join this year. Every year I have said "no". (Well, actually just ignored it until it passed out of importance.)
2007-08-22 09:42:45 · 10 answers · asked by Go Girl 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Hello Go Girl:
The Cub Scouts spend most of their time just having fun. They don't dwell on the religous aspect, and sex is never brought up at the Cub level. This is a subject best left to the discretion of the parents. The policy is that members need to have a religous affiliation, and that homosexuals cannot serve as leaders. As an atheist, you will not be allowed to serve as an official leader, and you may feel uncomfortable if a prayer is said before or during the meeting. As a parent, you are welcome to support your son, as BSA does not mean Baby Sitters of America. Scouting is a great way for families to do activities together.
Would it be possible for you to attend a meeting without your son so that you can observe what happens? This way, if you find it objectionable, you don't have to disappoint your boy by telling him he cannot join. There may be more than one Pack in your area, try a few different ones until you find one that you feel most comfortable with.
If the Scouts just isn't your thing, look into another group for your son. The Scouts focus on physical fitness, mental development, and moral character in a fun and non-threatening atmosphere. Only about 40% of boys in this age group participate in Scouting, so there must be other groups that are taking up the time of the boys. Sports are good, if your son is athletic, otherwise it is a waste of time. Find out what interests your son, and pursue that.
Keep on Scoutin'
2007-08-22 14:10:22 · answer #1 · answered by OrakTheBold 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a tough one. It's mostly likely your son won't be exposed to their anti-homosexual sentiments. (which DO exist, at least in the US, despite the people who seem to be oblivious to it. Homosexual scout master ridiculed and kicked out, remember that? If that isn't homophobic behavior I don't know what is!) I would have a serious problem giving money in the form of dues to an organization that has such "values" even knowing the money was mostly supporting activities my son was participating in. I would not try to explain the concept of homophobia. I don't know your son but every six year old boy I've known would have a hard time wrapping their mind around that concept. If you feel your son could understand it then try. If it were me, I would not lie to my son and simply say I don't have time. But keep what you tell him simple; you don't agree with some of the thing the organization believes or the group doesn't allow certain people and you don't think that's fair. But try to make him understand the difference between the group at his school and the larger organization, you don't want him to have any trouble with the boys that do join. Then see if there is another group or activity he would like to join. Eventually your son will be old enough to understand fully why you are against this and will understand.
2016-05-20 01:25:17 · answer #2 · answered by cristi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boy Scouts is w onderful experience for a boy, I had some of my happiest times as a kid in scouts.
By all means let him... sexual orientation shouldn't be an issue at 9 anyway...and as for the whole religion crap... I too am athiest now and it never hurt me... it allowed me the time necessry to examine religion enough to come to my conlusion that it was'nt for me... Let him experience the great fun that scouting can provide for him, and the summer camping outtings are a must do...
Broadcreek Scout camp and the big yearly Jamboree was so much fun....
2007-08-24 04:32:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would and have. My son is now 11 and in Boy Scouts and has benefitted greatly from the social interaction and activities.
He just went on a trip to NYC this summer that cost us nothing out of pocket.
2007-08-22 13:04:24 · answer #4 · answered by airjarrod 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, because you have to be 11 or in the 5th grade to join Boy Scouts.
2007-08-24 09:19:55 · answer #5 · answered by calamari kid 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My son has been in scouts for going on 3 years now (he's
8 1/2). His Troop meets at our Church. So, we add faith to every aspect of scouting. It has done wonders for my son. God Bless!
2007-08-22 11:26:23 · answer #6 · answered by Tink 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they are not a bunch gay and atheist haters. I know too many gays and too many guys of all religions and NO religion who were in scouting who never had any problems. Those who do have problems are those who tend to have problems no matter WHERE they go or WHAT they do, they MAKE problems in order to get notoriety. Scouting teaches independence, preparedness and respect.
2007-08-23 18:17:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No..I would not let my child join boy scouts for the same reasons you have.
2007-08-24 01:12:14 · answer #8 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they dont really talk about gay stuff to little kids anymore they have laws against that stuff. boy scouts will be nothing but healthy for a nine year old
2007-08-22 09:59:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my boys are all cub scouts and true believers, i think it is one of the best groups to join it teaches them so much, you should let your son experience it for himself and let him decide. they don't discuss gays but they do involve faith. god bless.
2007-08-22 11:08:15 · answer #10 · answered by rose-flute-28 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋