Are there any other youth organizations that my son can join besides Boy Scouts of America?

Question

I would like my son to join an organizations that teaches good values and does community service, but that is more tolerant of others (i.e. atheists and homosexuals). Any ideas?

Answer 1

The former jesuits youth assistance program - they have summer camps and a boys greco-roman wrestling program.

Answer 2

There are a few organizations he can join, but don't expect them to be completely without bias also.

The best bet is to in direct service organizations, such as library helpers, sports teams, etc. You may need to get him into several programs if you wish to match the scouts.

In defense of the Boy Scouts, you should check with the local leaders before jumping off and dismissing them. While the national office publicly states an opposition to homosexuality, in reality there is little (no) bias against homosexuals unless they act in a manner that would endanger, improperly influence, or corrupt the youth. That would basically mean that showing up in drag, or kissing is out. That goes double for any sexual relations with the scouts. (more than double, actually, as all scout leaders must be trained in child protection and follow certain child protection guidelines. If these are broken, the district will take over the troop.)

As far as atheists, you're going to have a problem. Many of the other groups are somewhat church related. Boy Scout troops are often sponsored by a church or church organization, but the organization does not have much say in the religious persuasion of the boys. There is a fundamental belief in God recognized in Boy Scouts. There is no definition of God, however. Often the atheism hurdle is quietly crossed to the boy's benefit. There are a few stick in the muds everywhere who use that as a worthiness test, however.

Most of the boys in Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are fairly oblivious to the issues of atheism and homosexuality. What is more important early on is tolerance of each other, working together, challenges, and becoming well rounded. It is only late in the game that the other issues come into play.

Answer 3

I don't know your hometown, or if you have a Kiwanis club in the area, but KEY Club (Kiwanis-Educates-Youth) is the largest school-based community service high school organization in the world.
It is sponsored by local community servants, and, having been the International Chairman for Youth Services, although I am both spiritual and straight, I know there are members of our sponsoring organization who are gay and others who
are atheists.
As it is run within the schools, as a school-based organization, religion legally could not play a part because of the laws of separation of church and state, nor could any of the other discriminatory practices for which a school district can get in trouble, but the work is predominantly in the community, itself, with the support of local businesspeople.

Former Key Clubbers of fame include both of the Bushes, Bill Clinton, Joe Montana, Elvis Presley and others--so the diversity is there.

If you do have a Kiwanis Club-largest community service organization in the world devoted primarily to the needs of children, in your community-that club, if it does not already, may be willing to sponsor or co-sponsor such a group.

Kiwanis has had a worldwide reputation, In the 1990's, during the Mario Cuomo administration, it was the only community service group to sit on the Governor's Coalition for the New Compact for Learning, out of which sprang, among other ideas, the concept of making voluntary service time a high school requirement. That is something of which I know personally, because, as the rep for Kiwanis on the statewide coalition, I was the one who made that recommendation.

Answer 4

may i quickly throw in that no matter what anyone says, i live at BSA camp in the summer and work there, and its not like someones out there kicking out every gay and agnostics...

if you havent even tried visiting a scout meeting i implore you your son will learn more and have more fun at scouts than any other youth organization i can think of... all that religious stuff is just a thing... in scouting your son will go camping, swimming learn to work with his hands, become a man...

and theres one kicker EAGLE if theres one reason i got in college its that

Answer 5

Hi! Yes there is ! I started this organization(non profit) just so kids, adults, and families to learn how to hunt, fish, rafting, canoeing, any activity that comes about. Contact me and I can get you involved on line.

Answer 6

N.Y.S.
NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS
he can play football and like flag football and everything, he can get very interactive with other people, and i think that you shouldnt put him in boy scouts, since when he gets older, hell get tired of it and people will make fun of him

Answer 7

P-FLAG (parents and friends of lesbians and gays) might know of something, or check the Unitarian Church (an umbrella group for non-Christian religions) in your area.

Answer 8

youth group at church,big brothers