Boy Scouts?

[SnuggleBuggles]

I have been meaning to ask about them forever and seeing the Girl Scout thread reminded me to finally post. :) I liked Girl Scouts as a kid and would like ds to have something like that. However, I do not like their discrimination of homosexuals. I don't feel right joining the organization as a result. But, for all I know my local group doesn't agree with the policy (like my Catholic mom who openly disagrees with some aspects of Catholicism but still practices, kwim?). Is anyone else planning to look for an alternative to Boy Scouts? Does anyone know of one? Does their policy affect your choice about the organization? Thoughts?

I hesitated to post about this but I really would like to hear what other people are thinking.

Beth

[brittone2]

We have some friends locally and they are looking into alternatives.
So far I've heard of EarthScouts:
http://www.earthscouts.org/

This particular family is Pagan and is looking into Spiral Scouts as a result

http://www.spiralscouts.org/

Dh was a boyscout, but like you, we have concerns about their policies against homosexuals participating. We would love a troop where our son and daughter could particpate together (less shuffling around) one day.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I had a feeling you would have some alternatives! Thanks for your reply!

Beth

[brittone2]

I had a feeling you would have some alternatives! Thanks for your reply!

Beth

Well, thanks for starting this thread because I'd love to know if there are any additional alternatives.

[MelissaTC]

YMCA has a program called Y-Guides and Y-Princesses. We have friends that do these programs and they love it. The Dads are part of the program with their daughters and they are always camping, fishing, doing some sort of activity. It is supposed to help foster father and child relationships.

Link to our local group- http://www.arapahoe-nation.org/

[fivi2]

I have heard great things about Campfire USA also. It is co-ed. http://www.campfire.org/start.asp

eta: (had to run and wanted to add)

I have heard from other parents who have gone through this (mine are too young still) that one thing to look at is the resources available to the org. The Scouts are the biggest and have campgrounds and facilities in many areas. Most of these newer organizations (like the Spiral and Earth Scouts - both of whihc sound great) may not have the resources of the bigger orgs. And you will be much more dependent on your particular group leader - at least in my area I think there is one spiral group and that is it. I am not ruling out any of these alternatives, because I too have some issues with the Scouts, but just wanted to throw out some other concerns!

[purpleeyes]

Well, thanks for starting this thread because I'd love to know if there are any additional alternatives.

:yeahthat:

We don't participate in groups that are exclusionary, period. So scouts are out for us! I hadn't even thought there were alternatives, so this is great info. Thanks!!