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Because of the military support, I was able to be a cub scout when I loved in Portugal. It was the same for my son when we lived in Germany. I think that having a connection with the military is of great value for Scouting and for the military. My son is an Eagle Scout and has been selected for a 4-year NROTC Scholarship next year when he starts college. Although I left scouting as a Boy Scout because of the troop when I moved to Mississippi - the troop was less about camping and more about uniform inspections and being in Ranks. I was not looking for a military experience (although I retired form the Navy after 30 years in 2021). So, I can understand why Scouting America made the decisions it did - Cit Society has been sacrificed for bigger, more important priorities to the program. But as the Cit Society MB counselor in my troop, I am concerned that there will be a cost. After two years teaching the Merit Badge, I learned from the scouts as we talk about the requirements. The scouts never had issue with them, only the parents. The scouts did not understand what the issue was - which really makes confident in the future generations. I disagree the argument that there is no value since elements have always been there. Can we use the same argument to get rid of cooking since it is in every advancement requirement to First Class and in Camping MB? Same with First Aid? Since that argument does not work, what is the actual pushback on the Merit Badge?

I could write a whole lot on this from personal experience, but to keep it brief: as @InquisitiveScouter and I have exchanged posts on in the past, being an "OA member" is a one-time occurrence, of having completed the Ordeal and being sashed within the Ordeal ceremony. Similarly, sealing Brotherhood or sitting Vigil are also one-time occurrences. Both are intended to charge the Arrowmen to continue to serve the OA and Scouting in general, but you can't go back through the ceremonies again as "candidate". Where there is a difference in "being a member" versus "being an active member" exists with those who continually pay dues to the National OA- and the only mechanism for that is through Lodges. The casual member may not know all the ins-and-outs of the OA in current events, but the changes that have been expressed outwardly that all can see (regulating the Native American theme, stopping the giving of Vigil names in Lenape, dropping adult camping requirements, etc.) have had a number of changes behind the scenes as well. There used to be numbers of adults who would attend NOAC- and that filtered down to Section and Lodges too- years ago who were not active members of BSA. That had to change, and it ticked quite a few off, but at the end of the day the OA cannot function in todays youth protection safeguards climate in what had become to some as an alumni association. Closures of camps in the summer of 2020 had a very profound effect on youth participation for many Lodges, in same manner as it did units. Lodges also saw engagement from older youth drop, in the same way units did (both from COVID and non-COVID reasons). Ultimately, the OA today is just "Scouting's National Honor Society", and the "honor camper" part was dropped long ago as part of that tagline. While many of the few who post here regularly testify that their program is active and following (if not going above and beyond) the outdoor component of the program, sadly, Lodges become reflections of the units within their councils. If the other units in your city/town or the city/town next door are pencil-whipping rank requirements, viewing the various camping experiences of Camping MB as "suggestions", and seeing all of the Scouting program as "ticking a box" then that is going to reflect in the youth in the Lodge. If youth within units don't want to accept (or actually perform) POR, then that is going to show up in youth that are in the Lodge. The OA has gone through so many revisions of the "JTE", like units have endured, over the past 10-15 years that have been trying to "strengthen the OA", but the criteria are so heavily focused on activation (how many youth got elected that year versus how many was the Lodge successfully able to get through Ordeal) and how much $$$ the Lodge was able to pass off to their Council. Actual quality of the weekend program being delivered, how many youth attend multiple events in a year, etc. went out the window long ago. As I told the current National Chief and his brother several years ago now, the youth are not the voice running this at the top, it is the adults. I appreciate thoughts on how to revitalize the OA and keep it relevant, but ultimately the success of the OA is viewed through the same lens at the National level as Scouting America as a whole is- membership, revenue, etc. To improve the OA, you have to improve what SA is turning out within its' programs. My $.02.

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Discontinuance | Scouting America

The knee was already bent with the membership changes and Citizenship in Society merit badge. Now it's being hyperextended the other way. In between it filed for bankruptcy. Let's face it, we're really limping along here.

If you are a front line leader we talk to Scouts all the time. About many many items, some intentionally and some as casual conversation. Reminder we are all volunteers. The Cit is Society was a knee jerk reaction to a societal event. We can talk with Scouts about these particular issues, but again, we all have a variety of biases and experiences. There are in fact no right answers to any of the CIS requirements, what is covered is all based on some MB counselors life experiences which may or may not dovetail with the Scouts and their families experiences and beliefs. That could be good or bad. The issue with CIS is it was ill conceived, a trendy MB to satisfy elements in society who don't like Scouting anyway, and honestly would be instructed solely based on the MB counselors beliefs. No objective criteria no objective evaluation, no real requirements. Best this is a MB be put aside and the organization moves on.

For me the issue was a two point problem. First of all the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge requirements for Merit Badge Counselors were the most stringent and only MBC leadership requirements universally enforced in scouting. To council the merit badge you had to have your MBC training complete prior to the special MB train-the-trainer session, and you had to sign a special contract above and beyond the MBC requirements attesting that you would not add to, remove from, or steer, or alter the merit badge materials. A fine process; however, no such process for any other merit badge. The fact that national knows that the merit badge program is compromised with unqualified and incompetent councilors and did nothing to improve or ensure quality control on the rest of the merit badge program pissed me off. Second of all the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge itself is the only merit badge without a test of knowledge or skill. As structured the merit badge simply did not have the legs to stand on to be considered a merit badge and never should have been in its structure and condition entered into the merit badge program. This is the weak minded straw argument of the left. No one, not even Hegseth or any of choogy boys have said they want to kick girls out. What has been stated publicly and everything that has leaked has literally only been about concerns about political indoctrination and deviation from the true purpose of the program. Trans kids have always had this dilemma. Scouting Americas policy has always been that registration must align to gender within the confines of the state and federal laws governing the geography of the area of the unit. This argument is a nothing burger, this is a no change. NOTHING IS CHANGING in regards to this for anyone in Scouting America. This right here is actually part of the problem that Hegseth and his toadies are rallying against. The mission statement of Scouting America has somehow deviated quite a bit from our congressional chartered purpose [which is]: That the purpose of this corporation shall be to promote, through organization, and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in Scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues, using the methods which are now in common use by Boy Scouts. Our membership is down to 1946 levels. 50 years of experimentation and deviation from the core mission of the program led us from a membership peak of 4 million scouts in 1970 to 821,000 scouts in 2026. With the doors open to male and female scouts our membership should be at a new record level, not collapsing towards mediocrity. Trying to push all of these other things, secondary mission statements, tertiary vision statements, derivative after derivative after derivative; all these watered down straying from the roots things are what are killing this organization.

So you want to kick all the girls out? Maybe you'll get your wish. Scouting America bent the knee and now we can only wait and see how they'll pay for it. Today's demands aren't the end of the list for Hegseth, and Scouting America showing this kind of weakness only opens the door for him to demand more and more and expect to get his way. I guess when that happens, we'll see if there is any bravery left in that building in Irving.

The main issue was that this was another classroom badge, do it in at Merit Badge U in a few hours. Overall it was an empty suit. While nothing egregious against basic goals, it was not challenging and was a check the box. Nothing to accomplish, no measurable items, just feel good writing. It was smoke and mirrors to say "Hey, look how progressive we are". Remember the requirements: 1. Before beginning work on other requirements for this merit badge, research the following terms and explain to your counselor how you feel they relate to the Scout Oath and Scout Law: identities, diversity, equality, equity, inclusion, discrimination, ethical leadership, and upstander. Lot of buzz words here, no real meat or challenge, no actual answers, and if challenged one might be cast as racist or worse (not sure there is worse) 2. Document and discuss with your counselor what leadership means to you. Share what it means to make ethical decisions. (a) Research and share with your counselor an individual you feel has demonstrated positive leadership while having to make an ethical decision. (It could be someone in history, a family member, a teacher, a coach, a counselor, a clergy member, a Scoutmaster, etc.) (b) Explain what decision and/or options that leader had, why you believe they chose their final course of action, and the outcome of that action More here, but lot of feel and again, no real challenge here, it is basic writing and rote answers 3. Consider ethical decision-making. (a) Think about a time you faced an ethical decision. Discuss the situation, what you did, and how it made you feel. Share if you would do anything differently in the future and if so, what that would be. (b) List three examples of ethical decisions you might have to make in the future at school, at home, in the workplace, or in your community, and what you would do. Share how your actions represent alignment with the Scout Oath and Scout Law. (c) Explain to your counselor how you plan to use what you have learned to assist you when that time comes, and what action(s) you can take to serve as an upstander and help other people at all times. Again, lots of touchy feely - feel good stuff , but as with all the requirements, no real challenge here, it is basic writing and rote answers. I am sure the ChatGPT answers were great 4. Repeat the Scout Oath and Scout Law for your counselor. Choose TWO of the following scenarios and discuss what you could do as a Scout to demonstrate leadership and your understanding of what it means to help others who may seem different from you: (a) Scenario 1: While at camp, a youth accidentally spills food on another camper. The camper who gets spilled on gets angry and says something that is offensive to people with disabilities; their friends laugh. What could/should you do? (b) Scenario 2: Your friend confides in you that some students in school are making insulting comments about one of their identities, and that those same students created a fake social media account to impersonate your friend online and post messages. What could/should you do? (c) Scenario 3: A new student in your class was born in another country (or has a parent who was born in another country). Your friends make rude comments to the student about their speech or clothes and tell the student to "go back home where you came from." What could/should you do? This is a basic HR opinion test recycled or really bad training video out take, not overtly terrible, but if this is our core mission, these items could be included in other existing merit badges 5. Document and discuss: (a) Ideas on what you personally can do to create a welcoming environment in your Scouting unit. (b) An experience you had in which you went out of your way to include another Scout(s) and what you did to make them feel included and welcomed. (c) Things you can do to help ensure all Scouts in your unit are given an opportunity to be heard and included in decision-making and planning. Not a terrible requirement, but again, could be included in other existing merit badges 6. With your parent or guardian's approval, connect with another Scout or youth your own age who has an identity that's different from yours. (This means a trait, belief, or characteristic different from you.) (a) Share with each other what makes the different aspects of your identity meaningful/special to you (b) Share with each other ONE of the following options: (1) Option 1—A time you felt excluded from a group: What was the situation? How did it make you feel? What did you do? Did anyone stand up for you? What did you learn? Would you do anything differently today? (2) Option 2—This imaginary situation: You're attending a new school and don't know anyone there yet. You notice they dress very differently than you do. At lunchtime, you decide you'll try to sit with a group to get to know other students. People at two tables tell you there is someone sitting at the currently empty seat at their table, so you end up eating by yourself. Discuss: How would that make you feel? What could the students have done? If that happened at your school, what would you do? (c) Discuss with your counselor what you learned from the discussion with the other Scout or youth. The weakest requirement, as if used in the broad definition "who has an identity that's different from yours", basically that is anyone that is not in fact you. We each have a unique identity. The MB writers could not bring themselves to actually challenge Scouts to find someone of different gender, race, or nationality. 7. Identify and interview an individual in your community, school, and/or Scouting who has had a significant positive impact in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you feel your community, school, or local Scouting group does not have such an individual, then research a historical figure who meets these criteria, and discuss that person with your counselor. (a) Discover what inspired the individual, learn about the challenges they faced, and share what you feel attributed to their success (b) Discuss with your counselor what you learned and how you can apply it in your life. Self promotion and shameless support of the DEI cycle, let's applaud the program we are stoking 8. With the help of your parent or guardian, study an event that had a positive outcome on how society viewed a group of people and made them feel more welcome. Describe to your counselor the event and what you learned. Not a terrible requirement, but again, could be included in other existing merit badges 9. Document and discuss with your counselor three or more areas in your life outside of Scouting where you feel you can actively provide stronger leadership in: (a) Making others feel included. (b) Practicing active listening. (c) Creating an environment where others feel comfortable to share their ideas and perspectives. (d) Helping others feel valued for their input and suggestions. (e) Standing up for others. A feel good requirement, no actual measurements, just self promotion and support of the DEI cycle 10. Discuss with your counselor how stereotyping people can be harmful, and how stereotypes can lead to prejudice and discrimination. Share ideas you have for challenging assumptions and celebrating individuality. A feel good requirement, no actual measurements or documented achievements, just self promotion and support of the DEI cycle 11. Scouting strives to develop young people to be future leaders in their workplaces, schools, and community environments. As you look at your current involvement in school, your family, Scouting, your job, and/or community, think about how you can have a positive impact in diversity, equity, and inclusion. (a) Describe your ideas on how you can and will support others with different identities to feel included and heard at your school, workplace, and/or social settings in your community. (b) Explain how including diverse thoughts and opinions from others with different identities can: Make your interactions more positive. Help everyone benefit by considering different opinions. (c) Give three examples of how limiting diverse input can be harmful. d) Give three examples of how considering diverse opinions can lead to innovation and success. As with Req 7, basic self promotion and shameless support of the DEI cycle, let's applaud the program we are stoking

I have no problem with having the Merit Badge. I did have a few issues when this all started: 1. It was a knee-jerk reaction to the George Floyd episode. Without having all the facts about what happened, BSA glommed onto the hysteria that developed in our country. And, in doing so, I think BSA diminished the standing of Scouting in the eyes of most. 2. The original leaked requirements were ideologically (and thus politically) charged agendas, and not appropriate for Scouting. These were, thankfully, revised to the current product. 3. They could have taken the revised requirements and sprinkled them into other existing merit badges or rank requirements. Or simply expounded upon current requirements in the program which, if emphasized, would address the issues at hand in a more fulsome manner. Were the real issues at hand getting watered down in other aspects of BSA's program? Yes. But, there was no need to create a new merit badge. And, in doing so, (creating a new badge), the real message BSA sent was that our program was not sufficient, and that it somehow had to change. Bad message, in my book. 4. They made it required to become an Eagle Scout. Again, the hidden message in doing this was that the Scout Oath and the Scout Law were not good enough. I count it a great victory for common sense that this has been axed. As a counselor, I, too, guided many Scouts through this, and made it a worthwhile endeavor for them to focus on some issues that all societies face, and how we as Scouts and Americans can help to strive for a "more perfect Union." I'm going to have a beer to celebrate. P.S. I would support keeping it as an optional badge, with a name change...

This is directly connected to the letter I received earlier today in my email. " Scouting America and the Department of War Scouting Family, Today, Scouting America and the Department of War finalized a commitment to strengthen our longstanding partnership with the U.S. military. Over several months, we engaged in dialogue with Department leadership to align on how we could deepen our service to military families, while making programmatic updates to comply with Executive Order 14173. Throughout our discussions, we remained true to the core commitments that define our organization—our name, our mission, and our promise to serve all youth in our programs. Those commitments are unchanged. We will continue to deliver stability, mentorship, and opportunity to the children of those who serve our nation. What This Agreement Delivers Continued support for Scouting on military installations worldwide Ongoing Department support for National Jamborees and other events New benefits for military families, including waiving registration fees for children of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families Launching a new Military Service merit badge, developed in cooperation with the Department Memorializing our existing practices for membership registration and safeguarding youth As part of Scouting America’s commitment to comply with Executive Order 14173, we will be discontinuing the Citizenship in Society merit badge. While this change complies with the Executive Order, the lessons found in this merit badge are found throughout the Scouting program. Scouting has always taught respect for others, leadership, and consideration of diverse perspectives through the ideals enshrined in the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting America’s mission remains unchanged and is reinforced across our advancement, leadership development, and outdoor experiences. Our emphasis on duty to God, duty to country, and service to others is strengthened by this partnership. Scouting’s values have not changed, and they will not change. Why This Partnership Matters Since 1910, Scouting America has played a strategic role in strengthening our nation’s military readiness. More than 130 million Americans have been Scouts. Millions have gone on to serve as military leaders, first responders, educators, and civic leaders. For military families navigating deployments and frequent moves, Scouting has long provided a steady anchor during times of uncertainty. Service to Military Families In our discussions, we affirmed Scouting’s deep commitment to military families. To that end, we will waive the national registration fees of all active duty, Reserve and Guard troops. Your support in this effort is critical – and we encourage you to make a donation to support Scouting families. Click here to give today. How to Communicate Locally When speaking with families and volunteers, lead with confidence and clarity: This agreement provides continuity for military families It supports Scouting on military bases and support for events such as National Jamborees Fee waivers will be available for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families Program updates were made to comply with Executive Order 14173 Our mission, and commitment to serving all youth remains unchanged Membership registration and our practices to safeguard youth remain unchanged Scouting America works constructively with every administration—always focused on serving youth. Our Resolve For more than a century, Scouting America has endured because we are resilient, principled and unwavering in our mission. We remain committed to developing leaders of character. We remain committed to service and our nation. We remain committed to the principles enshrined in our Scout Oath and Scout Law. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to Scouting America. Respectfully, Roger A. Krone Chief Scout Executive President & CEO Scouting America Copyright © 2026 Boy Scouts of America. All rights reserved. Scouting America 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane Irving, TX 75038 I am pleased that those within our leadership in Washington have stepped up and worked out the wrinkles a little. For me, the MB was never needed, and it was always just, as some of my naysayers locally have noted, a woke response to things. The elements covered in the MB always were there if one paid attention to the concept of Scout Spirit, so we have untied one unneeded knot, or so I hope.

Your understanding is incorrect. They did not “vote to contribute”, the corporation told the court the OA and NESA endowments were protected. They they were not subject to the bankruptcy contributions to the trust. The other side said show us how you did proper record keeping for the funds inputs and outputs. They had no records and had just comingled the funds in the general funds. Thus, they were ordered to contribute the funds. Thus they need to “recapitalize”.

One of our most popular activities was the annual Pumpkin Chunkin with homemade trebuchets. Apparently hurling 10 pound orange projectiles 100 yards was too much for the lawyers.

When it went to everyone, it's no longer an honor; it's just a checkbox on your way to Eagle. The point that no one is talking about is that the youth view it as a joke. Look at the youth membership that renews for a second year.

Our Scouts lose by not going through the requirements of the Citizenship in Society merit badge. Let's go through a few of them (quoting from https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/citizenship-in-society/ ) This exercise requires Scouts to learn the denotations of each of these terms so to become a better human being: Identities (this is not just pronouns; it also has to do with religious and ethnic identities as well) Diversity Equality vs Equity (they are DIFFERENT) Inclusion Discrimination Ethical leadership (a fish rots from the head down, as does an organization and a government) Upstander (we don't have enough of people doing this) Image source: https://www.diffen.com/difference/Equality-vs-Equity I'm not sure of anywhere else in the Scouting program makes Scouts think about these particular scenarios. I grew up with classmates making fun of disabilities with jokes like "What do you call a man with no arms and no legs who floats in the water? Answer: Bob". Our current President ridicules women ("Quiet piggy!", "grab them by the p*ssy", "she had blood coming out of...whatever", "we're going to have to bring the women's team",...need I go on? ). That "go back home where you came from" statement...gee, why does that sound familiar? These scenarios force a Scout to mentally prepare for situations where they WILL come up in the future, making it easier to do the right thing and stand up for whomever is being attacked. We ask Scouts during Boards of Review what they'd like to change about the Troop. A few times now a Scout has mentioned that older Scouts are not always being welcoming to the younger Scouts. Requiring Scouts to THINK about welcoming in newcomers -- and making sure all Scouts feel they can be full participants -- is very important for the cohesion of the Troop. Or to quote Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird: This is why I feel Scouting America's executive leadership has sold out to the current Presidential leadership. By removing the Citizenship in Society merit badge -- and not transplanting these requirements into other merit badges, the Scouting America executive leadership has effectively stated that the requirements of the merit badge HAVE NO MERIT. And that's just wrong.

So my understanding is that the West Point Camporee is a go but we don't know much except that the formal sponsor has changed to the cadet association (from what I have heard). It is also my understanding that the military is going to continue its support of the national jamboree. There are not clear military membership numbers from what I can see at my level; however, I have some visibility into the European Command and Indo-Pacific Command memberships because of the special BSA councils set up to support the accompanied families. My hypothesis on the free memberships for military families is this: The DOW basically told Scouting America that the DOW costs to support just the jamboree were SO high that they want something back for the military if the partnership was going to continue. Part of the give back is the free memberships for military families. I estimate that BSA is going to give up around $638,000 in membership fees each year; however, I also estimate that the cost of the US Army providing a 9-line to the national jamboree (just that 1 line item of support) is going to cost the DOW $880,000. I am thinking that this was all a money issue of "Give us something or you can go out and pay for what we give you for free". I will say this, the free memberships for military families is a great thing. There are a lot of junior enlisted families that have ZERO disposable income to put towards a program like scouting for their children. BAH and BAS barely cover living expenses for married junior enlisted. There are E1s out there trying to cover all other living expenses for their families on pay lower than what McDonalds flunkies get paid.

Yeah, this is really bad (if true). If you're going to solicit large donations for an endowment, there's a professional and moral obligation to ensure they're protected to the fullest extent. Beyond the endowments, there has probably been a working-class family in every council who gifted their own modest estate in order to have a new health lodge or shooting sports range built at their favorite camp. And now that camp is gone. I'm just glad they're no longer here to see their life's work squandered.

This was my biggest issue. It catered to one side and felt very reactionary. I'm not thrilled about the roll-back either for the same reasons. The damage is done. There are no winners.

That's simply untrue. In Hegseth's own words:

In 1973 the Scouts saw the issue with the change in requirements and the Improved Scouting Program, were you an old Eagle or a New Eagle. Those who all the various policy changes and enhancements handed down from on high over the years have impacted clearly see through the fog. The Scouts saw CIS for what is was, corporate foolishness. Never underestimate what the youth see and understand. Do not assume that since they were earning the MB they did not see the fallacy in the CIS MB

Well, I guess you have my number and are the acknowledged expect on all things scouting. I like how you attempt to blame me for bringing personal attacks. Back to my first statement, we agree to disagree. You decided to make ad hominem bards at me. I’ll pass. There is no value, it adds nothing to the conversation, in fact they stop any conversation. Well done.

This all comes down to quality control. District Executives need to have enough strength in their spine to kill the charters of known bad units. Reading what you wrote makes me think Scouting America needs some sort of relegation program where unit review (JTE or whatever) is mandatory and the worst unit gets de-chartered every year. In my area, all of the little Lord Farquaads would soil their pants with fear of losing their fiefdoms and actually get trained and run the program as designed. To both of these statements I can only say that there are a lot of things in scouting that are not scouting. People want slingshots, and trebuchets, and yadda-yadda but we really need to figure out why we can't do back-to-the-basics things like pioneering a watch tower (which goes back to BPs original program). I am not advocating for an anything goes pioneering program like in the movies but I think we should focus on fighting for things that have been safetied out of the program that really are part of the program.

Comingling is a huge problem at every level in scouting as I can tell. Comingling is what is going to get every scout account using unit in trouble eventually. I think it's poor legal judgement. Personally I think the accountants and legal at national know we have an accounting problem at every level but there is not enough where-with-all in the national team to do something about it at this time. I am tepidly optimistic that once national retires all of the debt related to the settlement and restructuring that the national leadership will force the accounting and legal leadership to deal with the comingling issues at all levels in the organization to avoid any situations of the IRS crushing units or councils like a tin can.

terms you use to refute the value of the MB are "feel good requirement" and " no challenge." The mission of Scouting America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Its vision to make people good citizens. Understanding people makes them good citizens. It does not need to be hard, but knowing how it see others from thier point of view is a mature and effective tool to be a good citizen. You think there are no answers to the terms and that they can make you Racist. There are definitions. They are in the training that the MB Counselors have to take: Key definitions included in the materials: Identities: Traits that make up who a person is, including race, gender, age, religion, and ability. Diversity: The presence of a wide range of individual identities. Equality: The state of having equal status, rights, and opportunities. Equity: Providing resources tailored to individuals to ensure fair access to opportunities. Inclusion: Active efforts to create a sense of belonging and participation for all individuals. Discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people. If a scout does not understand them, then we talk about them. Maybe you can explain now they are racist.

Can we also just put it into perspective that this is a whole lot more than a merit badge discontinuation, and today's news effectively kicks many trans kids out of Scouting America? Trans kids now have to choose between switching to a troop that aligns with their birth gender or joining a coed troop, if one exists in their area. If a coed troop isn't available to them, and they don't wish to join a troop that doesn't align with their gender identity, they're effectively kicked out. This is awful.

I can read this two ways. The first is one where you are both condescending and dismissive. It is at best patronizing. It tries to shut down any conversation by dismissing my comments, implying I do not know what I am talking about and pretty much "shut up and color. Yet you include: ""A Scout is courteous. A Scout is polite to people of all ages and positions. He understands that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along. Being courteous shows that you are aware of the feelings of others. ..." "A Scout is kind. A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He knows there is strength in being gentle. He does not harm or kill any living thing without good reason. Kindness is a sign of true strength. To be kind, you must look beyond yourself, and try to understand the needs of others. Take time to listen to people and imagine being in their place. Extending kindness to those around you and having compassion for all people is a powerful agent of change to a more peaceful world." Should I write a response in the same manner that you did. Should I imply that you know nothing about scouting and then sign of with a similar line - like "get on board or leave?" You make a great case that Scouting America does not need a merit badge that discusses empathy, how to work with other, see things from their point of view, and how to understand what you see (or read) is not the whole story.

Or all the above??

We have to agree to disagree because I agree with little of your statement. But this part confuses me the most - empathy is not part of the Scout Oath or Scout law. Putting ones self in the position of another to understand theater point of view is an examlpe of a mature and well reasoned leader and individual. No where else is that in what is required in scouting. Nor is tolerance in the Scout Oath or Law. Tolerance for the fact not everyone see things the same way, based on their background, education, or opportunities. Sorry, but the Pentagon has no business in what is required for Eagle scout. none.

The scouts never had issue with them, only the parents.

Argh. This is where my judgement of BSA is harshest. Originally, my judgement was harsh on poor legal review. As times changed over the decades, better-than-average youth protection practices needed to be updated to protect both youth and BSA legally. So many things failed there. Now reading the last comment makes me question BSA respect for those donating money. If OA and NESA donations were solicited as endowments, BSA had a responsibility to the donor to respect the donation and handle the endowment properly. What I'm reading instead is that OA / NESA endowment donations were really just another way to solicit general fund revenue. It's either poor accounting, poor legal judgement or outright misrepresentation.

Yes, any thing with a counterweight is banned. Catapults are under heavy restrictions as it was classified as a shooting sport, and has to follow those regs. And those regs have become event tighter. Page 14 states it requires a NRA Range Safety Officer to e present Page 77 - 79 gives details.

At some point, the push to make Scouting safer becomes self-defeating. I've only been back in Scouting for 4 years now as a parent, but I've heard more experienced volunteers lament that updates to the Guide to Safe Scouting has led to the cancelation of events or the omission of popular activities. We showed up to one district event last year only to learn that the sling shot station has been replaced by a coloring station at the last minute.

For several years the OA has had official language to the degree that adult selection is based on what the adult can do for the OA. What that means in my council is that if you have something (meeting space, money, connections, etc ... ) the OA wants or needs you get offered membership. I would actually go in a slightly different direction and make OA simply about camping and supporting council camps. Instead of a rolling camping nights requirement I would set Ordeal, Brotherhood, and Vigil levels at numbers of nights camped and numbers of summer camps attended. Something like Ordeal (12 nights, at least 5 of which must be resident camping), Brotherhood (24 nights, 10 of which must be resident camping), Vigil (36 nights, 15 of which must be resident camping). I would also create some sort of maintenance requirement such as must camp so many nights a year in subsequent years to maintain Brotherhood and Vigil. I think we all need to just accept that when you set a higher level of membership, whether that be rank, honor, merit badges, etc ... it sets goals for people to achieve. When you tell people that they should just achieve Vigil or Eagle or Summit, etc... organically on the journey you are also telling them that once the experience has been had nothing else matters. Once someone has had the experience and they have no goal to achieve they move on. I think the overall membership numbers reflect that. How many car camping experiences can a person have before they decide that they can have a higher quality experience with fewer rules outside the program at a better price point?

On a secondary thought, if it is not lodged, try to make a vigil working only at the troop level. If a youth wants vigil 1. Be part ofthe ceremoniall team 2. Lodge officer 3. works at summer camp and has seen my advice work many times.

Per the OA website: Once contributed, the funds will stay in perpetuity within the OA Endowment, whose spending policy allows for the growth of the funds to provide support to key leadership development initiatives within the OA. 1915 Society | Order of the Arrow, Scouting America

I would be interested in where the funds go and for what purpose? How is this different from FOS or the James E. West fellowship? Do I get another square knot? Or knot?

I like the OA. I've got lots of good memories from my youth and the admonition has stuck with me as an adult. That said, I wouldn't be upset if it folded. Lax membership standards and concerns over Native American cosplay have left the OA in rough shape. One underrated benefit of ending the OA program would be a boost in Venturing participation. Right now, they function as parallel senior scout programs, but a strong chapter could easily function as a Crew and continue providing service to its district and local camps. If the OA were to continue in present form, I'd consider eliminating elections in favor of a universal standard such as: 50 Nights of Camping 50 Hours of Community Service Star Rank Completion of Ordeal

More to participate in the endowment donation program.

How is this really different than the James E. West program? It is much like the concept that at one time was discouraged of local lodges issuing new patches regularly as "trade bait", especially just prior to Jamboree and OA National events. In our almost extinct Lodge, we had a period with so many patches that nobody had a clue, other than it was another variation for some obscure reason.

If they only want you to wear it to official OA functions where only Arrowmen would be present, it doesn't seem to really help advertise to increase participation. They could have just gone with a "years of service" type pin to attach to a sash IMO, rather than whole new sash. That would be far more subtle than this.

I am always a fan of a friendly conversation. Scouting should NOT be complex. Scouts should not have BOR deadlines, etc. If a scout is ready, have a BOR. If a scout is just missing a SMC, then have the chat.

A conversation with the scout might yield some pertinent information.

First time posting about a specific trip we've taken, but this one is worth mentioning in case anyone in the area is looking for ideas. We're Central/North NJ, so it was a 6.5 hour drive for us (not including stopping for gas and food), but well worth it. We stayed at Mount Norris Scout Reservation in Eden, VT. The camp director, Eric Bouchard, was down sick, but still repaired a door in their trading post so we could change our reservation and add people to our trip. When we arrived late Friday night to 5 degrees F, he had the lights on and the heat up and the parking lot freshly plowed. The scouts spent quite a bit of time just playing in the snow in the field near the dining hall. https://www.scoutingvermont.org/mtnorris.html Saturday we drove to Catamount Outdoor Family Center, in Williston. It's about an hour from the camp, but again, worth it. They rent cross-country skis, snowshoes and a limited number of fat bikes, and have a sledding hill. Due to thawing and refreezing prior to our visit, the scouts weren't able to ski or sled, but we did bike and snowshoe. For biking, there are sections of trail that are manageable for anyone who is a decent biker, but there are also some very technical sections. The four of us who biked all have mountain biking experience, so we did hit some of the more difficult sections and it was a blast! Catamount offers group rates and day passes, along with seasonal. They had a nice fire going in the field outside the office and rental building. Our scouts on snowshoes took out the trail stoves and cooked at the 'Cliffs of Insanity'. https://catamountoutdoor.org/ Sunday, just a ten-minute drive from camp, we visited Eden Ethical Dogsledding. I can't even tell you how much fun this was. The kids enjoyed the sledding, but it was the time spent with the dogs that was the biggest hit. If you've never walked into a house and been surrounded by twenty dogs, you're missing out on a wonderful experience. The scouts just hung out with the dogs, eating popcorn and warm cookies, for about 40 minutes. They then helped put harnesses on the dogs, hook them to the traces on the sleds, and afterward un-harness and feed the dogs treats. Jim and his staff had hot chocolate waiting for us afterward, and in an unexpected twist, brought out the Arctic Cat to rescue one parent who got turned around (lost-ish) and ended up in a ditch. All around top-notch visit. https://www.edendogsledding.com/ All three (Camp, Catamount, Eden Ethical) are open year-round.

Please read (for the first time, or re-read...) your Scout Handbook: "A Scout is friendly. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races, religions and nations, and he respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own." "A Scout is courteous. A Scout is polite to people of all ages and positions. He understands that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along. Being courteous shows that you are aware of the feelings of others. ..." "A Scout is kind. A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated. He knows there is strength in being gentle. He does not harm or kill any living thing without good reason. Kindness is a sign of true strength. To be kind, you must look beyond yourself, and try to understand the needs of others. Take time to listen to people and imagine being in their place. Extending kindness to those around you and having compassion for all people is a powerful agent of change to a more peaceful world." "A Scout is brave. A Scout faces danger even if he is afraid. He does the right thing even when doing the wrong thing or doing nothing would be easier. Bravery doesn't have to mean saving someone's life at risk to your own. While that is definitely brave, you are also being brave when you speak up to stop someone from being bullied or when you do what is right in spite of what others say. You are brave when you speak the truth and when you admit a mistake and apologize for it. And you show true courage when you defend the rights of others." "A Scout is clean. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit. He chooses friends who also live by high standards. He avoids profanity and pornography. He helps keep his home and community clean. A Scout knows there is no kindness or honor in tasteless behavior, such as using profanity or ethnic slurs, or in making fun of someone who has a disability. He keeps his character clean by carefully monitoring what he views on television and the Internet or reads in books and magazines." " A Scout is reverent. A Scout is reverent towards God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. Wonders all around us remind us of our faith in God, and we show our reverence by living our lives according to the ideals of our beliefs. You will encounter people expressing their reverence in many ways. It is your duty to respect and defend their rights to their religious beliefs even if they differ from your own." Empathy is woven into each of these, as is tolerance. You can only be confused if you are unfamiliar with these parts of the Scout Law and Scout Oath (where you promise you will obey the Scout Law) and their explanations. And discussing them and how you have lived them is a part of EVERY step of advancement along the trail to Eagle. Get with the program, bro.

I am trying to fill some key district positions. Was close to getting home on one volunteer that would be outstanding….I know him well enough to know that he will not fill the position now. One thing after another….

The addition was two years ago almost; so what could is/was the problem? Most of us dealt with it within weeks or a couple of months at best. We did two or three group classes since, and yes, we got some interesting views from the youth, some that made the leaders sit up and think a bit harder. Still, no relly needed if we encourage "Spirit".

I wish the Pentagon held out for ending more Eagle required MBs. Family life/ combine some of the other citizenships, and then make Wilderness Survival required. Missed opportunity....

Wow, somebody finally took notice and realized that Scouting had lost its way, and had the influence to make "National" realise how they have messed up the organization. Secretary of War, Mr Hegseth said enough is enough and the whole idea of DEI is counterproductive to Scouting. I have been saying this for years and have voiced this opinion to every national screwup that I have had the occasion to meet. Wow, get rid of that useless DEI Merit Badge, stop forcing the DEI boulderdash down people's throats and let the Boy Scouts be the Boy Scouts with the focus on the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Hurray for Secretary Hegseth and God Bless!