fgoodwin

As ACLU persecution of BSA continues unabated, public schools are now revoking their charters of BSA units. Private sponsors like churches and VFW posts are being asked to take up the slack. I wonder if ACLU has really thought through the results of this strategy? They want governement entities like schools and military bases to distance themselves from Scouting; yet the private entities that BSA is being forced to embrace as a result, are the very same entities (in many cases) that hold views about gays and atheists that are diametrically opposed to the views that ACLU wants to impose on BSA. Does ACLU really want to make BSA more "inclusive"? Its not clear to me that driving BSA out of neutral sponsors like schools and military bases, and into the sponsorship of private (and potentially more conservative) entities that cannot be affected by ACLU views, is hardly the formula for success. When this is all over (will it ever be over?), if BSA units are 100% controlled by the likes of conservative faiths like LDS and the Catholic Church, what will ACLU have accomplished other than putting BSA beyond its reach? That alone will be quite an achievement. And then we'll finally know if this was all about the First Amendment and discrimination, or was this truly about ACLU trying to bend BSA to its will. For the record, I predict now that ACLU will continue to persecute BSA at every opportunity, even after BSA withdraws from public schools, military bases, and other government agencies.

Cherie: part of doing one's "duty to God" is to respect the beliefs of others (even if you don't agree with them). Discriminating against them on the basis of that belief hardly seems in line with the Scout Oath & Law. My experience in several non-church-sponsored Cub Packs (I was never a Boy Scout, although my son will cross over this month, and I will experience a Troop for the first time, albeit as a parent), is that most boys have no clue which faith they are, let alone which faith the other boys are. Usually, all you see is the purple knot (and most boys, especially Cubs, don't even have that). Since the knot is the same for all, I don't see how a boy could be singled out for discrimination. Now if he wears his medal (allowed on formal occasions), my guess is, the other boys will either be curious about it or ignore it. I doubt if a boy will recognize it specifically as a Unitarian medal -- it will just be a "different" medal, and probably considered "cool" because it *is* unusual and different from the Catholic and God & Country medals that are much more common. Now, if your unit is actually sponsored by a non-Unitarian Church, and your son is the only Unitarian boy in it, then yes, his medal would surely stand out. But unless you actually see any discrimination happen, I wouldn't spend a lot of time worrying about it.

NJ, I have a theoretical question for you (theoretical insofar as I cannot imagine a scenario in which ACLU would ever stop its attacks on BSA): Assuming BSA moves all its charters out of public schools, military bases, and every other gov't agency, would that satisfy ACLU? Do you honestly believe ACLU will call off its attack dogs after BSA caves on these demands? You and I both know the answer -- ACLU will continue to attack BSA until BSA changes its membership policies. And that tells me its not about the First Amendment -- its about ACLU forcing its will upon the BSA.

Trevorum: I didn't meant to steal your thunder, but I was so excited when I read the PRAY bulletin, I had to post it ASAP. I am part of a new group, the "National Episcopal Scouters Association" and we are also an independent organization of Scouters, not formally associated with ECUSA. Please write me offline -- if you don't mind, it sounds like we might be able to learn from your experience with UUSO. Thanx fgoodwin@sbcglobal.net

Just received my 1Q05 newsletter from P.R.A.Y., and it says BSA has just approved "a Unitarian" religious emblems program: =================== Updates on Religious Emblems A Unitarian program has been approved by BSA Religious Relationships. For more information, contact the Unitarian Universalist Scouting Organization, 847 Washington Street, Holliston, MA 01746 or call 508-429-7700. =================== So far, no confirmation on the UUA webpage: http://www.uua.org/news/scouts/

It was my understanding that the gov't routinely gives money to private religious organizations in the form of research grants to both public & private universities. I was not aware that the First Amendment prohibited such grants.

The Boy Scouts of America Presents Annual Report to Nation Celebrating 2004 Achievements http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/03-10-2005/0003161144 WASHINGTON, DC USA 03/10/2005 Youth Delegates Highlight Good Turn for America Initiatives, Past Year's Accomplishments, and Future Goals IRVING, Texas, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Through the efforts of nearly 1.2 million dedicated volunteers and the support of religious and community organizations in every neighborhood across the United States, the Boy Scouts of America positively affected more than 4.8 million youth with its program of citizenship, mental and physical fitness, and character development in 2004. On Wednesday, March 9, a six-member delegation of young men and women embodying the goals of Scouting and representing the Scout Oath and Law presented the BSA's 2004 achievements and 2005 goals during its annual Report to the Nation in Washington, D.C. "For 95 years the mission of the BSA has been to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by teaching the values of the Scout Oath and Law," said Roy Williams, Chief Scout Executive. "As the specific needs of America's youth have changed, the BSA has evolved to meet those needs while remaining a positive influence. Today, one out of every two American males has had an affiliation with the Scouting program, and their combined contributions continue to make a significant impact on our nation." In 2004, the BSA met the emerging needs of society with youth programs and services including Good Turn for America, a national service initiative that addresses critical areas of need in society; Soccer and Scouting, a program developed for youth traditionally underserved by Scouting, especially the growing Hispanic American/Latino population; and increased emphasis on the overall well-being of children through encouraging American youth to live an ongoing healthy lifestyle. This year's delegation will specifically highlight the following 2004 achievements: * Cub Scouting served approximately 1.9 million Scouts in 2004 while placing continued emphasis on providing increased opportunities that combine outdoor and character development activities. * Membership in Boy Scouting reached nearly 1 million in 2004. The highest rank a Scout can achieve -- the Eagle Scout Award -- was earned by more than 50,000 young men -- the highest annual number in BSA history. * Outdoor adventure continues to attract young men to the Scouting program, with 59 percent of all Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts participating in a long-term camping trip. * The high-adventure Venturing program served more than 280,000 members and addressed the lack of physical fitness facing the nation's young people by introducing the Quest Award, for which Venturers are required to learn about good nutrition, fitness, and sportsmanship, learning healthy habits that last a lifetime. * In 2004, the Boy Scouts of America launched Good Turn for America, a national service initiative that addresses the issues of hunger, homelessness, and poor health. Inspired by President George W. Bush's USA Freedom Corps, Good Turn for America is a collaborative effort of Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and The Salvation Army. Through Good Turn for America, the work of a single group is duplicated tenfold when hundreds of other organizations' volunteers join in to improve their community. While the program teaches youth vital lessons about service and leadership, it also enhances the life of adult volunteers in making a difference in the happiness and health of the nation. "We use numbers and statistics to measure our success in delivering the Scouting program. But behind the numbers, you will find a nation of young men and women learning leadership, developing character, and serving their communities with the caring guidance of countless volunteers and supporters," Williams said. "The BSA will continue to look to the challenges of the next century and seek to help ordinary young people become extraordinary adults by recruiting quality leadership, generating adequate funding for our programs, inviting youth from all backgrounds to join, and by offering fun and relevant programs that are founded on strong values." The Report to the Nation youth delegation includes Kevin Altimier, 9, of Ohio; Andres Molina-Villarino, 10, of Puerto Rico; Kristopher Geyer-Roberts, 14, Fla.; Julia Reed, 17, Wash.; Patrick Murphy, 18, Ariz.; and Christopher Kerzich, 21, Ill. This year's host couple is Francis and Marcia McAllister of Columbus, Mont. In addition to presenting the official report at the U.S. Capitol, the delegation also toured area sites, including the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court, Arlington National Cemetery, Goddard Space Flight Center, the Pentagon, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Serving 4.8 million young people between 7 and 20 years of age with more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. If you would like more information about the programs available through the BSA, please contact the National Council at 972-580-2000 or visit http://www.scouting.org'>http://www.scouting.org . Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050310/DATH012'>http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050310/DATH012 Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert shakes Scout Andres Molina-Villarino hand along with other Report to the Nation delegates at the Capitol. (l-r) Life Scout Kristopher Geyer-Roberts, National Venturing President Christopher Kerzich, National OA Chief Patrick Murphy and Webelos Scout Kevin Altimier watch and listen to the Speaker. (PRNewsFoto)[AS] SOURCE Boy Scouts of America Web Site: http://www.scouting.org Photo Notes: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050310/DATH012 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

NLD: thanx -- that's exactly what I was looking for!

My son and I want to go to the 2007 World Jamboree in the UK, celebrating the Centennial of Scouting. I've asked our SE about it but haven't heard back yet. How do Councils decide who will go?

ITD says: The problem here is under budget cuts the schools may charge access to all groups not sponsored by them. ======== And I wouldn't have a problem with that, as long as BSA is treated the same. When my son's old Cub Scout Pack met at a public school in Maryland, we paid the same room fee as every other non-profit group that met there, and we had no problem with that policy, as long as the policy was applied fairly to all. (that particular pack was sponsored by the local Lions Club, not the school, in case anyone was wondering)

NJ, I agree with most of what you say. What's not clear to me is why its OK to sing religious songs at a school musical, planned and conducted by a public school teacher, but a prayer at a football game isn't -- can you help me understand the difference?

I don't have a problem with the First Amendment. What I have a problem with is how ACLU and its ilk focus on the first part of the establishment clause (respecting an "establishment of religion") and totally ignore the second ("or the free exercise thereof"), as if the "wall of separation" were meant only to keep religion out of government. In fact the First Amendment was meant to keep government out of religion, but you'll never get the ACLU to admit that. The Supreme Court has ruled that BSA, as a private organization, has the right to set its membership standards. So what BSA is doing is fully in line with the Constitution; it is not illegal to have membership standards. But the ACLU cannot stand the fact that they lost on this point and so are looking for every way possible to harass BSA, by having the courts (an arm of the government) interfere with BSA's "free exercise" of its Constitutional rights. If there's a First Amendment violation going on, its by the ACLU and revisionist judges, not BSA or the public schools, military bases, etc.

I don't know how successful a a boycott would be, or even if ACLU donor lists are public record. I think the better approach would be to prepare for the inevitable court decision in ACLU's favor, and start looking now for alternative sponsorship, like a nearby church, or the school PTA, etc., as was done when the military caved to ACLU's demands.

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_63754.asp Frist, Alexander Sponsor "Support Our Scouts Act" posted March 9, 2005 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bill Frist, M.D. (R-TN) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) will introduce legislation in the next few days "to ensure that the Boy Scouts of America are treated fairly by guaranteeing their right to equal access to public facilities, forums, and programs." This legislation addresses attempts to exclude the Boy Scouts from such facilities at the federal, state, and local levels, and legal moves by groups to proscribe longstanding Defense Department support to the Scouts, the two senators said. Since 1910, Boy Scout membership has totaled more than 110 million young Americans, said Frist. Today, more than 3.2 million youths and more than 1.2 million adults are members of the Boy Scouts. This unique American institution is committed to preparing our youth for the future by instilling in them values such as honesty, integrity, and character. The Boy Scouts depend on equal access to public facilities and participation in public programs and forums. The legislation Ill be introducing ensures that the Boy Scouts are treated fairly by guaranteeing their right to equal access to public facilities, forums, and programs. This legislation will allow the Boy Scouts to fulfill its mission without the distraction of defending itself against senseless attacks. As an Eagle Scout I saw first-hand the value of the Boy Scouts for millions of young men across the country, said Alexander. I am proud to join Senator Frist in introducing this bill to ensure that they are treated fairly and continue to receive the federal support that the program has received in the past. The Support Our Scouts Act of 2005 guarantees the Boy Scouts right to equal access in a number of ways. The legislation removes any doubt that Federal agencies may welcome Scouts to hold meetings and go camping on federal property. It ensures the Defense Department can continue providing support consistent with U.S. law. The legislation also ensures state or local government entities do not deny Boy Scouts equal access to public facilities, programs, or forums. Finally, the act clarifies that federal agencies cannot provide less support to the Scouts than the agency has in the past. Once introduced, this legislation will be reported to the appropriate Senate committee for further consideration, it was stated.

http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?ID=20306 ACLU threat causes Boy Scouts to drop public school ties; churches urged to fill void Mar 9, 2005 By Jeff Robinson NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--The Boy Scouts of America is removing the charters of thousands of scouting units from public schools after an American Civil Liberties Union threat to sue taxpayer-funded institutions that charter BSA units. The ACLU sent a letter to the Boy Scouts of America in February threatening legal action against public schools and other governmental agencies that charter Boy Scout groups on grounds that their sponsorship amounts to religious discrimination and violates the separation of church and state. Boy Scouts open their meetings by holding three fingers aloft and repeating an oath in which members vow their allegiance to God and country, resolve to help others and commit to keeping themselves morally straight. Central to the BSA's stated mission is character development and values-based leadership training. ACLU leaders view these conservative emphases as warrant for legal action, according to documents on the ACLU website. While BSA is continuing to assess the number of Boy Scout and Cub Scout units that will be affected, BSA national spokesman Gregg Shields said units whose charters will be pulled from public schools would number in the thousands. BSA is America's largest youth organization that includes thousands of units and 1.3 million adult volunteers. Defending against a wave of ACLU lawsuits would cost schools untold thousands of dollars, Shields said. Instead of risking financially draining litigation, the BSA is pulling scout units from schools as a matter of stewardship, he said. "We obviously don't want that [expensive lawsuits against schools] to happen," Shields said. "Instead, the Boy Scouts have tried to protect the resources of our education partners by moving our charter from public schools to other community-based organizations such as parent-teacher organizations or Salvation Army units or nearby religious organizations." Shields said the Boy Scouts of America is counting on community organizations such as churches to take up the charters of scouting units that have been removed from public schools and other governmental organizations. Removal of a scouting unit's charter from a school will not necessarily remove its presence from the school, Shields said, noting that groups will still have access to public school facilities; they just won't be chartered by the schools. "Boy Scout troops will still have the same rights as any other community-based group to meet in school buildings, but the charter will not be held by the school administration," he said. "We hope to make this a seamless transition that won't even be noticed by the youth and barely noticed by our 1.3 million generous volunteers who give their time to help American youth," Shields said. Shields said community groups already have begun to fill the void left by the shift from public school charters. While many churches already sponsor Cub Scout packs, Shields urges many others to get involved in all levels of scouting, an institution whose core values can fit well within the standards of most conservative evangelical congregations. Churches can help in two ways, he said: by seeking to pick up a scout unit charter from a local school or by starting a new scout troop. He pointed out that charters involve very little money and merely provide individual units with an official place to meet and organize their activities. "[Chartering a scouting unit] is not a complicated process," Shields said. "Many churches find scouting so in line with the mission of the church that they'll use Boy Scouting as an auxiliary to their youth program.... The values of the Boy Scouts certainly fit well with my church and I think they would most others." The ACLU's threat also precludes other government organizations such as police, fire and recreation departments from holding charters for scouting units. BSA will seek groups such as fire and police department auxiliaries to pick up these charters, Shields said. But far more scout units are chartered by public schools than other governmental agencies, he said. The latest threat of litigation is the latest chapter in a 25-year assault the ACLU has waged against the Boy Scouts. The ACLU has sued BSA 14 times over the past 25 years using similar accusations, Shields said. The most widely publicized case involved a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2000 upholding a New Jersey troop's removal of an assistant scoutmaster after it became known that the man was an avowed homosexual. Despite the legal victory, the ACLU and other scouting opponents have continued their efforts across the country. Last fall, the ACLU threatened to sue the U.S. Department of Defense for chartering BSA units, causing the Pentagon to drop its BSA sponsorships. By attempting to remove Boy Scouts from public schools, the ACLU is attempting to undermine an organization that has exerted an overwhelmingly positive influence on millions of school-aged children, Shields said. "For decades, many, many school administrators, teachers and parents have recognized the benefits of having a scouting program in their institutions," he said. "Those involved in scouting have become better citizens and students because of the opportunity. "However, the ACLU has ignored the schools' and the parents' rights to choose to participate or not in Boy Scouts. No one is forced to join Boy Scouts. Let's say a child has parents who are atheists. Nobody will force that child to join the Boy Scouts. Most Americans and the vast majority of parents value their freedom to choose [to participate in] the Boy Scouts and [support] the values they stand for."

When I started a new pack at my son's school in 2003, I was faced with choosing a number. All the single and two-digit numbers were taken. There were too many three-digit numbers available to make a reasoned choice, so I asked for 2003 (based on the year the pack was formed) and Council agreed to give it to us!

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/295/section/there.is.a.lad.here/1.htm http://tinyurl.com/7ywy2 'There is a Lad Here' Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2005 Posted: 8:35:48PM EST Long before Dr. James Dobson started talking about bringing up boys, British Lord Robert Baden-Powell was already doing something about it. Baden Powell, a war hero, founded the Boy Scout movement. He derived the idea, in part, from using boys for responsible jobs during the siege of Mafeking -- a battle during the South African war with the Dutch Boers in 1899. There "B.P.," as he was called, learned the way young boys could courageously and with equanimity respond to life's most serious challenges. Scouting ultimately spread to the United States after William D. Boyce, a millionaire publisher from Chicago, visited London and got lost in a dense fog. While standing under a street lamp, trying to get his bearings, a young lad approached Boyce and asked if he needed help. Boyce conceded he did and the young boy offered to guide him to the address he was seeking. Boyce offered to pay the boy a shilling for his help, but the boy replied, "No, sir, I am a scout. Scouts do not accept tips for good turns." Boyce was so impressed with the youngster, he went home determined to start Scouting in America. The Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 95th Scouting anniversary during the week of February 6-12, 2005, with the theme "On My Honor, Timeless Values." Winston Churchill once said of Scouting: "Many venerable, famous institutions and systems long honored by men perished in the storm; but the Boy Scout movement survived. It survived not only the war [World War II], but the numbing reactions of the aftermath. While so many elements in the life and spirit of the victorious nations seemed to be lost in stupor, it flourished and grew increasingly. Its motto gathers new national significance as the years unfold upon our island. It speaks to every heart its message of duty and honor: 'Be Prepared' to stand up faithfully for right and truth, however the winds may blow." If Churchill were alive today, he would be proud of the way the Boy Scouts of America has stood for "right and truth," despite the way the winds of moral change have blown. In fact, this virtuous organization has been besieged on every side from attacks by leftists who are determined to either reform or kill it. Still, the Scouts have never turned from their oath to do their duty to God and their country and to obey Scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep themselves physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Think of it. Here is a youth program based on doing "good turns." They have helped to make volunteer service an American ideal. With their every act of kindness, they have strengthened our nation's commitment to civic responsibility. Scouting has helped young people develop for public service and become effective leaders in our nation. According to the website ScoutingAround.com, approximately 64 percent of Air Force Academy graduates, 58 percent of West Point graduates, 70 percent of Annapolis graduates, 72 percent of Rhodes scholars, and 85 percent of FBI agents were Boys Scouts. Moreover, one of every 100 Scouts will enter the clergy due to his Scouting relationships. Nevertheless, because the Scouts insist their members profess a belief in God, because they will not accept girls as "boy scouts," because they believe that to be "morally straight" means to reject the practice of homosexuality, they have been attacked by local governmental bodies, school systems, the United Way and radical groups like the American Civil Liberties Union. As Gavin Groom, executive director of Save Our Scouts, puts it: "With the support of many in the media and well-financed nonprofit organizations, today the Boy Scouts have been made to look like the 'bad guy.'" Last year, even the Pentagon agreed in a negotiated settlement with the ACLU to cease direct sponsorship of Boy Scout units on military facilities. That decision by the Department of Defense prompted Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) to introduce the Save Our Scouts legislation. Frist says "[T]he legislation stipulates that no federal law, including any rule, regulation, directive, instruction, or order, shall be construed to limit any federal agency from providing any form of support to the Boy Scouts of America ... or any organization chartered by the Boy Scouts of America." Frist had hoped the measure would pass by unanimous consent, but it didn't. The Senate Majority Leader plans to reintroduce the Save Our Scouts bill this year, saying he hopes "common sense will prevail and both chambers will give their support to protecting the scouts." "However the issue is resolved," writes Eagle Scout Hans Zeiger, "it is not a battle we can afford to lose. There is too much at stake here to give up on the Boy Scouts. Our very capacity for self-government is at risk when we allow the ACLU to deny a boy's opportunity to learn to be 'trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.'" Hundreds of years ago on a grassy knoll outside the city of Bethsaida, when Jesus' popularity was at its peak, a tremendous crowd gathered around our Savior to hear him. Looking with compassion on the hungry multitudes Jesus said to Philip, his disciple, "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat" (John 6:5). Philip was despondent in his answer: "Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little" (John 6:7). Almost mockingly Andrew, another disciple of Christ, stepped forward to exclaim, "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes" (John 6:9). Interestingly, the miracle Jesus wrought next by feeding over 5,000 people with only five barley loaves and two small fishes was dependent on the awareness, "There is a lad here ...." * In the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus demonstrated that some of the highest hopes of a nation are predicated on the presence of its boys. Boys, hardwired as they are for aggressive behavior, need to be shaped and molded for good. Baden-Powell's purpose in creating the Boy Scouts was for that very reason -- to make young boys into fine men. What is more, our Lord indicated that the judgment for those who oppose such an objective would be so terrible, it would be better that a millstone be hung around their necks and they be cast into the deepest part of the sea (Matthew 18:6). * This writer gratefully acknowledges G. Othell Hand, whose sermon on this text appears under the heading for "Boy Scout Sunday" in Sermons and Services for Special Days (Convention Press, 1979; compiled/edited by Jack Gulledge) Rev. Mark H. Creech Christian Post Columnist Copyright 2004 The Christian Post

Torveaux: Yes the Webelos book was reissued for the 2003-2004 program year. But many of the boys in my son's den (including my son) were awarded their Webelos books when they "graduated" from Bears back in the spring of 2003, and so they had the old book (the same one you are looking at). Because they had started working out of the old book beginning with the Webelos Summer Camp in 2003, they were allowed to keep using it until now. I think my son's Webelos "class" (this spring's Webelos IIs) are the last group that can use the old book. Its kind of ironic because this year's crop of Webelos were also the last Tiger "class" to earn the Tiger strip and the last group to earn Tiger "paws" before the new Tiger book came out. Fred Goodwin Alamo Area Council

Unfortunately, there is no single guide that lists all available awards. Many Councils and Districts have specialized awards, so no single national publication could ever hope to catalog them all. You can ask your local Scout shop about about local, non-rank awards; you can search the Internet and participate in various Scouting discussion groups to find out about awards like 75th anniversary, Outdoor Program, etc. Some Pow-Wows do a class on special awards & patches. I wish it were easier. Fred Goodwin Alamo Area Council

Trevorum writes:Thanks for sharing this with us. One thing I did not know was that BSA heroism medals are awarded not by National, but by the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) in Washington, DC The reason NCAC approved the medal is because that was his Council when he performed his act of bravery. I doubt if NCAC approves applications from other Councils, but I could be mistaken.Fred Goodwin

ON THE WINGS OF EAGLES: CALLING EPISCOPALIAN SCOUTS IN CIRCLE TEN St. Lukes Episcopal Church, Dallas, is proud to announce ON THE WINGS OF EAGLES, a retreat program for Episcopalian Scouts wanting to learn more about our faith and traditions and to complete work towards the God and Church or God and Life religious awards in an overnight program of fun and fellowship, worship, and activities with other Scouts from across the Diocese. ON THE WINGS OF EAGLES will be held at the new All Saints Camp & Conference Center at Lake Texoma (right next door to Camp James Ray) on Friday and Saturday, February 25-26, 2005. Scouts and Scouters from across the Diocese of Dallas are invited to gather at the camp the evening of Friday, the 25th, for registration, orientation, and opening activities. Saturday will be a full program of activities, ending with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at which the Rt. Rev. James M. Stanton, Episcopal Bishop of Dallas, is scheduled to preside, preach, and present program awards. This Retreat is open to all Episcopalian Boy Scouts and Scouters across Circle Ten Council. The cost for this overnight Adventure in Faith is $25.00 per Scout and includes supper on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, lodging Friday night, retreat materials, and a special ON THE WINGS OF EAGLES patch. To enroll for this first-ever Scout Retreat, call the Rev. Canon Richard Carlisle at 214-368-6304, or write Fr. Carlisle at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 5923 Royal Lane, Dallas, Texas 76230.

acco40 writes:I'm confused. If Mr. Scalise refused to abide the declaration of religious principle on his BSA application he should not have become a member. How can membership be "pulled" from someone who is not a member? If he was a member, who at the council office or at the national office screwed up by allowing membership to this man?Does it really make any difference? Either Mr. Scalise signed the document without fully reading it and understanding its implications, then later changed his mind, or he sent in an unsigned application that was processed by the Council.Either way, the result is the same: he was not eligible for membership after he sent the Council his letter requesting an exemption.

Here's a link to the actual opinion: http://courtofappeals.mijud.net/documents/OPINIONS/FINAL/COA/20050120_C244883_45_244883.OPN.PDF http://tinyurl.com/6h644

This appears to be your article? http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/1200347.html http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2840380 Here's another: http://www.detnews.com/2005/politics/0501/21/politics-66652.htm http://www.freep.com/news/statewire/sw110441_20050121.htm Michigan appeals court rejects religious discrimination suit against Boy Scouts January 21, 2005, 12:52 PM LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- An atheist who sued a school district for letting the Boy Scouts recruit in his son's school lost an appeal Friday when a court ruled there was no religious discrimination. The Michigan Court of Appeals let stand a judge's ruling that the Mount Pleasant Public Schools' ties with the Boy Scouts of America did not violate the state constitution. John Scalise volunteered to become a troop leader when his son, Benjamin, joined the Cub Scouts. But he declined to sign the Scouts' declaration of religious principle, which is required of leaders. The declaration recognizes an "obligation to God." The Boy Scouts revoked Scalise's membership, and he pulled his son from the group. Scalise then sued the school district, arguing the Boy Scouts should not be allowed to pass out flyers during school hours. In a unanimous opinion, however, a three-judge panel said the district's policy was neutral. "It had a secular purpose and did not advance religion over non-religion," Judge Bill Schuette wrote. "Simply because the Boy Scouts utilized the system does not itself create an Establishment Clause violation." ------ The case is Scalise v. Boy Scouts of America and Mount Pleasant Public Schools ------ On the Net: Michigan Court of Appeals: http://courtofappeals.mijud.net

I just saw the last hour or so of "Mars Attacks". In the scene where the Martians attack the Washington Monument, a Cub Scout den (or Pack) can be seen runing to and fro trying to avoid the falling Monument.