What do I keep
hearing about Scouting and Religion?
Per the 12th point of the Scout Law, "A Scout is Reverent".
Scouting's founder, Lord Baden Powell, believed that it was crucial to
the development of the "whole person" that we have a belief in, and love
for, God and that we should live by and embody His laws and teachings.
Scouting does NOT promote any 1 denomination above another and works
with organized religions to offer awards (officially known as the
Religious Emblem Program) to any boys choosing to farther explore their
religious faith, from Catholic, to Muslim, to Judaism, to Budist.
Again, Scouting proves itself to be SUPPORTIVE of diversity and religious
differences.
However, as a Private organization, it is the right of the BSA to set a
code or ethics and morals for its members to follow. Having a belief in
God, is one of those criteria.
Those professing NO belief in God may find they would be better served
in a different youth program than the BSA.
As we believe "being reverent" is such a critical part of Scouting, we
openly pray during meals, at meetings, and during non-denominational
"Scouts' Own" services which are held while we are away at camp.