The Boy Scouts of America celebrate their 100th anniversary this year and as a former Boy Scout myself I am glad to see that they are still around and should continue to be. Being in the Boy Scouts gave me opportunities to do things that I never would have otherwise. I got to sail and fully explore a 19th century three-mast sail boat on the open ocean, backpack through the Rocky Mountains and canoe down the Colorado River, amongst many other things.
The Scouts have been bringing boys together and show them things to survive not only in the wilderness but in life. They have many traditions on policies that go back to the beginning of the organization, but it is many of these traditions that have led to a steady decline in membership over the past decade. I feel they need to accept some changes that will attract more members but keep the foundations that have made the Boy Scouts a proud and noble group to help boys down the path towards manhood.
- Religion – Part of the Scout Oath is “…to do my duty to God…” The Scouts believe that a young man needs some sort of Supreme Being in his life to be right. This closed minded view leaves many families who do not practice a religion out of the Scouts. Don’t change the Oath or anything but don’t refuse advancement to boys who do not practice a specific faith.
- Uniform – The uniform is an integral part of being a Boy Scout. It is meant to make you part of a group like the any of the armed services. But the Scout uniform is outdated. They still don’t make shorts that go past mid-thigh and the neckerchiefs are a pain in the butt. The Army and other services have had their uniforms evolve, why don’t the Scouts? Make them more comfortable and wearable and boys may not be as embarrassed about wearing them.
- Gender- Yes, I know it is the “Boy Scouts” but it’s been called that since before women had the right to vote let alone since they started being professional athletes and community leaders. Girls want to camp and do things the Boy Scouts do but many times their local Girl Scout troop does not ofter these activities. They are left to believe that girls just aren’t supposed to do them. Opening the Boy Scouts up to girls would greatly increase the effectiveness of Scouting because it teaches that their are not specific boy activities and specific girl activities. Anyone can do whatever they want and enjoy them in a group.
These suggestions would bring about major changes to the Boy Scouts of America but the changes would be for the better. They could help bring better membership numbers along with teaching a bigger group of America’s youth how to be better citizens and a positive aspect to their communities.
Let me know what you think and if you have any changes of your own. Or share a story about your days in the Scouts (Boys or Girls).
