Re: Cub Scout "Scout Spirit"
Chris Harwell (charwell@ACME.HIGHPOINT.EDU)
Tue, 25 Jan 1994 23:38:51 -0500
Cheerful Greetings scouters,
In leu of a traditional introduction I will ask for response
about two issues involving both scouting and Alpha Phi Omega.
Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is a co-educational service fraternity
affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. I know it was in the
previous edition of the Boy Scout handbook. Is it in this one?
The fraternity was founded by scouts many of whom had attained the
Rank of Eagle. For many years the fraternity was all male and
required previous scouting affiliation. Today it is co-ed and no
longer requires scouting affiliation. The principles remain
friendship, leadership and service. The scout oath and law are
fundamentals of the fraternity being incorporated in everything
from pledge activities to ceremonies and the lives of members.
Scouting is familiar to me. Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow,
Junior Leader Training, Summer Camp Staff, N. Tier High Adventure
Trail Staff, Assistant Scoutmaster and District Camporee
Chairperson make me familiar with both the principles and the
practical aspects of scouting. As a scout, though, I never
encountered Alpha Phi Omega except in a blurb in the back of the
handbook. I understand many chapters coordinate service projects
of a large variety from volunteering as an over 18 adult for
Webelos 1:1 ratio or scouting two deep leadership or helping with
parking at large events. Do any of you know of projects involving
APO and scouts?
Here are the issues I am curious about your opinions. First,
the ties with National Boy Scouts and APO are looser now and in
danger of ceasing altogether - not the projects the official status
declaration. Currently we are no longer allowed to display the
fleur de lis scout symbol on our literature - this change is
recent. From rumors I understand one reason may have to do with
our open membership policy. Though APO is discriminatory in
requiring certain objective requirements like knowledge fraternity
history, chapter operations and such we have an open membership
policy which is approx. APO does not discriminate on the basis of
race, creed, color, sex, religious beliefs or sexual orientation.
It's the last two that have apparently raised some eyebrows in
National Scouting Circles. Again most of what I stated came word
of mouth. How do you as a scouter feel about those ties nationally
between Boy Scouts and APO? Project? There has also been some
talk of making ties with the national Girl Scout organization. Any
thoughts?
Sorry so lengthy but the issues are important to me as a
member of both organizations.
Please, contact me directly at charwell@acme.highpoint.edu or
if the reply might be of general benefit post to the list.
Yours in service,
Chris Harwell
Cume Asacomaco (Timuquan. English Translation "Wise Owl")
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
