"Policy changes" by LDS Units
John Pannell (PANNELLJ@DELPHI.COM)
Wed, 14 Sep 1994 19:51:04 -0400
It has been mentioned more than once here about policies of LDS units that
are different from the rest of the BSA as a whole. Two of the more recent
ones mentioned here is the prohibition of Webelos camping with Scouts (in
reference to our recent thread on back yard camping) and First Year Scouts
(there was even a different name for this group which I forget) not being
allowed at Summer Camp.
I have some questions about this, which I ask without any hidden agenda or
intent.
Why does the LDS differ in these policy areas?
By what authority do they do this? Is this an option to any chartered
organization or does the "special relationship" between the BSA and the
LDS's allow this? I might be blind in this regard, but I never hear of a
Lutheran or Roman Catholic sponsored unit implementing their own _major_
changes to BSA policy. (Yes, some churches forbid basketball at BSA
meetings, but that is _minor_ *g*)
Scouting is an integral part in the youth ministry of the LDS church, or so
I have been led to believe. Does this church have a similar "arrangement"
with the GSUSA? Do they have similar working arrangements with other youth
groups (eg. 4-H, Campfire...)? Have they ever tried forming their own
national youth organization? (Some of the more cynical here might say "yes"
to this: "It's called the BSA!" *g* -- That's NOT what I meant!)
I look forward to your responses...
YiS,
John E. Pannell
ASM Troop 39 -- Old North State Council
Alamance Chapter Adviser - Tsalagi 163
Eagle Class of '81
pannellj@delphi.com
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