"humanistic" believer scout

Fellow Scouters:

In light of the California ruling, I am seeking input to a potential
problem that I have in my Webelos den.

One of my scout's mom approached me about how her son should go about
getting his Webelos patch. She says she and her husband are
"Humanistics" (is that the same as atheist?) and wanted to know, does
that qualify for the Webelos patch. I asked her if her son believed in
God, and she said, "Well we are humanistics, but we teach morals and
values." And then she asked, "Does that count?" I don't have a clue.
I asked her if her son ever prayed. She said no. I told her that I
needed to learn more.

This is the first time her son has ever been with me. He joined
scouting as a Bear and has made it to second year Webelo with no
problem, i.e., he was able to get his Bobcat and Bear patch (but, I
don't know how - the leader has since moved away - and we are
overseas). The scouts and their parents know that I am strict in
ensuring that the scouts truly earn their awards - his mother knows I
won't sign him off if I don't think he has met the requirements.

I have sent her copies of some of the messages in this Round Table
regarding the California ruling to let her know how I am struggling with
what to do...but, that still doesn't solve my dilemna.

Any thoughts out there. Religion is such a touchy issue and I do not
want to offend this family in any way, especially since this boy has
been advancing through scouts in the past years.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Terry Skovgard
Webelos Den Leader
Pack 3905....in China

"Keeping the scouting spirit going...even in the roughest of
conditions!"

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