Navybone

Fair, just as it is up to the PLC to determine how much they want to scouts to be in the full uniform, to include socks. So, based on this line of thinking, if the PLC supports scouts wearing these socks, there should be no issue. And if the PLC is less strict on wearing the uniform, then there should not be much chasing the uniform method. And I also agree, when the adults get too involved in aspects of the troop operations, such as stressing the uniform method, then yes, it is an impediment.

I know that there is a uniform inspection guide. In my role as a leader in the troop I support, we have never used this. I offer hints to scouts on how to make their uniform look better, to meet the regulations and be more “uniform” with the rest of the troop. It is a method to meet the goals of scouting, but not the only method and not the purpose of scouting. And as I said it was an impediment in its implementation that resulted in my quitting scouts. This was my second troop, the first being one were we camped, we learned, we ran, had fun, we were active and had high retention. We wore the uniform but it was not about the uniform. My family moved to Mississippi and it was uniform inspections (with some type of uniform inspection sheet), standing in ranks. Nope, hard pass. There was no pride and sense of belonging. It was long pants (cotton olive green pants).

They are socks. To put this all into perspective - they are socks and this is not the military. When I was a scout in Mississippi in the early 80’s, we went to summer camp (Camp Tiak) The expectation was to wear the uniform every day. Since I did not have the right socks (actually just missing the red tabs that were to be worn with the socks, I had to wear long pants. Not fun in 100 degree weather. The emphasis in the troop was on uniforms (and inspections with grip chits) - which was a main reason I left scouts - I hated it. I am an ASM now, and my son recently completed all the requirements for Eagle. And after 30 years in the military, my emphasis has never been on uniform other than 1) wear it appropriately, and 2) wear what you have. Perspective. What is important in scouts? Let’s make the main thing be the main thing and use common sense on implementing the methods. My two cents.

But what is stopping adults from doing that now, getting together with adults with similar interests and working on the same skills?

Just scouts being scouts!

I don’t get it. This was all hashed out in May/June, what has changed? This is not about excluding for the sake of excluding. It is about offering some focused targeted to increase recruitment or retention to smaller minority groups. There is nothing devious about most of these meetings. It is all about creating a welcome environment where minority groups might now have felt welcome or accepted. It’s about having a meeting to show why Scouts is for them and thier children, and then have them join the larger Scout population. )

But that is not all scouting is. Its mission is: "The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law." Going back in time, the mission of Boy Scouts has not just been about outdoors, that is the method. It has been about developing young men (and now women) into resilient and useful members of society. Previous mission/purpose statements From Wikipedia (just did a quick search): 1910: "to teach [boys] patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values. 1937: "Each generation as it comes to maturity has no more important duty than that of teaching high ideals and proper behavior to the generation which follows. From the Congressional Charter: § 30902. Purposes The purposes of the corporation are to promote, through organization, and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in scoutcraft, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues, using the methods that were in common use by boy scouts on June 15, 1916.

If you read the comments on the facebook site, the council did offer a boys-only version, but there was not enough interest. If true, then there is no issue here, huh?

Yes, let’s try to have minority in scouting try to improve its membership. This is about how to increase female membership. Do you have a role in that? If you do, I am sure they would include you.

From where we are, many kids drop travel sports (which consumes weekends) when they reach high school. They transition to high school teams which play during the week. The sports conflict is then usually limited to practices conflicting with troop meetings.

Great question. Not sure, but a good head scratcher. Retention? If you assume you have a good program, scouts stay? Otherwise they vote with their feet?

T Scouts is outdoors and the whole “Cotton Kills” thing

Haters gonna hate. It’s hard to toe a hard line as BSA risks losing those who disagree. Not meant as an excuse, just a reality. Important thing is that BSA stays on track and does not waiver. Change takes time, and it will get there. Keep advocating.

100% agree. It is inappropriate to remove the US Flag to add the flag of another county. How does he reconcile that with the citizenship aspect of scouting?

The OP provided evidence that there were affinity group meetings at NOAC (5 March) He did not specifically state why they were detrimental other than they exist. He never states exactly why. He then provided examples at a national level that had no actual connection or identified applicability to BSA. His apprehension on a white male affinity group is his perception - or did someone tell him he cannot form one?