Citizenship in Society MB Discontinued

[scoutldr]

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Discontinuance | Scouting America

[skeptic]

This is directly connected to the letter I received earlier today in my email.  "

Scouting America and the Department of War Scouting Family,   Today, Scouting America and the Department of War finalized a commitment to strengthen our longstanding partnership with the U.S. military. Over several months, we engaged in dialogue with Department leadership to align on how we could deepen our service to military families, while making programmatic updates to comply with Executive Order 14173.    Throughout our discussions, we remained true to the core commitments that define our organization—our name, our mission, and our promise to serve all youth in our programs. Those commitments are unchanged. We will continue to deliver stability, mentorship, and opportunity to the children of those who serve our nation.    What This Agreement Delivers  Continued support for Scouting on military installations worldwide  Ongoing Department support for National Jamborees and other events  New benefits for military families, including waiving registration fees for children of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families  Launching a new Military Service merit badge, developed in cooperation with the Department  Memorializing our existing practices for membership registration and safeguarding youth  As part of Scouting America’s commitment to comply with Executive Order 14173, we will be discontinuing the Citizenship in Society merit badge. While this change complies with the Executive Order, the lessons found in this merit badge are found throughout the Scouting program. Scouting has always taught respect for others, leadership, and consideration of diverse perspectives through the ideals enshrined in the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting America’s mission remains unchanged and is reinforced across our advancement, leadership development, and outdoor experiences.    Our emphasis on duty to God, duty to country, and service to others is strengthened by this partnership. Scouting’s values have not changed, and they will not change.    Why This Partnership Matters    Since 1910, Scouting America has played a strategic role in strengthening our nation’s military readiness. More than 130 million Americans have been Scouts. Millions have gone on to serve as military leaders, first responders, educators, and civic leaders. For military families navigating deployments and frequent moves, Scouting has long provided a steady anchor during times of uncertainty.    Service to Military Families   In our discussions, we affirmed Scouting’s deep commitment to military families. To that end, we will waive the national registration fees of all active duty, Reserve and Guard troops. Your support in this effort is critical – and we encourage you to make a donation to support Scouting families. Click here to give today.   How to Communicate Locally    When speaking with families and volunteers, lead with confidence and clarity:  This agreement provides continuity for military families  It supports Scouting on military bases and support for events such as National Jamborees  Fee waivers will be available for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve families  Program updates were made to comply with Executive Order 14173  Our mission, and commitment to serving all youth remains unchanged  Membership registration and our practices to safeguard youth remain unchanged  Scouting America works constructively with every administration—always focused on serving youth.    Our Resolve    For more than a century, Scouting America has endured because we are resilient, principled and unwavering in our mission. We remain committed to developing leaders of character. We remain committed to service and our nation. We remain committed to the principles enshrined in our Scout Oath and Scout Law.     Thank you for your leadership and dedication to Scouting America.  Respectfully, Roger A. Krone Chief Scout Executive President & CEO Scouting America

Copyright © 2026 Boy Scouts of America. All rights reserved.   Scouting America 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane Irving, TX 75038

 

I am pleased that those within our leadership in Washington have stepped up and worked out the wrinkles a little.  For me, the MB was never needed, and it was always just, as some of my naysayers locally have noted, a woke response to things.  The elements covered in the MB always were there if one paid attention to the concept of Scout Spirit, so we have untied one unneeded knot, or so I hope.  

[Navybone]

Because of the military support, I was able to be a cub scout when I loved in Portugal.  It was the same for my son when we lived in Germany.  I think that having a connection with the military is of great value for Scouting and for the military.  My son is an Eagle Scout and has been selected for a 4-year NROTC Scholarship next year when he starts college.  Although I left scouting as a Boy Scout because of the troop when I moved to Mississippi - the troop was less about camping and more about uniform inspections and being in Ranks.  I was not looking for a military experience (although I retired form the Navy after 30 years in 2021).

So, I can understand why Scouting America made the decisions it did -  Cit Society has been sacrificed for bigger, more important priorities to the program.  But as the Cit Society MB counselor in my troop, I am concerned that there will be a cost.  After two years teaching the Merit Badge, I learned from the scouts as we talk about the requirements.  The scouts never had issue with them, only the parents.  The scouts did not understand what the issue was -  which really makes confident in the future generations.

I disagree the argument that there is no value since elements have always been there.  Can we use the same argument to get rid of cooking since it is in every advancement requirement to First Class and in Camping MB?  Same with First Aid?  Since that argument does not work, what is the actual pushback on the Merit Badge?  

[InquisitiveScouter]

43 minutes ago, Navybone said:

Because of the military support, I was able to be a cub scout when I loved in Portugal.  It was the same for my son when we lived in Germany.  I think that having a connection with the military is of great value for Scouting and for the military.  My son is an Eagle Scout and has been selected for a 4-year NROTC Scholarship next year when he starts college.  Although I left scouting as a Boy Scout because of the troop when I moved to Mississippi - the troop was less about camping and more about uniform inspections and being in Ranks.  I was not looking for a military experience (although I retired form the Navy after 30 years in 2021).

So, I can understand why Scouting America made the decisions it did -  Cit Society has been sacrificed for bigger, more important priorities to the program.  But as the Cit Society MB counselor in my troop, I am concerned that there will be a cost.  After two years teaching the Merit Badge, I learned from the scouts as we talk about the requirements.  The scouts never had issue with them, only the parents.  The scouts did not understand what the issue was -  which really makes confident in the future generations.

I disagree the argument that there is no value since elements have always been there.  Can we use the same argument to get rid of cooking since it is in every advancement requirement to First Class and in Camping MB?  Same with First Aid?  Since that argument does not work, what is the actual pushback on the Merit Badge?  

I have no problem with having the Merit Badge.  I did have a few issues when this all started:

1.  It was a knee-jerk reaction to the George Floyd episode.  Without having all the facts about what happened, BSA glommed onto the hysteria that developed in our country.  And, in doing so, I think BSA diminished the standing of Scouting in the eyes of most. 

2.  The original leaked requirements were ideologically (and thus politically) charged  agendas, and not appropriate for Scouting.  These were, thankfully, revised to the current product.

3.  They could have taken the revised requirements and sprinkled them into other existing merit badges or rank requirements.  Or simply expounded upon current requirements in the program which, if emphasized, would address the issues at hand in a more fulsome manner.  Were the real issues at hand getting watered down in other aspects of BSA's program?  Yes.  But, there was no need to create a new merit badge.  And, in doing so, (creating a new badge), the real message BSA sent was that our program was not sufficient, and that it somehow had to change.  Bad message, in my book.

4.  They made it required to become an Eagle Scout.  Again, the hidden message in doing this was that the Scout Oath and the Scout Law were not good enough.

I count it a great victory for common sense that this has been axed.  As a counselor, I, too, guided many Scouts through this, and made it a worthwhile endeavor for them to focus on some issues that all societies face, and how we as Scouts and Americans can help to strive for a "more perfect Union."

I'm going to have a beer to celebrate.

P.S.  I would support keeping it as an optional badge, with a name change...

Edited 4 hours ago by InquisitiveScouter
Added the post script.

[skeptic]

The scouts never had issue with them, only the parents.

[InquisitiveScouter]

2 minutes ago, skeptic said:

The scouts never had issue with them, only the parents.

Not true... 

I had several Scouts who already had enough optional merit badges to satisfy their Eagle requirements, and then had this additional Eagle requirement imposed upon them.

They were not happy.

I have had zero complaints from any parents.

Edited 4 hours ago by InquisitiveScouter

[Eagle1993]

I wish the Pentagon held out for ending more Eagle required MBs. Family life/ combine some of the other citizenships, and then make Wilderness Survival required.  Missed opportunity....

[skeptic]

21 minutes ago, InquisitiveScouter said:

Not true... 

I had several Scouts who already had enough optional merit badges to satisfy their Eagle requirements, and then had this additional Eagle requirement imposed upon them.

They were not happy.

I have had zero complaints from any parents.

The addition was two years ago almost; so what could is/was the problem?  Most of us dealt with it within weeks or a couple of months at best.  We did two or three group classes since, and yes, we got some interesting views from the youth, some that made the leaders sit up and think a bit harder.  Still, no relly needed if we encourage "Spirit".

[Navybone]

43 minutes ago, InquisitiveScouter said:

 

4.  They made it required to become an Eagle Scout.  Again, the hidden message in doing this was that the Scout Oath and the Scout Law were not good enough.

 

We have to agree to disagree because I agree with little of your statement.  But this part confuses me the most -  empathy is not part of the Scout Oath or Scout law.  Putting ones self in the position of another to understand theater point of view is an examlpe of a mature and well reasoned leader and individual.  No where else is that in what is required in scouting.   Nor is tolerance in the Scout Oath or Law.  Tolerance for the fact not everyone see things the same way, based on their background, education, or opportunities.  

29 minutes ago, Eagle1993 said:

I wish the Pentagon held out for ending more Eagle required MBs. Family life/ combine some of the other citizenships, and then make Wilderness Survival required.  Missed opportunity....

Sorry, but the Pentagon has no business in what is required for Eagle scout.  none.  

Edited 3 hours ago by Navybone

[ALongWalk]

I am trying to fill some key district positions. Was close to getting home on one volunteer that would be outstanding….I know him well enough to know that he will not fill the position now. One thing after another….

[InquisitiveScouter]

1 hour ago, Navybone said:

We have to agree to disagree because I agree with little of your statement.  But this part confuses me the most -  empathy is not part of the Scout Oath or Scout law.  Putting ones self in the position of another to understand theater point of view is an examlpe of a mature and well reasoned leader and individual.  No where else is that in what is required in scouting.   Nor is tolerance in the Scout Oath or Law.  Tolerance for the fact not everyone see things the same way, based on their background, education, or opportunities.  

Sorry, but the Pentagon has no business in what is required for Eagle scout.  none.  

Please read (for the first time, or re-read...) your Scout Handbook:

"A Scout is friendly.  A Scout is a friend to all.  He is a brother to other Scouts.  He offers his friendship to people of all races, religions and nations, and he respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own."

"A Scout is courteous.  A Scout is polite to people of all ages and positions.  He understands that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.  Being courteous shows that you are aware of the feelings of others. ..."

"A Scout is kind.  A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated.  He knows there is strength in being gentle.  He does not harm or kill any living thing without good reason.  Kindness is a sign of true strength.  To be kind, you must look beyond yourself, and try to understand the needs of others.  Take time to listen to people and imagine being in their place.  Extending kindness to those around you and having compassion for all people is a powerful agent of change to a more peaceful world."

"A Scout is brave.  A Scout faces danger even if he is afraid.  He does the right thing even when doing the wrong thing or doing nothing would be easier.  Bravery doesn't have to mean saving someone's life at risk to your own.  While that is definitely brave, you are also being brave when you speak up to stop someone from being bullied or when you do what is right in spite of what others say.  You are brave when you speak the truth and when you admit a mistake and apologize for it.  And you show true courage when you defend the rights of others."

"A Scout is clean.  A Scout keeps his body and mind fit.  He chooses friends who also live by high standards.  He avoids profanity and pornography.  He helps keep his home and community clean.  A Scout knows there is no kindness or honor in tasteless behavior, such as using profanity or ethnic slurs, or in making fun of someone who has a disability.  He keeps his character clean by carefully monitoring what he views on television and the Internet or reads in books and magazines."

" A Scout is reverent.  A Scout is reverent towards God.  He is faithful in his religious duties.  He respects the beliefs of others.  Wonders all around us remind us of our faith in God, and we show our reverence by living our lives according to the ideals of our beliefs.  You will encounter people expressing their reverence in many ways.  It is your duty to respect and defend their rights to their religious beliefs even if they differ from your own."

Empathy is woven into each of these, as is tolerance.

You can only be confused if you are unfamiliar with these parts of the Scout Law and Scout Oath (where you promise you will obey the Scout Law) and their explanations.  And discussing them and how you have lived them is a part of EVERY step of advancement along the trail to Eagle.

Get with the program, bro.

Edited 2 hours ago by InquisitiveScouter

[Navybone]

1 hour ago, InquisitiveScouter said:

Please read (for the first time, or re-read...) your Scout Handbook:

Empathy is woven into each of these, as is tolerance.

You can only be confused if you are unfamiliar with these parts of the Scout Law and Scout Oath (where you promise you will obey the Scout Law) and their explanations.  And discussing them and how you have lived them is a part of EVERY step of advancement along the trail to Eagle.

Get with the program, bro.

I can read this two ways.  The first is one where you are both condescending and dismissive.  It is at best patronizing.  It tries to shut down any conversation by dismissing my comments, implying I do not know what I am talking about and pretty much "shut up and color.    

Yet you include:

""A Scout is courteous.  A Scout is polite to people of all ages and positions.  He understands that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.  Being courteous shows that you are aware of the feelings of others. ..." 

"A Scout is kind.  A Scout treats others as he wants to be treated.  He knows there is strength in being gentle.  He does not harm or kill any living thing without good reason.  Kindness is a sign of true strength.  To be kind, you must look beyond yourself, and try to understand the needs of others.  Take time to listen to people and imagine being in their place.  Extending kindness to those around you and having compassion for all people is a powerful agent of change to a more peaceful world."

Should I write a response in the same manner that you did.  Should I imply that you know nothing about scouting and then sign of with a similar line - like "get on board or leave?"  

You make a great case that Scouting America does not need a merit badge that discusses empathy, how to work with other, see things from their point of view, and how to understand what you see (or read) is not the whole story.