AYSO, Little League, Pop Warner, Future Farmers of America, 4H Club and many other youth organizations are non-religious. Boy Scouts stood almost alone in that a new recruit had to sign a document saying he believed in God, would be moral and would be a good citizen. In addition, Boy Scout Troops, had to have a charter organization which in many cases are a church.
The Boy Scout Oath
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my Country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Many Boy Scouts were encouraged to participate in a religious project approved by their pastor or priest. They would participate in a service project. This could take several weeks or months to complete. Then the scout could were a religious emblem representing his denomination on his uniform.
I have spent many years in scouting as a boy and as an adult. I was even a Scoutmaster for 5 years. Both of my sons enjoy the outdoors and continue to backpack and go on hikes in the local mountains. They understand the risks associated with the outdoors and know how to do with them.
It is sad that the boy Scouts have had to bow to pressure allowing gays in, but they have left this decision up to each troop. I hope it will continue to influence men for many more years to do their best for God and country.
