NEW YORK (AP) — For Scouting America — previously known as the Boy Scouts of America — the last 12 years have been a journey through challenges. Embracing openness regarding LGBTQ+ members and girls generated mixed responses, and a bankruptcy filing in 2020 prompted lengthy discussions about compensating survivors of sexual abuse. Despite these hurdles, the 115-year-old organization is showing signs of recovery, recently reporting a modest increase in membership, a change attributed in part to the lasting allegiance of numerous religious organizations that find resonance with scouting's principles.
Bill Guglielmi, chair of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, highlighted this perspective, stating, “This is the best time to engage with Scouting America, especially through a Catholic unit.” Many traditional scouting activities, such as camping, now include modern ventures like indoor skydiving and merit badges in artificial intelligence, while retaining the mission of communal prayer.
Skilled leaders within faith-based scouting underscore the significance of worship. Bill McCalister, a longtime scoutmaster, noted, “Every campout includes a formal worship service. Many scouts consider this their church.” In fact, faith-based organizations represent a substantial 42% of the operational units under Scouting America, with the Catholic Church being the largest contributor.
Newly appointed President and CEO Roger Krone, who took office in 2023, appreciates this variety, stating that it reflects the organization's alignment with the values of its partnering faith-based units. He emphasizes that the charter organization remains inclusive while upholding its religious foundations, as embodied in the Scout Oath and law.
Scouting America has seen departures as some conservative groups established alternatives like Trail Life USA after the inclusion of gay youth in 2013 and the acceptance of girls in 2018. Conversely, many formerly associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continue to engage with scouting outside their church's official affiliation. Krone expresses hope for renewed ties with families from various backgrounds who seek the benefits of the scouting experience.
Steering through a series of public and internal challenges, Scouting America represents a commitment to nurturing character and community values, serving as a bridge for diverse faiths amidst societal shifts. As the organization moves forward, it aims to open its arms wider to families while preserving its fundamental tenets that have defined scouting for generations.
