As many of you have seen, Scouting America announced on Friday, February 27th changes that reflect their discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense. The press announcement can be found here, and an AP article explaining the backstory here.
We write to reaffirm to you our local Scouting units’ commitment to inclusivity and respect for all members of our community, and to assure you that the recent announcement does not change how we at Hancock United Church of Christ practice Scouting: as a powerful youth development program that builds leadership, service, and opportunity for all youth.
Our relationship with Hancock Church pushes us to break down barriers between people and be welcoming to all. In 2002, when Troop 119 was re-founded and re-chartered by Hancock, members of the troop, church and our local council met to address some of the discrimination that was present in the Scouting organization at the time. Hancock Church wanted to make sure that any group that they sponsored followed their Covenant of Welcome and did not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical and mental ability. The founding group worked to have a non-discrimination policy accepted by the Boston Minuteman Council; that year, the Boston Minuteman Council agreed to serve its membership “without regard to color, race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or economic status.”
We applaud Scouting America’s decision to offer fee waivers to military families, and know that our military is made better by the inclusion of young people who have learned ethical leadership through Scouting. We are simultaneously disappointed in the discontinuation of the Citizenship in Society merit badge for Scouting America troops; this merit badge involved rich discussions of the negative impacts of discrimination and bias alongside an exploration of the power of individuals — our own youth — to make their community and world a safer and more welcoming place for all.
Scouting America’s announcement states that “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 values have not changed. A Scout is courteous and kind. We say this as part of our oath at each and every meeting, and we live this every day. Active inclusion of all people and creating safe spaces remain a key part of our programs and learning.
For any families who wish to discuss this further, we welcome and encourage you to reach out to your unit’s leadership. Similarly, we always welcome ideas from our families on how to ensure we are living our core values, so please reach out with ideas for how we can do better.
Yours in Scouting,
Alison B. Stevens, Scouting America Troop 119 Committee Chair
Christopher Farnham, Scouting America Troop 119 Scoutmaster
Sara Bothwell Allen, Scouting America Troop 119 Advancement Coordinator
Jan Gunther, Venturing Crew 1775, Committee Chair
Bernard Gunther, Venturing Crew 1775 Treasurer, former Scoutmaster of Troop 119
Heather Hoover, Cub Scout Pack 137, Committee Chair
Jeff Kittredge, Cub Scout Pack 137 Cubmaster
Sue Ellen Briggs, Charter Organization Representative