Boy scouts?

[babygrant]

DS is 4 1/2 years old and I'd love to get him into Beaver (first level of boy scouts). I was in Girl Guides (I think Girl Scouts in the US are the same thing as Girl Guides) for many many years. My last year pin I received was my 14 year. I ended as a leader when I had kids.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with their children being in these groups? I know I LOVED being in Girl Guides. The crafts, camping, challenges, etc.

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

My son would probably like boy scouts but I won't pay dues to an organization that discriminates like the boy scouts does. So we do Adventure Guides through the YMCA instead. But he does like the outings and group meetings. Ironically, the Girl Scouts (which I'm pretty sure is Girl Guides elsewhere) are a totally different organization, which I could support.

[Yo Becca]

I also won't do boy scouts b/c of their discrimination issues (DS is not one yet, so this is theoretical at this point). I am fine with Girl Scouts. but now I'm wanting to learn about Earth Scouts, which is co-ed and nondiscriminatory. Another mom friend is thinking about starting an Earth scout troup, and our local UU church hosts one. off to google it now!

ETA: this sounds so up my alley - from the earth scouts page: "Badges center on universal human rights, eliminating poverty (economic justice), participatory democracy, respect for nature and a culture of peace. "

[alegna]

I notice that the OP is in Canada. I know nothing about Canadian Boy Scouts. You're likely to get a lot of feedback though from moms in the US who don't support US Boy Scouts for their discriminatory practices.

-Angela

[yogamama]

We didn't encourage our son to join Cub Scouts because we feel that the discrimination thing was against our core beliefs. My husband's best friend and our son's godfather is openly gay. However, we are practicing Catholics and there are plenty of Catholic teachings that also are against our basic beliefs. We remain in the Church (and now have joined Cub Scouts) because we do believe that change comes from within.

Anyway, last year our son really wanted to join Scouts and we let him. It's good, but it is alot of work. Den meetings, Pack nights, outings, at-home projects. Our Cub Scouts also do 4 weeks of bowling, 8 weeks of swim lessons, Pinewood Derby, an overnight at a museum and 2 camping trips. This year my husband became a Den leader and it has been alot of work for him to plan meetings and supervise 13 third-grade boys. Overall, it has been really good for both of them.

I think Scouting in general is great - I like the structure and the activities. The kids definately learn life skills. My husband and I were both in scouts when we were kids and we both had positive experiences. Overall, I think it is good - but we pick and choose what we stress and ultimately we teach our own values to our kids.

[dharmamama]

Have you considered 4H instead?

dm

[RobertaWa]

How about "adventure scouts usa" , we like them. They are a scout program which is nondiscriminatory, for both boys and girls and the kids get to decide what they want to do so its fun for them.