Speaking up for Scouting

Once a month or so when we walk through the park near our home we find Scouts assembled on the grassy fields. Boys and girls under the leadership of adults, they perform patriotic ceremonies, play games, learn and practice skills.

It’s a nostalgic moment, for I was a Boy Scout back in the days when color TV was still a bit of a coming thing. Back then, the Scouting movement was by far the largest youth organization in the U.S., and the world.

A lot has happened since. Scouting has been shaken by sexual scandals and criticism about exclusionary policies regarding religion (no atheists or agnostics) and sexuality (no gay scouts). More than that, the movement has been reduced by competition from other activities, principally sports. There was once Little League baseball, Pop Warner football and Scouts. There was no AYSO, no NJB and Bobby Sox softball was just getting started.

But there was more than that to contend with. Scouting became uncool. Our khaki uniforms were designed to mimic those worn by our fathers, almost all of which served in the military during World War II.
We were in a somewhat paramilitary organization, what with the marching and saluting and camping. But the Vietnam War made a big part of the country anti-military and 12-year-old boys with older brothers slogging through rice paddies in Asia found no status or respect in those troubled times, wearing a uniform that seemed to belong to another era.

The word “Boy Scout” has a term of mild derision, describing someone who is naive, or a stickler for conformity. And let’s face it … the uniforms with the kerchief and such have been out of style since … well, a long time ago.

Having said that, I want to speak up for Scouting. Despite all its historical blemishes, there’s much to be said in favor of it, especially as it adjusts to new times.

Scouting is not about playing against another group or team. It’s about working together to accomplish something in which there is no loser. Learning first aid, including CPR, hiking, the outdoor life and fire safety are skills that can serve you better in life in case of emergency or as recreation.

Leadership is not just taught, it’s practiced. There are opportunities for young boys and girls to learn to lead at several levels and develop some responsibility for others.

I would love to see a revival in the Scouting movement. One that’s inclusive, fun and challenging. There’s room for a youth organization with no concussion protocols and overheated parents shouting abuse at officials.

At least I hope there is. But, first, fix the uniforms.