Boy Scouts of America: who should be welcome?

[Brian-E]

Originally Posted by Zeta-Flux

I'm not sure anyone here noticed, but I didn't post anything last week because I spent all week at scout camp (yep, I'm an assistant scoutmaster).

That's great. You'll know, then, that the questions you asked about physical attraction are irrelevant when we are talking about responsible scout masters like you.

[Brian-E]

Originally Posted by Xyzzy

The change is not as it seems. This article explains why.

We are not sure our work was invaluable but we do hope it was helpful.

We still have an issue with the Religious Declaration.

Some people want the gender ban lifted. We are not sure what the right answer is for that issue but we are willing to be educated.

Hmm, I see, clearly there's a lot of work still to be done before the BSA can be a positive organisation for all its members. More people like you are needed within it... but I do understand that you can only perform within the limits of the ethos of the Scouts. It's such a shame.

[Zeta-Flux]

Originally Posted by Brian-E

That's great. You'll know, then, that the questions you asked about physical attraction are irrelevant when we are talking about responsible scout masters like you.

I wouldn't trust my daughters to repeatedly be on overnight campouts with only two male leaders. Physical attraction is extremely relevant.

[xilman]

Originally Posted by Zeta-Flux

I wouldn't trust my daughters to repeatedly be on overnight campouts with only two male leaders. Physical attraction is extremely relevant.

Would you trust your sons (assuming you have any) to be repeatedly on overnight campouts with only two female leaders?

[Zeta-Flux]

Originally Posted by xilman

Would you trust your sons (assuming you have any) to be repeatedly on overnight campouts with only two female leaders?

When they are teenagers, no I wouldn't.

[xilman]

Originally Posted by Zeta-Flux

When they are teenagers, no I wouldn't.

Teenager sons, or teenager female leaders?

Would your answer differ if the teenagers were daughters or male leaders?

[Zeta-Flux]

Paul,

Sorry, I only used the word "teenager" to make it clear we are talking about teenage children (it makes no difference whether they are sons or daughters), because there are entirely different issues with leaving young children alone with non-parent adults overnight.

[Xyzzy]

Are you saying you wouldn't trust your daughters or you wouldn't trust the leaders?

[Zeta-Flux]

Originally Posted by Xyzzy

Are you saying you wouldn't trust your daughters or you wouldn't trust the leaders?

I wouldn't trust the situation.

I'm assuming you all don't have kids, because for me this is a no-brainer. You don't put kids and adults (even kids and adults you trust) into compromising situations.

[kladner]

Originally Posted by Zeta-Flux

I wouldn't trust the situation.

I'm assuming you all don't have kids, because for me this is a no-brainer. You don't put kids and adults (even kids and adults you trust) into compromising situations.

As a kid (11-12), I was in such a situation several times, in the context of the BSA. In particular, in the middle 60s, with all male juvenile and adult participants, at least at night.

[xilman]

Originally Posted by Zeta-Flux

I wouldn't trust the situation.

I'm assuming you all don't have kids, because for me this is a no-brainer. You don't put kids and adults (even kids and adults you trust) into compromising situations.

It's a matter of public record that, as far as I know, I don't have any kids of my own. Kids, from small babies to teenagers, have been left in my care on a number of occasions. Neither I nor their parents were in any way apprehensive about the situation.