Photo from: eBay
By: Matt Alexander @therealazmatt
I recently had a 21 year or so reunion with some members of my old Boy Scout troop a few months back. This, coupled with a conversation had amongst some male friends of mine led me to put my thoughts down on digital paper. I was raised by single mother, the blessing and nurturing woman she was, she knew she couldn’t teach me how to be a man from a man’s perspective. My time in the scouts led me to build friendships, learn the skills and qualities that young men should have going into the world.
When I think back to my many years in scouts to become an Eagle Scout, I recall fond memories of my beloved scout master, the boys I was in school with and some I wasn’t, summer camp, service projects. I think back on learning skills that were enjoyable and met my growing needs as a young man. It taught me the two pivotal tenants that I still carry with me to this day, whether I realized it or not.
The Boy Scout Oath:
“On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God, and country; and to obey the Scout law. To help other people at all : to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight”
The Boy Scout Law:
“A scout is , loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent”
In a move, in 2019, that has sparked controversy and raised concerns among traditionalists, the Boy Scouts of America’s decision to admit girls into its ranks has drawn sharp criticism from those who value the unique experiences and values that scouting has historically provided to young boys.
The decision, which came into effect in 2019, marks a departure from the Boy Scouts’ century-old tradition of providing a space exclusively for boys to learn and grow in a supportive, single-gender environment. While proponents of the change argue for inclusivity and equality, critics contend that the decision undermines the foundational principles upon which scouting was built.
At the heart of the opposition lies the recognition that boys and girls are inherently different, both biologically and psychologically. This acknowledgment is not a condemnation but a celebration of the diversity and complementarity of the sexes. Boys and girls have unique developmental needs, interests, and social dynamics that are best nurtured in environments tailored to their specific needs.
For generations, the Boy Scouts of America has served as a cornerstone of character development, leadership training, and outdoor education for countless young boys across the nation. The organization’s emphasis on self-reliance, resilience, and teamwork has helped shape generations of young men into responsible citizens and leaders.
Central to the success of the Boy Scouts’ programs has been the camaraderie and brotherhood fostered among boys, free from the distractions and dynamics that come with coeducational settings. In this environment, boys have been able to explore their interests, develop valuable skills, and form lifelong friendships with their peers.
The decision to admit girls into the Boy Scouts not only dilutes the unique experiences and values that have defined the organization for over a century but also ignores the inherent differences between boys and girls. By disregarding the importance of single-gender spaces, the Boy Scouts risk undermining the very foundation of their mission and sacrificing the distinctive benefits that come with them.
Furthermore, the move raises practical concerns about the logistics and dynamics of coeducational scouting programs. Boys and girls have different social dynamics, communication styles, and developmental trajectories. Mixing the two genders in scouting activities may inadvertently disrupt the dynamics and diminish the quality of the experience for both boys and girls.
In a cultural climate that increasingly seeks to erase the distinctions between the sexes, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the inherent differences between boys and girls. Rather than seeking to homogenize and neutralize gender differences, we should embrace and affirm the unique qualities and strengths that each gender brings to the table.
As the Boy Scouts of America navigates the challenges and changes of the modern era, it is imperative that the organization remains true to its foundational principles and values. Preserving single-gender spaces for boys is not an act of exclusion but a recognition of the importance of honoring and respecting the inherent differences between boys and girls. Only by upholding these principles can the Boy Scouts continue to fulfill its mission of preparing young men to become leaders of character, integrity, and service in our society.
In the face of mounting pressure to conform to prevailing cultural norms, let us not forget the timeless wisdom that boys and girls are different, and that’s okay. It’s time to stand up for the traditions and values that have guided generations of young men on the path to becoming honorable and upstanding citizens.