Spiral Scouts

[MammaStar]

Hey all. I was using the "search" to find stuff on "scouting" and I saw the link for Spiral Scouts. I'm undecided about it all as of right now. The main reason being, my son has been in regular Boy Scouts since he was 5 (he's 9 now). I've sent him to Boy Scout camp every year for the past 3 years. He loves it a lot.

My question to you all, to get your opinions of course, is do you think I should just continue with Boy Scouts. He's about to go into the "Weblo" section this Fall. Like I've said, he loves going. My only problem is the discrimations the Scouts have & the whole "one God" issue. I've stated before, how I'm in the broom closet, and the parents of the children he's in Scouts with are one of the MAIN reasons. The school is very small, everyone knows each other, blah, blah. But most of the parents are so judgemental. For one thing, I'm one of the youngest parents in my son's grade (i'm 31). I always get a look when I volunteer to do an activity. I'm at the point where I want to give up, but it makes my son so happy, that I can't bring myself to do it.

Okay, so I guess I've answered my own question. I should let him stay. So my next question:

Have any of you stayed with "traditional" scouting and still kept your Pagan ways? Let me know what you all think!

Thanks!

[Myst]

what's spiral scouts?

[Arduinna]

Well, I don't have a son, I have a daughter. I think if he loves it and you are ok with it why not let him stay. I mean he's 9 how long do you think he'll stay in scouts? Is there even a spiral scouts near you? Or if you started a spiral scouts are there other parents that would be interested?

It really is up to you, his parents. I do understand your concerns though. With my daughter, I use these things as an opportunity to discuss peoples different belief systems.

Good Luck

(was midsummereve)

[Hope]

For us, I refused to put my son in Boy Scouts. I did put him in the 4-H program and had considered the campfire program. You might find that what he LOVES about Boy Scouts is also available in a different program, that is also willing to welcome you and your help!

In Idaho the Boy Scout program is VERY tied in to the LDS church, and the prejudice and hate teach is very strong. I have always used those type of programs as a way to discuss others beliefs, but I can't help support their work, or stand by quietly. But I am the defender of the underdog, it's in my blood.

good luck! Being a mom is hard work, and your son is lucky to have a good mom that is willing to do the extra's. :)

If I can help you please let me know.

Blessings!
Hope

[MammaStar]

Thanks all for your replys. It does help, especially when i'm thinking out loud so to speak.

He came home today from Boy Scout camp, and was pretty happy. He said he had a great day and was a little sad for it to end. But then he told me something that made me cringe a little. He told me he got a free Pepsi, because he led the "Grace". So I asked him what he said, and it didn't sound too terrible. I couldn't really go into at that moment with him, because I was still at work, and well, the woman who sits next to me is very Catholic.

I have used some of the achievments as a discussion for different paths with my son. Just last year, when he was earning his Bear badge, the first acheivement was Church & Family. All the boys were getting emblems for their uniforms. I declined nicely--at first. But one woman began to push the issue & I said, "No. We're not doing that one!" which probably started the whole "outcast" thing with me but I don't really care all that much anymore. I just want my son to be happy. Scouting makes him happy.

Thanks again all!

[Krystyl Rose]

what's spiral scouts?

The Spiral Scouts are a pagan version of the boy/girl scouts.

http://www.spiralscouts.org/

[Autumn]

If he's happy leave him for now. I think you have to go a step at a time and be aware that UU has a program for BSA Church and family that may or may not fit your family...

[MammaStar]

Update: Well it's two years later. My son is an "official" boy scout now. So far, we haven't had a problem with the religion stuff. We have two other "non-traditional" boys in our troop.

And also since then, I've switched Troops and the one we're in now...is a much better fit. Respect all around which is something we didn't have at the other Pack. ]

My son loves being a scout. He went away with the troop this past summer for a week. Loves to go camping, helping out. It's done wonders for him. So, I guess i did well in not letting "my issues" get in the way of his happiness.