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http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mormon-church-boy-scouts-of-america-varsity-venturing-programs/

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Mormon church, the biggest sponsor of Boy Scout troops in the United States, announced Thursday it is pulling as many as 185,000 older youths from the organization as part of an effort to start its own scouting-like program.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the move wasn't triggered by the Boy Scouts' decision in 2015 to allow gay troop leaders, since Mormon-sponsored troops have remained free to exclude such adults on religious grounds.


But at least one leading Mormon scholar said that the Boy Scouts and the church have been diverging on values in recent years and that the policy on gays was probably a contributing factor in the split.

CBS affiliate KUTV in Salt Lake City, Utah, reports the LDS Church said it doesn't believe young men between 14 and 18 years old are not being "served well" by the Varsity or Venturing programs.

 

[HStallion]

The Shook of Mormon

 

[Monocle]

Treating gay people like humans was the last straw!

 

[DeviantBoi]

Just after the Boy Scouts announced they would start accepting trans boys into the group.

 

[Violence Jack]

Jesus Camp: Part Deux

 

[massoluk]

Awesome

 

[Sanjuro]

the LDS Church said it doesn't believe young men between 14 and 18 years old are not being "served well" by the Varsity or Venturing programs.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

When the Mormons leave your group
Hasa diga eebowai

 

[Loxley]

Good. Even though this means the BSA could lose a lot of funding (the Mormon church was one of its largest benefactors), it's better for the BSA in the long run if it wants to stay relevant. Their more progressive moves lately, like allowing LGBT boys and leaders, were steps in the right direction and long overdue. So if the Mormons don't like that, well...bye bitch.

It really does seem like the BSA leadership is having a significant change of heart lately. I'm going to thank the Girl Scouts for that - leading by example.

 

[AlteredBeast]

Just after the Boy Scouts announced they would start accepting trans boys into the group.

Other press release I saw said lds church would accept boys that are gay, straight, or trans, but not gay leaders.

 

[elrechazado]

Treating gay people like humans was the last straw!

Actually reading the article, They've had no problem with gay scouts for years now, and they still support scouts for the younger kids, so if it was a stand against the gays, they'd have jumped ship years ago.

 

[AlteredBeast]

They are actually continuing payments to the BSA through 2018,as well, as to not leave the program in a lurch. The Scouts and church are extremely intertwined. I presume this will deal a crushing blow to Scouting, but who knows.

 

[Monocle]

Actually reading the article, They've had no problem with gay scouts for years now, and they still support scouts for the younger kids, so if it was a stand against the gays, they'd have jumped ship years ago.

Surprising.

 

[Breads]

The thought of the boyscouts not being mormon enough is baffling.

 

[Pizza]

Jesus Christ this is stupid.

I'm lowkey an eagle scout and during my time in charge of shit I wouldn't have turned away anyone.

The whole thing is just going camping and kicking back, sexuality has zero impact on that.

Hell, comparing mine and my sister's scouting experiences, I'd be happy to have girls in Boy Scouts too.

Fuck every single person who is flocking to Mormon scouts because of basic intolerance.

I know most every meeting place is a church and the program is often has religious influences, but I ran a religion-free ship and I'd prefer to see the program as a whole go in that direction. A bunch of people dropped scouting during middle school because they weren't Christian and didn't want to chill in a church.

 

[excelsiorlef]

Hello, have you heard the good news?

Let em go. Less religious influence on the Scouts the better

 

[AlexFlame116]

Here's the full version. You know, in case anyone wanted more info or had some questions. There's a lot of extra stuff in the page. I don't believe the thread post has enough info but that's just me. But I feel like this won't help at all so I'm just gonna post and leave. But feel free to think of me what you will. I'm not gonna fire torpedoes y'all!

Questions and Answers about Changes to the Young Men Program

Beginning in 2018, the Church will no longer participate in BSA Varsity and Venturing programs

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 11, 2017, announced significant changes to the activity program for young men ages 14–18. Listed below are several questions and responses media and others may have regarding this change. The change affects young men in the United States and Canada. Though the answers below are specific to the Boy Scouts of America, the same principles apply to our association with Scouts Canada. (See the First Presidency Letter announcing these changes.)

What exactly is changing?

• Beginning January 1, 2018, young men from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will no longer participate in the Varsity and Venturing programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America.
• Instead, Young Men activities will focus on spiritual, social, physical and intellectual goals outlined by the Church. These activities are designed to be fun and meaningful and provide opportunities for personal growth and development.

Why is this change occurring?

• In most congregations in the United States and Canada, young men ages 14–18 are not being served well by the Varsity or Venturing programs, which have historically been difficult to implement within the Church. This change will allow youth and leaders to implement a simplified program that meets local needs while providing activities that balance spiritual, social, physical and intellectual development goals for young men.

Does this mean the Church is completely separating from the BSA?

• The Church continues to look for ways to meet the spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual needs of young men around the world. The current decision is consistent with those efforts. The Church will continue to use the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs for boys and young men ages 8 through 13.

Previous statements have indicated that the Church wants a program that serves all young men around the world. Is this it?

• No, this is not the global program, but an important step that addresses an immediate need. Varsity and Venturing programs have been difficult to run effectively on a local level. The Church continues to work toward developing a program for young men and young women globally.

Why is the Church remaining with the Cub Scout and Boy Scout program?

• These programs currently meet the development program needs of boys from ages 8 through 13.

Why is this change only for the United States and Canada?

• Varsity and Venturing programs are used only in Church congregations in the United States and Canada.

What has been the reaction of the BSA leadership to this decision?

• In every discussion with the Boy Scouts of America, they have expressed a shared desire to do what is best for young men. We are grateful for their continued support with this new change and look forward to continuing our strong relationship in the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs.

How does this impact the financial and property connections of the Church to the BSA?

• Though important, financial and property obligations are not the primary concern. Instead, we are driven by our desire to serve the spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual needs of young men.
• Most of these legal associations are in connection with the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs.
• The Church will continue to make the same payment to the BSA for registration of its young men through 2018, so there should be a minimal financial impact to Scouting.

What is the schedule for this announcement and rollout?

• The announcement was shared on May 11, 2017. However, the discontinuation of the Varsity and Venturing programs will not occur until January 1, 2018. We encourage local units to continue with their planned activities as they review and determine how they will implement the new activity guidelines.

Can young men in these age groups continue to earn the Eagle Scout award?

• Yes. Young men who desire to continue toward the rank of Eagle will be registered, supported and encouraged. It is important to remember that only those young men who are properly registered are eligible to be awarded merit badges and rank advancements.

What would you say to Church members about participation in the Friends of Scouting fundraising drive?

• The Church will continue to be involved in Friends of Scouting as part of its relationship with the BSA and the Scouting programs for boys and young men ages 8 through 13.

Is this due to changes in Scout policy in the past few years to allow gay and transgender Scouts and leaders?

• The BSA has always allowed the Church to operate its programs in ways that are consistent with our standards and beliefs, and they have been very supportive. This change is to address the needs of young men ages 14 to 18. The Church is always evaluating what is best for our youth and families, and will continue to do so.
• The activities referenced on lds.org/youth/activities and ymactivities.lds.org have been in place since 2013 as a resource for youth and their leaders around the world. When followed, these activities can provide better opportunities for spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual growth.

Is the guideline that Young Men aren’t required to meet weekly a new directive?

• No. This guideline (for both Young Men and Young Women) has existed in the Church’s handbook for many years.

Will the disparity of funding and activities that exists between the Church’s Young Men and Young Women programs be addressed as part of this change?

• Church leaders have long been aware of this concern. This new program brings the spending into balance for youth ages 14 through 18. This will continue to be a factor in the ongoing exploration and creation of a worldwide youth program.
• In each congregation, the ward council is encouraged to consider equally the needs of Young Women and Young Men and their families when planning activities and determining budgets.

Is this a reaction to the news that the Boy Scouts of America is considering the inclusion of girls and young women in its programs?

• Church leaders learned just recently about the BSA’s intent to consider including girls and young women in Scouting. Our decision to end our participation in the Varsity and Venturing programs was made independent of this possibility and before that time. We anticipate our Cub Scout and Boy Scout units will continue as they are at present.

 

[elrechazado]

Jesus Christ this is stupid.

I'm lowkey an eagle scout and during my time in charge of shit I wouldn't have turned away anyone.

The whole thing is just going camping and kicking back, sexuality has zero impact on that.

Hell, comparing mine and my sister's scouting experiences, I'd be happy to have girls in Boy Scouts too.

Fuck every single person who is flocking to Mormon scouts because of basic intolerance.

I know most every meeting place is a church and the program is often has religious influences, but I ran a religion-free ship and I'd prefer to see the program as a whole go in that direction. A bunch of people dropped scouting during middle school because they weren't Christian and didn't want to chill in a church.

I don't think you read the article, since them leaving is exactly what you just said you wanted.

 

[Arkeband]

Here's the full version. You know, in case anyone wanted more info or had some questions. There's a lot of extra stuff in the page. I don't believe the thread post has enough info but that's just me. But I feel like this won't help at all so I'm just gonna post and leave. But feel free to think of me what you will. I'm not gonna fire torpedoes y'all!

What a weasel answer for the question about whether it had anything to do with LGBT inclusion.

The rest is basically "it was harshing the cult vibes, now they won't be led astray by non-cult members"

 

[elrechazado]

What a weasel answer for the question about whether it had anything to do with LGBT inclusion.

The rest is basically "it was harshing the cult vibes, now they won't be led astray by non-cult members"

yet another person who isn't reading well. If they are fleeing the gays, why are they still supporting it with their 8-13 year olds?

 

[soldat7]

Will the disparity of funding and activities that exists between the Church’s Young Men and Young Women programs be addressed as part of this change?
Church leaders have long been aware of this concern. This new program brings the spending into balance for youth ages 14 through 18. This will continue to be a factor in the ongoing exploration and creation of a worldwide youth program.
In each congregation, the ward council is encouraged to consider equally the needs of Young Women and Young Men and their families when planning activities and determining budgets.

This will actually encourage more equality within the church between the boys programs and girls programs.

 

[Sequence Six]

This will actually encourage more equality within the church between the boys programs and girls programs.

Yeah, for years now guys have had the scouts infrastructure and activities and girls have had...girls camp once a year? Not much, really.

 

[televator]

Get your post death baptism badge at the Mormon scouts. Which non Mormon heathen's soul would you like to save from beyond the grave?

 

[Westonian]

Good. Scouts is stupid expensive to support. ($50 for a shirt? I thought the BSA was a non-profit?) This will allow the church to give greater funding to the young women programs. Besides, for many young men who earned their Eagle Scout, the varsity/venture programs were ill attended. Most boys lost interest after age 14 and there was no alternative activities for those boys.

 

[Kthulhu]

And nothing of value was lost.

 

[ZealousD]

I can only hope this leads to more acceptance of non-religious scouts in the future. As of now, an atheist or agnostic scout would have to identify as Unitarian Universalist to fulfill their religious requirements (not that there's anything wrong with Unitarian Universalism). And I'm sure that option is probably seen as a loophole by some.

 

[see5harp]

Jesus Christ this is stupid.

I'm lowkey an eagle scout and during my time in charge of shit I wouldn't have turned away anyone.

The whole thing is just going camping and kicking back, sexuality has zero impact on that.

Hell, comparing mine and my sister's scouting experiences, I'd be happy to have girls in Boy Scouts too.

Fuck every single person who is flocking to Mormon scouts because of basic intolerance.

I know most every meeting place is a church and the program is often has religious influences, but I ran a religion-free ship and I'd prefer to see the program as a whole go in that direction. A bunch of people dropped scouting during middle school because they weren't Christian and didn't want to chill in a church.

lol I'm also an Eagle Scout. I tell most people it was a great experience. I got to hang out and go camping with friends. The first time I smoked weed was with a scoutmaster who later happened to be on my Eagle Scout panel.

Edit: and for our troop it was barely connected to religion. The Scout pledge was almost like the same thing as the pledge of allegiance and we met in an elks lodge.

 

[Fat4all]

Morman?

more like Lesman.

 

[Laieon]

As an Eagle Scout, good.

Edit: and for our troop it was barely connected to religion. The Scout pledge was almost like the same thing as the pledge of allegiance and we met in an elks lodge.

My troop met in a church, but I feel like religion wasn't really a huge part of it either. We pretty much just sat around and played Pokemon and occasionally worked on shit for merit badges. I didn't actually like the program that much, but the people I did it with were awesome.

I also feel like I'm the only Eagle Scout in existence who hates camping. Being allergic to ants/spiders/mosquitoes and having to camp in hot/humid Texas probably has something to do with that though.

 

[Stumpokapow]

Actually reading the article, They've had no problem with gay scouts for years now, and they still support scouts for the younger kids, so if it was a stand against the gays, they'd have jumped ship years ago.

Alternatively, they are planning a phased withdrawal as they bring online complimentary programs designed to replace the Scouts?

 

[Zoe]

yet another person who isn't reading well. If they are fleeing the gays, why are they still supporting it with their 8-13 year olds?

Maybe they think it's just a phase during those years.

 

[Messofanego]

Mormon Church just wanted their own safe space of cishet boys.

 

[see5harp]

As an Eagle Scout, good.



My troop met in a church, but I feel like religion wasn't really a huge part of it either. We pretty much just sat around and played Pokemon and occasionally worked on shit for merit badges. I didn't actually like the program that much, but the people I did it with were awesome.

I also feel like I'm the only Eagle Scout in existence who hates camping. Being allergic to ants/spiders/mosquitoes and having to camp in hot/humid Texas probably has something to do with that though.

Ah. That sucks. The camping in northern california is good. Like beach camping at point reyes along the coast. 50 milers up near yosemite. I'm all grows up so now I won't even camp for coachella but I still have great memories of summer camp.

 

[Furyous]

This has been in the works since fall 2011, allegedly. The church makes tough decisions. Tough decisions along a, some would say heavily skewed, moral compass. This is a very divisive and seemingly hurtful decision as it impacts friendships and relationships around the country between families and friends.

I knew this would happen the second the BSA became accepting of everyone. I'm all for everyone being involved in the Boy Scouts instead of forgoing alliances because of a moral compass. If they did this years ago it would've came off as heavily reactionist and a response to a certain Supreme Court decision. It comes across as reactionist now but less than it would've back then.

 

[NoblesseOblige]

Good. Now to get LGBT rights groups to become its greatest sponsors.