Christian Scouting on the Rise – BSA on the Decline

I wrote about it rather extensively over the past 2-years.  [read my blog dated April 11, 2014 – “BSA Experiences Budget Shortfall & Membership Decline”]  I even foretold this outcome [read my blogs dated June 5, 2013 – “The BSA Will Pay a Price for Policy Change” and July 12, 2013 – “Scouting that is JC Focused – Rather than PC Fixated” and April 15, 2013 – “Boy Scouts Must Stand Firm”]

 

Trail Life USA – a Christian-based scouting program – is thriving while the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) may be declining more than reported.  BSA membership declined another 7% in the last reporting period.  But worst yet, there was apparently a drop of over 14% in Cub Scouts … which grooms future members and leaders of the BSA.  It can’t be denied that part of the loss is due to the BSA’s decision (May 23, 2013) to allow homosexuals as members.

 

Trail Life USA was established in response to the BSA’s decision to accept homosexuals.  Executive director Mark Hancock shares the group’s success.  “We finished the year up with 534-troops chartered in 48-states and just under 20,000-members, so I feel like we’ve seen some tremendous growth there for an organization that’s just a year old,” he says.

 

The process of qualifying for a troop is not easy, and Hancock points out more than 300-troops are waiting in line to be chartered.  Trail Life USA is taking the time to ensure faith is the focus.  “There’s a temptation to say, ‘Wow, we can grow really fast if we want to.’  But from the board of directors on down, there’s such an emphasis on understanding that we are building something for long-term effect on generations of young men,” he says.  “We feel like we could grow explosively overnight if we lowered our standards - but we have no desire to do that.”

 

Meanwhile, Trail Life USA is working on plans for the boys for this spring and summer, including camping and the end of the year Freedom Convention in Washington, DC.

 

As a BSA Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow, and recipient of the National Council’s Young American Award, I pray for the continued success of Trail Life USA.  May God honor their faithfulness with increased membership, chartered partners, and financial donors.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel