42 years involved with BSA this Assistant Scoutmaster welcomes the potential for change with open arms. I became an Eagle Scout in 1973, both my sons are Eagles and we have never felt threathened by having or allowing gay scouts to join our association. None of the troops I have worked with have ever been the least bite concerned about homosexuals joining the troop or being present on outings etc...First most of the kids don't think about it at all. It's the parents and adults that surround the troop that cause the issues. Fortunately for me, in my experience, none of our Charting Organizations, mostly churches, have remained silent on the issue. In fact most of my troops, we never see the minister or chuch leaders at our meetings or outings. We invite them to attend our Courts of Honor or special celebrations, but other than a meeting place and Scout Sunday appearance duing the main worship hour. the churches I have been associated with in the BSA movement are not active one way or the other on the issue of gay sacouts/leaders being admitted to our ranks. Maybe I've just been lucky. I know others will be vehemently opposed to allowing gays into BSA. For me, I want BSA to be more inclusive and a better reflection of society as we face it today. Our young people need to see role models that are not bigots or fearful of change. We have such a great program to offer young men. I hope BSA changes its policies soon. Throw it to the local councils and Chartering Organizations, let them decide.
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