Reply #15: We were in the same situation six years ago -- we started our own group.

[Arugula Latte]

It was pretty easy to find people who were turned off by the scouts but wanted something for their kids (we live in Portland, Ore.) We had boys who had gay parents, boys whose parents were atheists (like us), boys whose families just didn't buy into the whole rightwing slant of the scouts. The group lasted about five years -- we did a lot of fun and educational outings and community service, things like hiking in the forest, working in the food bank, attending a science fair, getting gifts for a needy family at the holidays, roller skating, berry picking, bike rides on wilderness trails, etc. Every summer we marched in a local parade. Good times.

:hi:

edited to say: Please feel free to PM me if you'd like more details.