Organization that was once noble and just, but has become
petty and exclusive, not to mention far too conservative for modern
society. Rejects people based on
religion and sexual orientation, and has fought the court system in order to be able to do so. Ultimately, they are NOT a private group: They recieve federal funds, and camp often times on federal lands. The Courts were wrong and biased by allowing them to exclude homosexuals and nontheists, and it's important that that is recognized.
Encourages boys to waste their childhood worrying about Eagle Projects and their 'Rank' in relation to their peers. No real way around it, since if you
don't make Eagle then the
time (not to mention hundred of dollars in dues, camp fees, etc.,) is especially wasted. After achieving Eagle, many realize that the 'Looks good on resumes' argument was basically false, unless you'
re going for the 'camp counselor' career. That it's really basically only worthwile if you'
re military bound (in which
case you would have been better off (by benefits and starting rank) by working for JROTC merits instead of BSA) or are able to make it into the even more exclusive Order of the
Arrow. I'm neither, I'll admit.
90% of Boys praticipating are being forced by
parents to do so. 90% of badges are earned fron Scoutmaster (and parental) pity. Many merit badges are archaic and unneccessary in modern times. Some are just rediculous, period (the coin collecting badge, for example). It has become an outlet for
parents who have their
child's life planned out from birth to 25. As such, they cannot afford to have a
scout stuck in the Life Rank. I have seen entire Eagle Projects faked, and approved. The District Leadership really has no control over the individual troops, and the National leadership is just a funnel for the
mormon church.
There are plenty of organizations where, youths, teens, and adults can camp, learn, and have
fun together. The BSA, however, claims to attempt to teach leadership and citizenship as well, and that is wherein lies the problem.
