Once again it’s that time of year when the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will be out selling popcorn to raise funds for their activities.
While the vast majority of our citizens are friendly during these sales, last year several units encountered hostile verbal attacks based on BSA’s National Council policies. This is especially disturbing as all Scouts are taught to be kind and considerate of all people at all times.
Scouting on a local level gives young people the opportunity to develop skills and take responsibility while inspiring a lifetime of character and service. If you do not agree with some of BSA’s policies, please do not verbally bully children who have nothing to do with those policies. BSA recently changed policy and does not exclude boys from being Scouts based on their sexual preference – this decision was based on the response from current Scouts and registered parents of Scouts in a survey.
Our Scouts deserve respect from the community they serve. A Cub Scout is learning about being a good person and the excitement of outdoor life. A teenage Boy Scout has made a conscious choice to serve his community rather than partake in activities that hurt the community.
I thank you in advance for your ability to see the Scouts and not the council as they sell popcorn. Forty percent of those sales go directly to the Scout’s activities, and 30 percent goes to our local Chief Seattle Council, who responsibly spends the funds on keeping our amazing camps affordable and exciting, on outreach programs for local boys, as well as other locally important activities.
If you would like to complain about any BSA policy, please contact the National BSA Council at P.O. Box 152079, Irving, Texas 75015. You may also call them at 972-580-2000.
– Mary Wilson, Chief Seattle Council volunteer
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