Cub Scouts?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Cub Scouts?
1
Sat, 09-03-2005 - 2:47am

David (2nd grade) brought home a flyer today about the Cub Scouts, and actually expressed an interest. When I read about some of the things they do, it sounds like it *might* be just the thing he needs, especially if his dad goes along on activities.

However, I do not like their stance on homosexuality or the fact that they are, basically, a religious organization. Last year some close friends of mine, including a gay couple, at a neighboring school, were very angry that a public school was giving out flyers inviting their kids to join a "hate organization", and I have to say, I agree.

Still, I'm wondering if perhaps it is more up to the individual troops and communtities how they interpret all that. This is the SF Bay Area; I can't imagine that they sit around badmouthing gay people! LOL! I guess I ought to call the guy on the flyer and tell him my concerns, to get an idea whether this particular troop is a group I want my son to be a part of. Mostly what I want is an opportunity for David to join a similar type of group which shares our family's values. But we have nothing like that. There are activities through our local parks/rec department, but they are not with an established group. He'd never have time to become "one of the group".

Realistically, if I signed him up he'd probably refuse to go and insist that he NEVER was interested. But now I have all these questions in my mind. I don't even know how big a Cub Scout Troop is; that might be a deciding factor there.

Any thoughts?

Evelyn

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2005
In reply to: googolplex
Sat, 09-03-2005 - 1:04pm

CJ joined Cub Scouts last fall. He was in 2nd grade.

This was before we had an official dx of Asperger's.

We sat down with the Den Leaders (who happened to be in the medical profession) and explained his quirks. We met with them before signing him up. We wanted to make sure they would be receptive and supportive. They were and he joined.

DH went with him to every meeting, just in case CJ needed further explaination, support and to help him decompress and hold off meltdowns.

Teasing was NOT tolerated. In fact no one EVER teased. Everyone was wonderfully supportive and kind. The children were kinder than I'd expect out of 2nd graders.

CJ grew so much in Scouting. He experienced so much. At the end of the school year, in order to bridge to the next level, they had to cross a rope bridge. I'm sure some accomoditations would have been made had CJ not wanted to at least try, but he crossed it on his first try. He was frightened and nervous but the troop leaders and the older kids cheered him on. He was slower than the rest to cross but HE DID IT!

I'm tearing up just thinking about it. He was SO proud of himself, he still is. Scouting introduced him to camping (I don't camp, no way, that is daddy's job), CJ and DH built a little pine car together. They did so many projects together, it was wonderful. They grew closer as father and son.

As far as the view on homosexuality, it wasn't brought up to the children. We found that tolerance for humanity was taught more than intolerance.

Hope this helps.

Crystal