CV NEWS FEED // In the culture war of DEI, gender confusion, and affirmative action, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has become the latest casualty. On May 7 the BSA’s X profile declared that the organization would be rebranding and changing its name to “Scouts of America.”
“The Boy Scouts of America today announced that it will rebrand to Scouting America, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting,” the account stated.
In a longer press release, the organization said that changes would be effective as of February 8, 2025, to commemorate its 115th anniversary.
CEO Roger Krone weighed in on the change, “Scouting America provides a welcoming, safe environment where youth can become the best version of themselves by learning from and respecting each other.” Krone continued, “I encourage everyone to join us and experience the benefits of Scouting.”
A long time coming, the death of Boy Scouts of America will leave many parents looking for safer alternatives and groups to help positively impact their children during their formative years.
Catholic Vote has compiled an updated list of supplemental extracurricular activities and organizations for your children that combine a love of the outdoors, personal development, and the Catholic faith.
Trail Life
Trail Life remains close to the original structure of Boy Scouts of America and is a boys-only institution. The organization offers troops on the ‘trail’ to manhood that starts at age 5 and ends at age 17, ensuring that your children will maintain important connections and experiences throughout their adolescent years.
Local troops work in tandem with churches across the country profess the foundational belief in the Trinity and highlight the values of purity, stewardship, service, and integrity.
Trail Life also features a similar achievement to that of the infamous BSA “Eagle Scout” award, aptly titled the “Freedom Award.”
Although Trail Life is not a Catholic organization, there are Catholic chapters which can be found here.
Fraternus
In addition to Catholic Scouting, Fraternus is another Catholic-rooted organization that seeks to serve the formation of boys into virtuous young men starting at age 12.
Fraternus represents a particular goal to reach and instruct those with absentee fathers, or those who are lacking a strong masculine role model by informing, training, and creating the next generation to be strong faith-filled Catholic men.
Fraternus states that the success of the program is due to the Catholic faith.
“The program works because it is more than a program – it is a brotherhood. Fraternus does not begin in a technique or system, but in trusting the teachings of the Catholic Church, and in having a solid philosophy and anthropology (an understanding of the needs and nature of man).” Fraternus states, “ In other words, ‘what we do’ works because of ‘who we are.’”
Federation of North American Explorers
The Federation of North American Explorers has similar programs to the BSA and focuses on developing children through health and strength, service to others, Catholic spirituality, social development, character development, and intellectual and practical skills.
There are groups for both boys and girls, but neither is co-ed. The mission of the Federation of North American Explorers is simple, “to help all our members become everyday saints and through them to bring God’s joy and peace to the families and communities of North America.”
The organization highlights its approach to children’s formation through real-life experience. “We do this through camping, playing, cooking, the outdoors, helping others along with a deep sense of brotherhood or sisterhood.”
Troops of Saint George
Named after Saint George the Martyr, the Troops of Saint George focus on honoring all men, loving brotherhood, fearing God, and honoring Christ the King. The mission of the Troops of Saint George is to help young men pursue a life of adventure and virtue.
This non-profit Catholic organization has formative experiences such as experiencing mass and confession on mountain-tops and praying the rosary around campfires. Cadets in the Troop of Saint George will also participate in a variety of activities such as archery, mountain climbing, rock climbing, camping, marksmanship, and fishing.
Catholic Scouting
Catholic Scouting is a reputable organization recognized by the Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic Church, one of the only organizations to hold such recognition. The National Catholic Committee on Scouting and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops officially recognize it.
As of 2021, there are over 97,651 Catholic scouts and 5,056 Catholic scout troops nationwide. If there is no troop near you, Catholic Scouting encourages you to form your troop with your local parish and diocese.
Catholic Scouting has programs for both boys and girls, but the programs are not co-ed, safeguarding the importance and integrity of personal formation and development outside of DEI rhetoric. Parents can read more about the program here.
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