Scouting America Reaffirms Traditional Values While Renewing Military Ties

Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, is working to counter perceptions that it has embraced progressive ideologies by refocusing on its core mission of providing young people with essential life skills, outdoor education, and strengthening its historic partnership with the U.S. military.

Founded in February 1910 by Lt. Gen. Robert Baden-Powell, the 116-year-old organization remains dedicated to instilling faith, character, and service in America’s youth. In a recent policy shift demonstrating this commitment, the organization eliminated a previously proposed “DEI” merit badge and replaced it with one centered on military service.

“In fact, I think all but one of the men that walked on the moon were Scouts. There is also a tendency for a certain percentage of membership to want to trade their Scout uniforms for military uniforms: we have a long tradition with the military,” said Roger Krone, Chief Scout Executive, in an interview.

This military connection runs deep throughout Scouting’s history. Fifteen percent of military academy cadets are Eagle Scouts, and the organization’s founder himself was a British military hero who developed scouting as a response to the challenges of the Industrial Revolution, teaching wayward London youth valuable skills through military-inspired activities.

“We are a very faith-based, faith-driven organization, very patriotic, we love God and country, and we strive very hard to be apolitical these days,” Krone explained, pushing back against accusations that the organization has gone “woke.”

As part of its renewed commitment to American values, Scouting America will waive registration fees for military families’ children and participate in the America250 program, celebrating the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial.

The organization maintains strong ties to religious institutions, with approximately 70 percent of sponsoring organizations being churches. The Catholic Church is reportedly the largest holder of unit charters, though Methodist, Episcopal, and United Church of Christ congregations also sponsor troops nationwide.

Scouts continue wearing the American flag on their Class-A uniforms from Cub Scouts through Eagle Scout rank, and meetings begin with the Pledge of Allegiance and Scout Oath, which include pledges to honor God, country, and law.

Krone addressed criticism about allowing girls to join in the past decade, emphasizing that Scouting remains a meritocracy with identical rank requirements regardless of gender. “Whether you’re a young man or a young woman in the program, you do the same exact thing. It all is about using the outdoors as a classroom where you learn leadership, grit, and resilience.”

One benefit of the scouting program, according to Krone, is that it pulls young people away from screens and digital influences. “We know one of the challenges our kids in our country face today is that they’re glued to their devices. We’ve got to get kids back outdoors and get them off devices. We say it’s ‘social without the media.'”

The impact of Scouting on American leadership is substantial. John F. Kennedy was the first scout to become president, while Gerald Ford remains the only Eagle Scout to have reached the White House. Since its founding, more than 130 million Americans have been trained through the Boy Scouts.

Scouting America’s youth leaders recently visited Capitol Hill, meeting with congressional representatives, including those who were scouts themselves. The organization is supported by the Congressional Scouting Caucus, led by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.).

To earn the prestigious Eagle Scout rank, scouts must complete at least 21 merit badges, including ten from a specific list covering citizenship, personal management, first aid, and environmental science. Through these requirements, scouts learn about America’s founding principles and civic engagement.

Throughout its evolution, Scouting has maintained its core principles, embodied in the Scout Law’s 12 tenets: “Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent.” The organization’s enduring motto remains “Do a Good Turn Daily,” while its 116-year-old slogan continues to inspire generations: “Be Prepared.”