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Dear Scouting Family,
Like me, you may have seen articles and videos today claiming significant programmatic changes will be made as a result of a new agreement between the National Council of Scouting America and the Department of War, bringing Scouting America into compliance with Executive Order 14173. As one would expect with news of this nature, there are a number of sources reporting on these events, which may result in conflicting or different information.
As of this writing, the only change to our program that I have been made aware of from our national leadership is the discontinuation of the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge. More information on this change can be found here. While this change complies with the Executive Order, the lessons found in this merit badge will continue to be found throughout the Scouting program. Scouting has always taught respect for others, leadership, and consideration of diverse perspectives through the ideals enshrined in the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting America’s mission remains unchanged and is reinforced across our advancement, leadership development, and outdoor experiences. Also unchanged are Scouting America’s existing practices for membership registration and safeguarding youth.
Even with this change, Scouting remains true to the core commitments that define our organization—our name, our mission, and our promise to serve all youth in our programs. Those commitments are unchanged.
The Cradle of Liberty Council remains firm in its belief that the future of our great nation, and the world, rests in large part on leaders who live their lives guided by the principals of Scouting, including the Scout Law: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. Scouting is a key part in developing just such leaders and, therefore, the Cradle of Liberty Council remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure that its Scouting programs will remain open and welcoming to any youth who wishes to participate, providing assistance to those who need it. The Cradle of Liberty Council also remains deeply committed to ensuring that its leadership, at all levels, continues to grow to be reflective of the diverse communities it serves.
If any more information becomes available, I will be sure to share it with you.
Thank you for all that you do to allow the programs of the Cradle of Liberty Council to remain a positive force in the life trajectory of more than 11,000 young people each year!
Sincerely Yours in Scouting,
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