SOU & BSA part one

I have been asked several times, just what is the relationship between the BSA and Scouting Out of Uniform (SOU). I wanted to take a quick moment to clear this question up. To make it short and sweet, there is no relationship between the BSA and SOU. SOU is my personal site where I discuss my thoughts on the Scout Oath and Law and how by following the principals they offer, we can all live a more successful life. SOU is not endorsed, connected to, or supported by the Boy Scouts of America. I do not speak for them, nor do I represent them or any of their programs.

I have long felt that Scouting was one of the best organizations to develop character and right living in young people. My bases for this is based entirely on the Scout Oath and Law. I have supported the mission of the BSA and what it, at one time, was committed to doing. The BSA mission statement is: “The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”

 “Our aim is to produce healthy, happy, helpful citizens; to eradicate the prevailing narrow self-interest; personal, political, sectarian and national, and to substitute for it a broader spirit of self-sacrifice and service in the cause of humanity; and thus, to develop mutual goodwill and cooperation not only within our own country but abroad, between all countries.”

Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of the Boy Scouts

Where my commitment to the Scout Oath & Law remains the same, I must say that over the last few years, I have lost a great deal of respect for the leadership of the organization. As with many organizations, their desire to be relevant to social conditions and to appease any that oppose them, they have lost their vision, and no longer live by the Oath and Law that made them great in the first place.

Over the past several decades or more, we have seen the BSA go from a reliable and vibrant organization to a bankrupt shadow of its former self. It does not take a great deal of research to see that this decline corresponds with the compromise of moral and ethical position the BSA held for years. The Scout Oath & Law has become a group of words to the leadership and sadly does not offer them the foundation for decision making that it once did.

In part 2 of this blog, I will talk about SOU and where we stand regarding the Oath & Law. My desire here is for you to understand that SOU and BSA are not affiliated, and the only common ground we share is the Scout Oath & Law.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey