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I hate scouting. When I was a faithful LDS, I hated scouting. I hated being a scout, I hated being a scout leader, I just hated scouts, and I still do. Now, maybe hate is a strong word. Just to be clear, I don't think there is anything wrong with scouting for those who enjoy it, but it just has never been for me. When I was faithful LDS I pretended to like scouting and think it was important. I was afraid to tell anyone I think scouting sucks, because everywhere I've been the scouting program was a church program that all boys were expected to take part in.

So here is my question. Is criticism of LDS scouting on the same level as criticism of the church? I just assumed it would be irreverent and rebellious, perhaps sacrilegious to criticise scouting. I don't know what most LDS think on this issue, so my main point is scouting is not for everyone. When a person joins the church, they are not told that scouting is a part of it. Yet, all boys are expected to participae in scouting and to get their Eagle. And some boys hate scouting and would rather be involved in sports, music, or other activities that fit their interests. So why is scouts so emphasised in the church, and is it okay to criticize the scouting program without being an apostate.

SatanWasSetUp wrote:I hate scouting. When I was a faithful LDS, I hated scouting. I hated being a scout, I hated being a scout leader, I just hated scouts, and I still do. Now, maybe hate is a strong word. Just to be clear, I don't think there is anything wrong with scouting for those who enjoy it, but it just has never been for me. When I was faithful LDS I pretended to like scouting and think it was important. I was afraid to tell anyone I think scouting sucks, because everywhere I've been the scouting program was a church program that all boys were expected to take part in.

So here is my question. Is criticism of LDS scouting on the same level as criticism of the church? I just assumed it would be irreverent and rebellious, perhaps sacrilegious to criticise scouting. I don't know what most LDS think on this issue, so my main point is scouting is not for everyone. When a person joins the church, they are not told that scouting is a part of it. Yet, all boys are expected to participae in scouting and to get their Eagle. And some boys hate scouting and would rather be involved in sports, music, or other activities that fit their interests. So why is scouts so emphasised in the church, and is it okay to criticize the scouting program without being an apostate.

I do not like scouting and never did. Scouting is not mandatory though some LDS wards make is so. When I was a YM pres we kept boys involved is scouting who wanted to for as long as they wanted to. We had a great scout troop. But we also had activities for boys who were not scouting inclined or for boys that grew tired of it. It is still done the same way in our ward.

Speaking for myself, sure.

I personally hope we replace Scouting with our own program soon. Scouting is fading away. I kinda think we should let it die. I prefer the sports and more career oriented stuff we did. I'd like to keep camping but cut it back A LOT. Not sure what else to replace it with though.

Jason Bourne wrote: Scouting is not mandatory though some LDS wards make is so.

What do you mean by making it mandatory? Parents can't opt out?

The opening thread is ridiculous. It poses a question by an apostate who posts criticisms against the Church anonymously. Nuff said.

rcrocket wrote:The opening thread is ridiculous. It poses a question by an apostate who posts criticisms against the Church anonymously. Nuff said.

blah blah blah anonymous blah blah blah coward blah blah blah going to hell blah blah blah

rcrocket wrote:The opening thread is ridiculous. It poses a question by an apostate who posts criticisms against the Church anonymously. Nuff said.

No!!! You forgot the part about him going to hell! Come on! We expect more from you!

by the way, does criticism (going to hell, they're cowards, etc...) of anonymous posters make you brave?

Moniker wrote:

Jason Bourne wrote: Scouting is not mandatory though some LDS wards make is so.

What do you mean by making it mandatory? Parents can't opt out?

Speaking from my own experience, it's mandatory the way anything in the church is mandatory, through guilt. Scouting is the YM program, therefore inactivity in scouting makes a boy inactive in the youth church program, and you know how the church feels about inactive members.

SatanWasSetUp wrote:

Moniker wrote:

Jason Bourne wrote: Scouting is not mandatory though some LDS wards make is so.

What do you mean by making it mandatory? Parents can't opt out?

Speaking from my own experience, it's mandatory the way anything in the church is mandatory, through guilt. Scouting is the YM program, therefore inactivity in scouting makes a boy inactive in the youth church program, and you know how the church feels about inactive members.

They get cookies on their doorstep?

I liked scouting. I liked getting a new deacons quorum advisor and scout master every three months.