Really? This "anonymous" complainer really needs to get a life. "Long history of discrimination" and "recent sexual misconduct allegations"? Gee, that could be applied to the Catholic (any many other) Church as well as LGBT groups. Or even some school teachers and administrators.

SturtResident,

Fair point. There are many groups and institutions that have had to answer to similar allegations.

Maybe this is because she has no boys that want to join Or. Mane she will not let them join how very SAD.

http://www.salon.com/2012/09/17/boy_scouts_assisted_alleged_child_molestors_for_20_years/

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/story/2012-07-29/Boy-Scouts-anti-gay-policy/56579714/1

'SturtResident' maybe she has a life which is directly concerned with what's best for her children as citizens of the larger world beyond Summit?

Child abuse can be a problem in any youth organization, and we all must be vigilant in following policies to prevent it. The BSA has been doing a much better job of preventing abuse beginning in the late 1980's and should be commended for their efforts.

I am not sure if this parent understands what the Cub Scouts is all about. I am a den leader in the Brayton School, so I'd like her to know that at the grade school level, which is run very differently from the Boy Scouts, it is mostly Moms who are helping their boys and other people's boys enjoy something beyond school and organized sports. It is about the outdoors, and good citizenship, and much more. Please don't make it harder for these Moms and boys to run a great program because you have a grievance with the parent organization. I understand that these articles are alarming, but I personally think the danger at this level is almost zero.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Susan.

I am sorry this Franklin parent is so mis-informed and has chosen to make such blanket statements. Please know of what you speak, especially before speaking so publicly and negatively about an organization that has had such a positive impact on so many boys' lives. Speak with any adult scout, Eagle scout, or young elementary child about what scouts means to them. Do your research, speak from amn educated viewpoint, rather than speaking off-handedly and, quite frankly, ignorantly. Dd you even consider speaking with the parents who generously offered to bring the program to your children? All of those I know are vested in our children and in our community, and all have helped these boys acquire important life skills and values. Would this parent publicly denounce football as a sport because of the Penn State scandal? I am very saddened by the ignorance of this person's memo.

I am also surprised that a group with so much to offer our boys here in Summit is under such attack. Yes, the headlines make me sad, but they are not relevant for the vast majority of scouts. It makes me sad to think that these fears will keep parents and kids from joining what I and my family have found to be a worthwhile group which fosters fun, a love of the outdoors, and character development, among other things. Importantly, scouting offers boys the chance to feel valued, build self esteem and a sense of community outside of sports which seem to take center stage these days. We need to value and develop the whole child, and scouts offers plenty to help us achieve that. Please don't scare people off of this wonderful opportunity the good volunteers in this town are offering your child!

The Scouting program in Summit is a good one. It includes both parents and children who are committed to the positive development of individuals as well as their community. I know this from firsthand experience having been a den leader and parent volunteer for my son's pack. As with any situation (be it school, church or even a friend's home) where a child is in the care of another person, you need to do some homework to know if you can trust those involved and shouldn't take anything for granted. The BSA organization does make many efforts to make sure parents are trained and are aware of the safety measures they have put in place whether they volunteer or just have their child attend events.

While I appreciate the disapproving parent's concern for the safety of children, I'm upset with her alarmist tactics which are almost as offensive as the transgressions she sites. I am not foolish enough to believe that I can convince her to feel any differently about the scouts. That's fine and I can respect your own judgement. If you are disapproving of the scouts, then don't have your child sign up. But it is absolutely unfair (and somewhat selfish) to prevent others the opportunity to participate, especially since the Summit scouts have not been the subject of these transgressions. Enough w/those who insist on managing their personal issues via public mandate!!

Well said, "Summit Mom".
I must also add, to any parent with concerns: Ask other parents who have been involved with the scouts lately. Last year was our first year, and for young scouts, the parent is expected to participate/be there. The scout manual suggests a conversation that you would have with your child which is meant to prevent sexual abuse (it's age-appropriate). I was surprised to see this in the manual, but I assume it's there as a result of some of this past history from the BSA organization. If we had not been involved in scouts, I probably would not have had the conversation with my child, to be honest. So, it hopefully can prevent some of these problems in the future (which can be found in ANY social organization.)

Summit Mom, I agree, but it would have taken an hour for me to put all those thoughts down - thank you (whoever you are)!

Great discussion. Thanks to everyone for sharing your opinions, especially the mom who had the courage to share her thoughts with Patch in the first place.

It is unfortunate that the person making the complaint is apparently not familiar with the scouting program in Summit. My son, who is now a senior in college, was a Cub Scout throughout his elementary school years and we have many treasured memories.

In Summit, the leaders are usually Moms who serve as Den Mothers and the fathers participate by preparing for activities such as the pinewood derby, regatta, overnight camping, etc. Scouting is where a father can teach his son how to shape a car out of a piece of wood, pitch a tent, and build a fire. It is where your son learns social skills, teamwork, responsibility, respect for others. My wife and daughter also joined in some of the activities and camping. Cub Scouting was a family activity we all enjoyed.

The Scouts have taken many steps in the last few years to insure the safety of our children including training programs, background checks, supervision rules and more. There are people in some places who behave badly. That is a risk of human nature that affects all organizations.
Still, the best way to avoid and prevent bad experience is to maintain vigilance and by participating, not preventing others from participating in activities that build family values.

The person who objects should learn more about our Scouting programs.
Perhaps you can help us make them safer and better.
You always have the option of not participating.
That choice is an individual one we all make.

As a former Cub Scout at Franklin School and now the father of a Cub Scout, I have nothing but praise for the program and respect for the organization that makes it possible. The anonymous complainer is misinformed.

As a long time Franklin and volunteer cub scout den mom, I can say without hesitation that the goal of our organization is to foster values for our sons. We are extremely low key organization with emphasis on providing our children with experiences that span beyond the classroom and organized sports and that provide lifetime memories and the foundation of values that will make them grow as youths. All den volunteers take Youth Protection training and we enlist parents to participate in all events. I can assure the Anonymous mother, that her son’s best interest is in our hearts. While I respect her opinions and wish her the best, I truly hope her political and personal views that reflect a much broader organization with blemishes (many of which we all know unfortunately exist in many other organization), don’t taint our well-intended organization. Surely, the boys would miss this experience. I invite her to attend one of our pack or den events to see first-hand what scouting means to a Franklin student - then make a final decision.

My son was Cub Scout in the New Providence School System - many years ago. My Father was heavily involved in the Boy Scout organization for years, even after not having a son/grandson involved. The BSA organization helps young boys grow into worthy young men. My son and his wife were heavily involved with the Cub Scouts until my grandson "Crossed Over" into Boy Scouts, and now my son is still active in BSA. Over the years he has helped and mentored the sons of single mothers whose boys had no male influence in their lives. He helped them earn badges, build their Pinewood Derby cars, taught them health habits, etc. These boys learn to respect authority, elders, and in general other people. Did you know that many of our astronauts were Eagle Scouts? As well as many top military men, ministers, priests, etc. If you want the Scouts shut out of the schools, you are doing those young boys a great disservice. There are good and bad in every organization! Gays and LGBT complained because the Scouts would not admit members of their sexual orientation; then others complain because of reports of sexual abuse in Scouts. Lady, you can't have it both ways. Should we stop sending children to Catholic schools and church because there's been so much pedophile activity there? Why do you want to throw out the baby with the bath water. Find another cause to complain about and leave the Scouts alone to continue their good work.

Wholeheartedly agree with what previous commenters have posted---especially about the volunteer moms who dedicate much time to the program---it is truly a labor of love----everyone is sooo busy these days, but these particular moms (and dads) go out of their way to assure that these scouting programs continue. Often the Cub Scouts program and activities provide boys who aren't interested in or able to particpate in organized sports an opportunity to enjoy group activities that are interesting and fun. Let's face it, sports are a primary activity for boys to meet/socialize/connect with peers---it's critical that boys have alternatives to sports---this program needs to be nurtured---not attacked! Keep up the great work scouting volulnteers.

The Scouting program is only as good as the volunteers--mostly parents. Patriots Path Council is where Summit's Scouting resides. It consists of 6000 volunteers, 30 paid staff ( yup, that is all), and 20,000 youth in Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships, Posts and other units. Scouting cannot exist without volunteers. The quality of the program is only as good as the commitment, training, good judgment, and, yes, moral compass of the adult volunteers. Many of you commenting above have graciously volunteered. Thanks. For everyone else: please volunteer. Our youth are not served by outside criticism, only by those working to deliver the program from within.