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I don't know much about it really, but if they ever seemed interested, I would look into it and go from there.

No for the exact reasons you listed above. Which is aggravating bc I know individual troops and leaders can be totally progressive. I just can't condone their stances or actions with membership or any money going towards their organization. Girl Scouts is so inclusive I wish Boy Scouts would take a hint. I know a few Eagle Scouts had all their honors, etc . Revoked when they came out as gay and it infuriates me. We have a boy so maybe ill have to start a renegade group on my own!!

no. there are other opportunities available for them to learn outdoorsy activities without the bigotry and i'd encourage them to take part in those. i think there are probably a lot of great troops where those values aren't promoted, but they are at the core of the organization and there are many troops where those values are expressed and the risk isn't worth it to me.

It is weird, where I grew up scouting is not big at all. Where I live now, and where DH grew up it is HUGE. Pretty much all the little boys here are involved in scouting. I think it is good to be a part of it because I have seen first hand all the different things my husband has learned and knows as a result of scouting--he is really past an Eagle scout as far as the levels of scouting go-- that my brothers, father, or male friends don't really know how to do or have a talent for, or experienced in a particular skill that weren't involved in scouting. It is hard to learn some of the things they teach without being involved in scouting. YET...I do completely agree that the cover-up of sexual abuse is completely horrific and their prohibition of certain groups for membership is ridiculous and antiquated.

Nope. I'm not interested in me or my kids being a part of any organization that discriminates. I didn't even know about the rules about atheists/agnostics, but I already was disappointed in their stance on homosexuals.

I would try to find another better option for my kids if they were interested in this type of activity, that wasn't discriminatory.

The anti gay and abuse is enough for me to say no thanks.

My husband is an Eagle Scout but I've told him that if we have sons, none of them will be scouts unless they change their policies towards gay scouts. He agrees with me, but I think he's a little sad about it because scouting was such a great experience for him. It's unfortunate, but I don't want my children in any organization with sanctioned prejudice.

@jedeve: I don't see it as forcing my kids to take my political stance because I don't consider believing in equality for everyone to be political.

Hm, no boy for us now, but DH and my bro are both eagle scouts and got a lot out of it. Both of our families were super involved in scouting (me and my sis in girl scouts) so I would have a hard time saying no. I guess I would have to see how the troop was and see where the organization is when we get to that point.

Most likely not, if I had a son. If they grew up really wanting to and were able to articulate why they wanted to despite the real issues that our family has with their organization, I'd give it fair consideration. I think the boy scouts are wonderful, except for their nasty homophobia. I wish they'd join this century and get over it.

No, not unless they change their policies. Camp Fire is a great alternative--this is the Statement of Inclusion from their website:

"Camp Fire works to realize the dignity and worth of each individual and to eliminate human barriers based on all assumptions which prejudge individuals.

Our program standards are designed and implemented to reduce sexual, racial, and cultural stereotypes and to foster positive intercultural relationships. In Camp Fire, everyone is welcome."

I wouldn't actively encourage him, but if he really wants to do it I'd let him. But I don't agree with their policies either.

Now, if I have a girl, I would absolutely encourage her to be a Girl Scout.