Faith-Driven Scouting Revitalizes Traditional American Scouting Principles

Scouting America, previously operating as the Boy Scouts of America, seems to be regaining stability following a turbulent decade marked by bankruptcy and a sharp drop in membership. Recently, the organization has experienced modest membership growth, a trend largely credited to the ongoing support from religious groups. Leading denominations, especially the Catholic Church, have consistently backed Scouting America, seeing its programs as vital for fostering both moral character and spiritual development.

Bill Guglielmi, who leads the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, pointed out the increasing interest in organizations rooted in strong values. "People are actively looking for organizations built on core values," he stated. This perspective is shared by various faith-based scouting leaders, who note that traditional scouting pursuits such as camping and hiking are now complemented by innovative activities like AI-focused merit badges and indoor skydiving.

Faith-affiliated groups play a major part in Scouting America’s framework, sponsoring 42% of its close to 40,000 units. The Catholic Church stands at the forefront, managing 3,514 units and supporting more than 87,100 scouts. Other prominent contributors include the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, and several Lutheran and Presbyterian bodies. In addition, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist organizations back 250 units, serving upwards of 6,500 scouts.

Roger Krone, the president and CEO of Scouting America, highlights the value of religious variety within the movement. "This alignment between our mission and the values of these organizations says a lot," Krone remarked. Scouting America remains committed to the spiritual principles at its heart, such as those found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law, both of which stress honoring God and cultivating reverence.

Krone also acknowledges that some secular families might feel uncomfortable with the emphasis on "Duty to God." He encourages everyone to get involved and see the benefits of the program for themselves. "Everyone is invited to join us," Krone said, urging parents to witness the influence of scouting on their children before deciding.

Troop 228, which is sponsored by St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Santa Clarita, California, is a model of this inclusive philosophy. Adult leader Christine Tezai observed that even though less than half of the troop’s more than 40 members are Catholic, all participate in faith-centered activities. The group’s annual Mass and the presentation of religious awards highlight the central role of reverence in scouting. "A scout is reverent — how you express it is up to you," Tezai commented.

The organization has weathered significant obstacles, such as the rise of alternative groups like Trail Life USA and the withdrawal of major partners, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These changes have contributed to a broader decline in membership from its 1970s peak of over 4 million. The bankruptcy filing in 2020 and the subsequent reorganization—which included a $2.4 billion contribution from key faith-based supporters—were crucial in enabling Scouting America to move forward.

Despite these hurdles, Steven Scheid, who directs the United Methodists’ Center for Scouting Ministries, finds reasons for optimism. Enhanced child-protection protocols have addressed past issues related to abuse. "By learning from previous errors, we can build a safer and stronger community," he said. While United Methodist participation has decreased from 350,000 to 52,600, Scheid notes that dedicated volunteers still see scouting as a meaningful calling.

Scouting America has also attracted interest from minority faith groups. Rashid Abdullah, representing the National Association of Muslim Americans on Scouting, noted that scouting resonates with Islamic principles. "Muslims in the U.S. are exploring their identity, and nothing is more American than scouting," Abdullah remarked. Likewise, Ricky Mason, a Jewish Eagle Scout who will soon chair the Scouts’ National Executive Committee, sees scouting as increasingly important for the Jewish community in light of growing antisemitism.

The future of Scouting America seems to depend on its ability to blend tradition with openness and maintain its religious foundations. With backing from a diverse range of faith communities and a renewed focus on nurturing character and leadership, the organization continues to work toward lasting stability.