Faith-Based Scouting Anchors Revival of American Scouting Values

Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, appears to be stabilizing after a decade of challenges that included bankruptcy proceedings and significant membership declines. Despite these hurdles, the organization has seen a slight increase in membership in recent years, with religious affiliations playing a pivotal role in this stabilization. Major religious denominations, particularly the Catholic Church, have remained committed to Scouting America, viewing its mission as a conduit for character development and spiritual growth.

Bill Guglielmi, chair of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, emphasized that there is a growing demand for values-based organizations. "There is a hunger out there now for finding a values-based organization," he said. This sentiment is echoed by other faith-based scouting leaders who highlight the integration of traditional scouting activities, such as camping and expeditions, with modern programs like indoor skydiving and AI merit badges.

Faith-based organizations contribute significantly to Scouting America’s structure, operating 42% of its nearly 40,000 units. The Catholic Church leads this effort, overseeing 3,514 units that serve over 87,100 scouts. Other major sponsors include the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, and various Lutheran and Presbyterian denominations. Additionally, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist organizations sponsor 250 units, serving over 6,500 scouts.

Roger Krone, Scouting America’s president and CEO, acknowledges the importance of religious diversity within the organization. "It really speaks to the alignment of the mission, vision, and values that our organization has and what those organizations have," Krone said. Scouting America continues to uphold the religious tenets embedded in its core, including the Scout Oath and Scout Law, which emphasize duty to God and reverence.

Despite these foundational values, Krone recognizes that some non-religious families may feel uneasy with the "Duty to God" pledge. He encourages all families to engage with Scouting America and experience its programs firsthand. "You are all welcome in our organization," Krone said, advocating for parents to observe the impact of scouting on youth before making any decisions.

Troop 228, chartered by St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Santa Clarita, California, exemplifies this inclusive approach. Adult leader Christine Tezai noted that while less than half of the troop's 40-plus scouts are Catholic, all participate in religious-themed events. The troop's annual Mass, where religious awards are presented, underscores the importance of reverence in scouting. "A scout is reverent — it doesn’t matter how you’re reverent," Tezai said.

The organization has faced significant challenges, including the formation of alternative groups like Trail Life USA and the withdrawal of major partners such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These departures contributed to a broader decline in membership, which had reached over 4 million in the 1970s. The 2020 bankruptcy filing and subsequent reorganization plan, involving a $2.4 billion contribution from leading faith-based sponsors, were critical in allowing Scouting America to continue operating.

Despite these setbacks, Steven Scheid, director of the United Methodists’ Center for Scouting Ministries, sees positives. Rigorous child-protection policies have helped mitigate past issues with sexual abuse. "The lessons we can gain out of the mistakes of the past can make a better, stronger community, a safer one," he said. While United Methodist involvement has declined from 350,000 to 52,600, Scheid notes that committed volunteers view scouting as a calling.

Scouting America also appeals to minority religious groups. Rashid Abdullah, representing the National Association of Muslim Americans on Scouting, highlighted that scouting aligns with Islamic values. "Muslims in America are searching for their identity, and there’s nothing more American than scouting," Abdullah said. Similarly, Ricky Mason, a Jewish Eagle Scout and future chair of the Scouts’ National Executive Committee, sees scouting as essential for the U.S. Jewish community amid rising antisemitism.

The organization’s future appears tied to its ability to balance tradition with inclusivity, as well as its ongoing commitment to religious values. With the support of diverse faith communities and a renewed focus on character and leadership development, Scouting America continues to navigate its path toward long-term stability.