Paul Smart

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@_CoryBowen @DanShaha The strange thing is that BSA still offers exactly what LDS organizations profess to want and the freedom to run it their way. In fact, there’s still a substantial LDS presence in BSA, just not sanctioned by the big church.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@LostInTheWoulds @FloppingAces That's an insurance thing. Can't do a whole lot about it. That being said, BSA still probably shoots more than any organization that's not .gov.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@BernieNolan322 @RipeTimato @AlienArchMage @LisaBritton Respectfully, “thriving” is not the word I’d use.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@TomGrey56 Agreed. My concern is that, over time, we'll have fewer and fewer parents who have BSA experience and understand its value. Without that understanding, BSA is a tough sell when there are so many compelling alternatives and the benefits of BSA are harder to explain.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@Icekiller369 @Pattern_Sensor @Thomasdelvasto_ In a boy troop what has changed?

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@Icekiller369 @Pattern_Sensor @Thomasdelvasto_ Were any of those eagles actually doing anything? I’d be more inclined to believe the opinions of those actually supporting the boys. Most will tell you not much has changed.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@GamerAbides @GreatNoontide @Thomasdelvasto_ Still is.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@GamerAbides @GreatNoontide @Thomasdelvasto_ Options: (1) form a boys troop themselves, (2) go find an existing boys troop elsewhere, (3) join the family troop (and pursue a boys only patrol and eventually a troop), (4) go Lone Scout, or (5) sit at home and miss out.
It comes down to how bad you want it. Its worth it.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@GetMadMike @Thomasdelvasto_ If the boys were showing up to Boy Scouts, there never would have been girls.

As far as program, Boy Scouts hasn’t changed much.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@TerribleJyon @Thomasdelvasto_ @TrailLifeUSA @boyscouts Not really the same thing. Trail Life is very niche and has a different emphasis.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@TorgrimKnutson @Thomasdelvasto_ The problem is that BSA’s changes were driven by a long decline in boy membership. If BSA felt that more boys would join a rejuvenated boys program, they might do it, but the evidence is slim.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@Cream43560 @GreatNoontide @Thomasdelvasto_ Sort of. Scouting America is the trade name. Boy Scouts of America is still the legal name. At least in my area, it is standard lol predominantly the Boy Scouts.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@GamerAbides @GreatNoontide @Thomasdelvasto_ A boy can still have the same boy only experience as a scout from 50 years ago. The change that now girls can too, separately or in a family troop. No boys troop is forced to have girls.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@ArkaArka @GreatNoontide @Thomasdelvasto_ But if it is correct…

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@CainzJawbone @memeticsisyphus Very possible. At least in my area, it is very common and still the dominant form of unit at the troop level. It have been great for my boys.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@WillyCuz @EchoesofWarYT You might find it varies from region to region, troop to troop. The program itself has changed little, but numbers are down and its impacted resources available. There are a lot of old school, scout-led, boy troops out there. Camp and camporees would still be recognizable to you.

[Paul Smart @paulbsmart]

@jennmass14 @VinTrueCrime If you look at the claims filed in the bankruptcy case, you'll see that most arise from abuse before the implementation of youth protection training in the '80s. YPT/SYT has actually worked pretty well. Much better program than that used in most schools, sports, churches, etc.