:( they should change the system.. I think if he says he believes in god.. he could join.. im not 100% sure though =/.

Because you, as his parent will be required to be active in the group, I believe he might be denied membership. Worst case... you could ask.

Why wouldn't your son be able to join? My son was in cub scouts for one year (he didn't want to go back because most of the dad's did all their kids projects and he didn't find that fair...he did everything he could on his own, and my husband only helped him when absolutley necessary...like it should be) and I don't remember anything about religion being involoved.

I am a Committee Chairman for our local Pack. We do not turn away any child, no matter what. We provide funding for families that can't afford to join and maintain uniforms. At the age of 6, I don't seriously that your son's beliefs are even beginning to emerge. However, Scouting is very much centered around religious beliefs. We believe that not matter how we worship, it is our duty to honor our God. Your son should be welcomed into his local Pack with open arms. If you are willing to allow him to grow to develop his own opinions, he will appreciate your sacrifice even more.

I was in scouts for many years and I don't recall anyone asking me personally what my religious beliefs were. I wouldn't give up my scouting experience for anything. I really enjoyed it. We had atheist kids and generic Christians of all sorts, Mormons, Lutherans,Jehovah witnesses, Catholics and Jewish kids in our troop. It might surprise people to know that many of these kids grew up to be atheist. I know this for a fact as I am still friends with some of them. They don't indoctrinate any specific religion into a kid. It is a great organization and keeps kids off the streets to some degree anyway. Some of my scoutmasters had a positive influence on my life that still exists 30 years later even though I did go through a somewhat rebellious stage in my teens.

Every member must affirm that he believes in God as a condition of membership. However, many say that even though it isn't true. If lying doesn't bother you, then, yes, let him join.

Hi Egico. I'm the Committee Chair of a Cub Scout Pack in California. I'll give you a two part answer. Boy Scout "law" very clearly states that it is a religious-based organization, and that it is a requirement that all members believe in God. It even says that if a Boy Scout (remember, they're older -- they start in 6th grade) comes to his Scoutmaster and says he doesn't believe in God, then the Scoutmaster is supposed to help him clarify any doubt to "recover" his belief in God. But, if in the end the boy declares himself an atheist, then technically, the Scoutmaster is supposed to remove him from the Troop. One thing, tho... they do not tell you HOW you are supposed to worship. In fact, there are Jewish packs, LDS packs, even Muslim packs. Just that you are supposed to believe in God. Now, my second answer is -- I doubt there are any leaders who would EVER make this an issue, unless you were to complain about a prayer or other religious part of the structure. Some units actually are a part of the church; for instance, most LDS wards have their own Pack and Troop. However, the religious values involved in most non-religion based units are very basic. They have to do with being grateful to God for our bounty, to treat the environment with respect, to treat other people with respect, etc. In our unit, when we do a prayer, it's usually something like "Dear God, thank you for all the trees, and plants, and wildlife around us. Help me to do my best during the next month." From a personal perspective, I would only care about "Christian-type values" in the broadest sense. Ten Commandment kinds of things: Do unto others as you would have done unto you, respect thy father and mother, etc. Just being a good person. Does that help?

I was in Brownies and Guides as girl I don't believe in God during my years in Guides. Most time God was only mention but that was as far as it goes. I had a great time camping, flag communicating. bad tasted dress and all other great actitive we did. It might have had a more God influnces when it began but not so much now. Some groups where better then others. My back door neighbours went to another guides group and they don't do anything like that.

I have been involved in the BSA in major and minor roles for 37 years. ***HE*** cannot outwardly deny the existence of God. He also has to pledge duty to **God and Country** These are the club rules and if either you (most importantly) as his mother do not wish him to make this pledge or he as a member cannot/will not do that he will not be allowed to join. The club rules that come under the most public scrutiny are: Must be; Heterosexual Believe in God (any reasonable higher force) Male My suggestion is that you do not express your beliefs (after all this is about your son and not you if that is the way you feel) and you have no objections to your son joining. I am not telling you to lie, I find that abhorrent but you are not joining the BSA. I would not lie if asked either, just state you do not believe but your son is looking at all form of information so that he can be a well rounded and informed person that can make accurate decisions about his life for himself. This is advice only it is not meant to imply any legal stance the BSA will take. Having been involved for so long this is the way I would deal with a situation similar to this . . . Good luck, Bernie Misiura berniejr2@juno.com (I will try to answer the best as I can and let you know if I am not sure of an answer)