Unprecedented numbers of boys are withdrawing from the Boy Scouts of America program on account of a recent policy scandal concerning gay leaders and members.
Time magazine reports that as of February 2015 the Boy Scouts have lost 6 percent of their membership.
As a result of this exodus, many people are searching for a new Christian program similar to the Boy Scouts. Alternative programs have created for the purpose of collecting former scouts. Trail Life USA, launched right after the scandal, identifies itself as "unapologetically Christian,"
according to The Washington Times.
SPECIAL: Prayer Changes Your Brain in 4 Amazing Ways
Here are some pros and cons of Christian alternative to Boy Scouts:
Pros:
1. If your religious beliefs conflict with the new pro-gay policy of the Boy Scouts, you can move to a similar Christian program with more conservative membership qualifications.
2. Boys can talk openly about their religion and faith, which is less likely to happen in a secular program.
3. Members will learn more about Christianity in a positive, supportive environment. If an alternative program has an affiliation with a certain denomination, members will learn more about that specific denomination as well.
4. Every alternative program focuses on service and volunteering, which will get your child into the habit of giving back to his community.
5. Enrolling in a new program will give your child new experiences, which will help give him a different perspective on life.
6. Several alternative programs are co-educational, if you want to enroll a girl as well.
ALERT: When Do You Think Christ Is Returning? Vote Now
Cons:
1. You may be looked upon as homophobic if you recently left the Boy Scouts after its recent policy change to admit gay members.
2. Alternative programs may not have as good name recognition as Boy Scouts.
3. Alternative programs are usually smaller than the Boy Scouts and, as such, will not have as big of an alumni network.
4. Many alternative programs are a specific denomination in which you and your family may not be members.
5. Many chapters have few chapters in certain areas of the country compared to the number of Boy Scouts chapters, many may not have chapters available to you.
6. Travel time to chapter meetings may be longer on account of fewer troops in alternative Christian programs. If the enrollee is not religious, none of these Christian programs support that view.
SPECIAL: Can Prayer Heal You? Dr. Crandall Discovered the Truth
Related stories: