(PatriotSpotlight.org) – As the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) prepares for a significant rebranding to “Scouting America” in 2025, many families are seeking religiously-based alternatives for their children, citing concerns that the organization has strayed from its original mission.
Awana, a Christian organization dedicated to children’s discipleship says it is consistent with Christian scripture and does not plan to waver from that.
The Boy Scouts of America’s rebrand comes on the back of a slew of controversial progressive pushes, including permitting openly gay scout leaders and members, as well as girls and young people who identify as transgender.
BSA’s membership continues to plummet among these inclusivity schemes, falling from 1.97 million in 2019 to 1.12 million in 2023.
Awana has grown and become more high-profile in recent years, expanding its presence to more than 135 countries across the world in its bid to allow children to learn more about the Gospels and enter “lifelong discipleship”. Markins told the press that parents aimed to help equip their children for a positive future, attracting them to such organizations as more traditional scouting groups become mired in scandals and political divisions. He also said he was “alarmed” at the changes to mainstream scouting groups.
Other conservative alternatives to the Scouts have emerged, including Trail Life USA. Founded in 2013, it focuses on helping young boys develop problem-solving and outdoor skills and deepening their Christian beliefs.
For families like those turning to Awana and Trail Life USA, the desire for programs that align closely with their religion and values is paramount. These organizations provide a counterpoint to the Boy Scouts’ new direction, offering structured environments grounded in traditional beliefs and practices.
As the Boy Scouts of America transitions to Scouting America, the future of the organization remains uncertain. Whether this rebrand will revive membership and public trust or continue to polarize remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the demand for Christian youth programs is on the rise, as parents seek alternatives that promise to uphold and nurture their spiritual and moral convictions.
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