Our organization was literally harrassed by the local BSA for two years. We repeatedly told them "no" we weren't signing for any other organization. It's hard enough to be responsible for our own. This gentleman would then go to teachers, the librarian, and the new principal, all who would turn paperwork to us and we would once again say no.
Finally, it was taken to the district who's policy is that we cannot sign that charter. That finally got them off of our back.
The whole thing was pretty strange.

Wow....

I agree with the charter descision.... read... and decide Yes or No....

What I dont understand is the BSA bashing?... A private organziation that has been burned by immoral adult and anti-religion zealots. Has every right to be patriotic and gOD fearing...

It has every right to protect its constituents and promote a moral, service learning and educational experience in a safe environment.

If one of your boys (as one of mine) were violated by these scum of the earth I'm positive you'd feel closer to the way I do IMHO.

The Boy Scouts promote good values, patriotism, helping others, self-esteem building, comaraderie et al far outweighs its religious and moral stances.

No one here bags on Catholics, Methodists, Girls Scouts or Indian Guides for their ceremonies.... that dig is a little unfair- Eagle Scout Ceremonies have a basic outline but can be tailored for any religion or group that the Troop is associated with.

Eagle Scout (less than 3% attain) and Vigil Honor (Order of the Arrow) and Minisino (Firecrafter) Shawn

[ 12-19-2006, 02:11 PM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

I wish you all could have been there at this heated meeting.
Everything I have gained from all of you (THANK YOU!) really helped in the discussion but after awhile I really sat back in my chair and said nothing. My VP, the chartering person also, became so adiment about this and almost defensive in her answers really turned me off to the whole idea. I abstained from voting. I felt my personal issues ddin't need to be included and my discussion with our school's director was only going to fustrate her more. Our director has been pset the way the parents/leaders have been conducting business, assuming use of the building and handing out flyers when everyone else has to ask for the school's ok. Not only is the school confused about the "charter" thing but so is the school board and some of the PTO. We agree that this will be good for the families involved but why does the PTO need to sign something? The PTO Pres and the charter liasion have agreed that we will give each other a copy of by-laws and understanding of the relationship we have (ie insurance, liablity, meeting arrangements, flyer distribution etc) and what is expected. I think it's only fair they know and it's documented that they have the same rules we do to use the school etc.

I,too, am not crazy about the group and my sons are involved in a organization that does not revolve around their religion but embrasses them for who they are and what they want to learn in this life.

Again, thanks everyone, and while the VP and I are still friends, this was a turning point...I think.

The BSA does hold insurance on all registered youth. The chartered organization (fire hall, Elks, PBA's, first aid's and schools among a few) does not have control over the budget of a pack or troop. Every council has a chartered organizational meeting at least once a year. Each troop/pack should have a chartered organization representative that is the leasion between the council and organization. Please, please chaeck with your local council on their policies and proceedures. There are more than enough people to help.

I am in no way an expert on BOA, but in our area, were participation is low, parents seem to host meetings at there homes if the group is initiated by school contact or through a local church, if intiated there. The only thing Boy Scouts do at our school is try to get people informed and signed up.

If you are the holder of the charter, you are the overseer of their budget, their choice of leadership, and hold insurance policies that should protect them..... among other things.
If you have no say in these things, I would not be the sponsoring organization. Boy scouts need a sponsor because BOA prefers NOT to pay for liability insurance and be responsible for the selection of leadership. If they wouldn't, why should you???