It starts out by saying that "we have celebrated the best of Scouting at our 20th National Jamboree with nearly 40,000 participants, volunteers, staff and visitors".
I venture to say that they also have celebrated the worst of Scouting at the same event.
It goes on to say "I want to extend my sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the jamboree. That was never our intent".
If it was never their intent - and I read elsewhere that they anticipated that Trump might go political - then they should have asked for Trump to do a video message to be aired at the Jamboree. This way they could have nipped this controversy in the bud. They could have told Trump that - they want to focus on the boys and the activities they participate in at the Jamboree and thought that having Trump appear in person might just interfere with the boys - for most - a once in a lifetime opportunity - to experience a Jamboree.
As such - this apology should also extend to the 'boys' that attended this appearance by Trump as well. The boys are owed an apology for the mistake of exposing them to this political diatribe by Trump. From the looks of the size of the crowd - it looked like it was required by the organization to have the boys attend this event.
Also - the BSA should take steps to prepare some sort of message to all the members of the BSA family - the boys themselves and all the Scouters that volunteer their time to make the BSA a character building experience for our youth that will last a lifetime. This message should emphasize citizenship and civics - and point out that - though politics will become a great part of their adult life - that at this point in their character development - there is no room to 'boo' previous presidents nor cheer the stories of the current president and be sucked into the controversial politics of our time. There's a time and place for that in their lives and this was not the time for that.
I was a Boy Scout and and Explorer Scout in my youth. The time I spent in the Scouts I consider some of the best times of my life and the lessons I learned from the Scout Oath and Scout Law and the lessons I learned from all the merit badges I worked for - have lasted a lifetime for me. I'm 68 y/o now and will always have a warm feeling in my heart for the BSA.
I was totally offended by Trumps remarks at the Jamboree and thought it was a grave mistake on the part of the powers that be that currently run the organization.
I was considering making a sizable contribution to the BSA in my Will - upon my passing. That won't happen now. Though I feel bad that the boys that would benefit from such a contribution will not have that chance now - I can't - in good conscience - give to an organization that makes such bad decisions for the boys and the Scouters.
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