Question. Should Boy Scout Troop Leaders Be Allowed To Carry?

[twyacht]

One of our writers (who shall remain nameless) emailed me today about his trip into the wilderness. “While hiking, I ran into a twenty-something carrying an 16″ [modern home sporting rifle] AR. On the way out ran into a fellow with an XD. Our man was leading a Boy Scout Troop. So he wasn’t carrying, was he? No, he wasn’t. Because The Boy Scouts of America forbids it. Guide to safe scouting: VIII: “Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brought on camping, hiking, backpacking, or other Scouting activities except those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a currently certified BSA or National Rifle Association firearms instructor.” Is that a sensible precaution? Would the ban stop you from being a troop leader or sending your child into the wilderness with the Scouts? What’s your take on the Scouts “gun-free” leadership policy?

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/04/robert-farago/question-of-the-day-should-the-boy-scouts-allow-troop-leaders-to-carry/

My son, was Troop 179 Mt. Mourne, NC. Went on many a trip with his troop...You can bet your a** I had "something" tucked away on my person, and/or backpack....

I'm a just in case kinda guy.....Nobody knew. Actually taught those boys some lessons in the Uhwarrie National Park about camping in below freezing conditions....

(don't leave your leather boots exposed to 21 degree weather) they freeze stiff as a board....toes up too....(and don't let your fire go out.)....

anyway....I think the Scouts have had a cultural politically correct shift. (They used to teach Scouts how to shoot back in the day)...

Geez....

"The great body of our citizens shoot less as times goes on. We should encourage rifle practice among schoolboys, and indeed among all classes, as well as in the military services by every means in our power. Thus, and not otherwise, may we be able to assist in preserving peace in the world... The first step in the direction of preparation to avert war if possible, and to be fit for war if it should come is to teach men to shoot!"
Theodore Roosevelt

[tombogan03884]

I recently mentioned to some one that the "Boy Scouts" were founded as boy scouts, in other words junior soldiers.
He said "Well, I doubt that's what Baden Powell had in mind".
I enlightened him that that was exactly what Baden Powell had in mind. In fact he got the idea from the wonderful service of the kids who served as runners and scouts for his forces during the siege of Mafeking during the Boer War.Any one who can not accept the fact that the Boy Scouts are intended for junior military service should not be involved with the group.

[MikeBjerum]

Keeping with the history of the Boy Scouts this is a no brainer, and they should be allowed to carry.  However, in this over PC culture many with no vested interest in the Boy Scouts have stuck their nose in and caused problems.  These law suits have caused the Boy Scouts to make some strange decisions.

Bottom line: I believe that this is a matter to be decided between a private organization and its members.  It is of no concern for the rest of us, and if someone does not like the decision they are free to leave or stay out.

[tombogan03884]

Boy Scout leaders are responsible for the safety of other peoples children, they should not be allowed to carry rifles and pistols.


They should be REQUIRED to carry rifles and pistols.

[alfsauve]

I know I carried when I went camping, but then I went as a parent/volunteer.   I suspect the leaders of my son's troop were also carrying at least in their vehicles.

[Sponsor]

[JC5123]

As far as I'm concerned, Boy Scout or not, if you are heading into the backcountry, you are stupid NOT to be armed. ESPECIALLY in todays world. Not only does it allow you to deal with dangerous animals. (wolves anyone?) but drug runners use our wilderness to ship their product. More than once I have happened upon a drug drop. Fortunately I never came into contact with the persons involved, but it's a scary feeling knowing what these (two legged) animals are capable of. All I ever did was beat feet and make a call, but I immedeately went into evasion mode. (gun in hand, head down, hyper aware, and getting out without being seen)

For those of you who haven't heard, Wyoming is a major drug distribution hub. What they do is pay off the ranchers. They fly over and drop their drugs on the ranchers land before landing at the airport. (We have an international airport, so they can fly directly in and go through customs) They then go and rent a U-haul and go get their drop. They jump on the highway and are gone.

[shooter32]

As far as I'm concerned, Boy Scout or not, if you are heading into the backcountry, you are stupid NOT to be armed. ESPECIALLY in todays world. Not only does it allow you to deal with dangerous animals. (wolves anyone?) but drug runners use our wilderness to ship their product. More than once I have happened upon a drug drop. Fortunately I never came into contact with the persons involved, but it's a scary feeling knowing what these (two legged) animals are capable of. All I ever did was beat feet and make a call, but I immedeately went into evasion mode. (gun in hand, head down, hyper aware, and getting out without being seen)

For those of you who haven't heard, Wyoming is a major drug distribution hub. What they do is pay off the ranchers. They fly over and drop their drugs on the ranchers land before landing at the airport. (We have an international airport, so they can fly directly in and go through customs) They then go and rent a U-haul and go get their drop. They jump on the highway and are gone.

+1 well said JC.

[Ranger Dave]

It is not a PC issue it is a liability issue. The BSA has always had a shooting sports program in place to teach youth about firearms starting with Cub Scouts including Boy Scouts up to Ventures and Explorers.

Ranger Dave

[jnevis]

I was part of the Council staff in San Diego when the whole athiest and inclusion of female leaders lawsuits hit.  What a F-ing MESS.  Completely rewrote the entire Explorer program and made it impossible to plan anything. 

The BSA shooting program was fairly good, at least through when I was a Scout.  As a Scouter I was in Japan, so no shooting and couldn't say what San Diego's program was like. 
Now I am looking at the Girl Scout (no other Boys in the house) program, big bold THOU SHALT NOT....  even archery is frowned upon.

[tombogan03884]

It is not a PC issue it is a liability issue. The BSA has always had a shooting sports program in place to teach youth about firearms starting with Cub Scouts including Boy Scouts up to Ventures and Explorers.

Ranger Dave

Be a much bigger liability issue if a couple of the little guys get turned into cougar turds.