There has been much discussion the past few days about the President’s remarks at the National Jamboree; we would like to make our Councils position clear.

The Boy Scouts of America, and the Pikes Peak Council is wholly non-partisan and does not endorse or support political figures or specific political platforms and in no way expresses an endorsement or support of political comments. 

The invitation for the sitting U.S. President to visit the National Jamboree is a long-standing tradition dating back to President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937. Since then, an invitation to speak has been extended to every U.S. President that has had a Scout Jamboree occur during his term. This 80-year-custom of inviting Presidents to speak to Scouts is in no way an endorsement of any person, party or policies. Rather, the speaking invitation is based on our “Duty to Country” from the Scout Oath and out of respect for the Office of the President of the United States. 

As one of America’s largest youth-serving organizations, the Boy Scouts of America reflects several cultures and beliefs. We will continue to be respectful of the wide variety of viewpoints in this country.

While we cannot comment directly on the remarks made by any of the guest speakers at the Jamboree, we wish to address the following points of concern that have been brought up in the past few days.

• First, we are committed to diversity as one of our core values! 
  • We believe that young men and women become better citizens and leaders through interaction with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. 
  • We encourage and actively work to invite all families to participate with no restriction based on race, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, economic background or nation of origin. 
  • Our Council reflects the diversity of the world and it is our ongoing goal to see that diversity is reflected in our membership.

     

• Second, the BSA has a strict no-tolerance policy on bullying.; it is a cornerstone of our youth protection policy, which is one of the most respected in the nation. 
  • A core tenant of the policy includes no booing, heckling, or other negative speech at any Scouting event.  If any of our Scouts or leaders were engaged in such behavior, we deeply regret their actions. 
  • We are calling upon all our leaders to discuss proper ways to display citizenship and enthusiasm with their units. 

• Above all, the Boy Scouts teach young men and women to be good citizens.  When partisanship is at such a high level from all points on the political spectrum, it is a lively time to be an American citizen. 
  • We continue to believe that the best way to help young people rise to this challenge is to focus on the values of the Scout Oath and Law so that they can learn to be good citizens and good friends to all they meet.
  • It is incumbent upon each and every adult in Scouting, both professional and volunteer, to set a sterling example for our youth by behaving in accordance with the values of the Scout Oath and Law in everything they do.

You may direct queries to BSA Member Care at (972) 580-2489.

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