When the Associated Press calls, it gives you pause. It’s not just about answering questions—it’s about reflecting on the journey. My conversation with David Cary was honest and thoughtful, touching on the evolving landscape of Scouting America. Yes, there have been challenges. Yes, there have been changes. Some were long overdue; others simply mirrored the shifting realities of youth and society.
Yet through it all, one truth remains: Scouting continues to be a place where people learn to live alongside one another—even when we disagree. That principle is woven into the fabric of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. It’s not just about camping or badges; it’s about building a community where you can witness others living authentically and feel supported in living your own truth. It’s a place to grow through difference, not in spite of it.
Through Scouting, I’ve formed friendships across every faith tradition. Some of the most profound conversations I’ve ever had—where heart meets mind—have come from these relationships. And for those who don’t identify with any faith, Scouting still offers a space to explore, express, and belong. It is an invitation to learn about others and yourself in a whole life context, including the spiritual.
One moment stands out vividly. We were in a meeting when word came that a friend had fallen and broken her kneecap. Instantly, the room shifted. Seated together—Jews, Muslims, Protestants, Catholics, Sikhs, Buddhists, Latter-day Saints, and others—we turned to prayer. In that moment, a Baptist friend in need united a tapestry of faiths in a single, heartfelt plea to God. What would it be like to see the hurt in the world and allow it to bring us together for the healing of all people?
That’s the power of Scouting. It’s not just an organization—it’s a living, breathing example of what it means to be together. To care. To show up. To believe in something bigger than ourselves.
Thank you, David, for asking the questions about faith group support of Scouting. Thank you for helping me to remember the reasons we stand with-and within-Scouting together.
See David’s article in the Associated Press
Scouting Ministries 