Are scouting organizations such as Boy Scouts biblical?

Scouting America, formerly Boy Scouts of America, is one of several scouting-type youth organizations. Others include Girl Scouts, Frontier Girls, Boys’ Brigade (a Christian-based group in the UK), Camp Fire, and Trail Life USA (a Christian-based group). All scouting organizations have a basic aim of developing character, teaching outdoor skills, and engaging in community service. Scouts typically wear uniforms, complete ranks, and earn some type of merit badges.

There is nothing unbiblical about scouting, per se. Promoting helpfulness, readiness, and moral values in youth certainly aligns with biblical principles. Not all scouting programs require their scouts to take an oath, but Scouting America does:

The oath of Trail Life USA includes wording similar to Jesus’ Golden Rule:

The motto for Boys’ Brigade in the UK and the Republic of Ireland is “Sure and Steadfast,” taken from Hebrews 6:19 (https://boys-brigade.org.uk, accessed 6/25/26). The scouting law of the former Boy Scouts of America requires a scout to be “trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent” (op. cit.). A scout’s motto in Scouting America is “Be Prepared,” and his slogan is “Do a Good Turn Daily.” In Trail Life USA, the motto is “Walk Worthy,” based on Colossians 1:10.

With an emphasis on outdoor activities, scouts in Scouting America also have an outdoor code:

Most scouting organizations have a long and established history. The Boys’ Brigade was founded in Scotland in 1883. The Boy Scouts started in Great Britain in 1908, Camp Fire Girls in 1910, and the Girl Scouts in 1912. According to World Scouting, over 60 million young people currently participate in scouting programs worldwide (www.scout.org, accessed 6/25/26). Through the decades, the organizations have adapted with the times, and not all of the changes have been good.

Secular scouting programs today actively promote inclusive and equity-focused viewpoints. For example, Scouting America began allowing homosexual scouts in 2013 and homosexual adult leaders in 2015. Girl Scouts USA began accepting transgender children in 2011. Camp Fire hosts LGBTQ camps. For believers involved with scouting and churches that sponsor troops, such policies are a real concern.

Secular scouting programs are and have always been values-based, and, historically, churches have been one of their biggest supporters. The Boy Scouts, in particular, have benefited from the support of churches in several denominations. But, as the values of scouting programs change, many no longer align with biblical principles, and church involvement in scouting has become more problematic. Some churches are turning to faith-based alternatives, such as Trail Life USA.

As for individual involvement in scouting programs, it’s a matter of conscience. Considerations include the sponsor of the troop, the scoutmaster, and of course the overall mission of the scouting program of choice. There is much to benefit youth in scouting programs. The skills and knowledge they provide, as well as their emphasis on the great outdoors and civic duty, are healthy and needed in today’s society. But there are risks. Parents deciding on participation for their children should rely on prayer and exercise sound judgment.