Editor's note: The name of J.B. has been withheld due to his age.
My name is J___ B___. I am 11 years old. I have just completed Webelos II and received the Arrow of Light Award in January. I was happy to hear that Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is rethinking their policy regarding the gay population.
The last three years, I have been the top-seller for our pack’s popcorn sales. My family has also coordinated a popcorn selling event at my parent’s work to increase the popcorn sales and donations for my den totaling over $2,500 a year.
This year I realized that BSA was discriminating against other families. This is not what I believe in. I did not feel good about fundraising for an organization that chooses to make policies against other families. More specifically: my friends’ families, and my neighbors’ families. It was embarrassing to sell to others. I feel this policy is similar to the time people discriminated against black people in the 1950s and continued for decades later. It should not be happening.
I have decided not to continue with Boy Scouts this year due to this policy. My family and I choose to use our Wednesday nights that once were “Cub Scout nights,” to do similarly fun activities but those that will also align with our beliefs and those of our community and friends. Should BSA change their policy I am willing to reconsider my decision.
I am writing this letter in hopes for a change. I have really enjoyed my experiences in Cub Scouts up until now. I have had a lot of fun, made new friends and learned new things. Maybe this time Boy Scouts of America can learn something new from me?
J. B.
Ann Arbor Former Boy Scout
11 years old