Do you have a 4^th, 5^th or 6^th grader?

Is your child involved in scouts?

Love and Help is a Unitarian Universalist identity program developed for Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Campfire Youth ages 9-11. The boys and girls who participate go through a series of exercises to better understand themselves, explore their responsibilities within their family, their involvement in the church, and their own personal spiritual development. The program begins in January and culminates in April with an award ceremony. In the past Love and Help, as well as Religion in Life, have been offered to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts involved in our congregations.

In making a decision whether or not your son or daughter is involved, please read the following:

In May 1998 the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) ordered the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) to stop conferring its Religion in Life award as well as Love and Help.*

Former UUA President John Buehrens, a life-long Scout, called the Scouts' action "untenable," and said most people would see the Scouts action as "blatant discrimination against children on the basis of their religion." However, Buehrens also recognizes the importance of Scouting in his own life and in that of many Unitarian Universalist boys and girls and encouraged congregations to continue with the program. Since that time there have been over 500 awards granted and not one of these scouts have had to remove the badge from their uniform.

And so, with the support of the UUA, the Learning Community at First Church continues to offer the Love and Help program to boys and girls who are actively involved in scouting, but is important to understand that it is not sanctioned by the Boy Scouts of America nor is it an official badge recognized by Cub Scouts.

An orientation meeting for participants and parents is planned for Sunday, Feb. 17, 11:15 a.m. in the Channing Room (A101). A majority of the requirements are completed independently but there are several activities planned for the entire group.

Cost is $25. Scholarships are available.

*For detailed information about this decision and the response of the UUA please see http://www.uua.org/socialjustice/socialjustice/statements/14228.shtml

http://www.uua.org/pressroom/pressreleases/14874.shtml