The Flavor of Scouting: Volunteer Adaptations of Youth Programming in Times of Change

• In Event: Youth Development and Civic Education

Abstract

The Boy Scouts of America is an organization in crisis preparing itself for bankruptcy in the wake of sharp membership declines and sexual abuse settlements. Efforts to stave declines in membership and shore up philanthropic support motivated several changes in BSA membership policies between 2015-19 related to anti-discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation of youth members and adult volunteers. This paper examines how volunteer scout leaders interpret these policies and make adaptations to programming in light of their personal backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, training, and learning networks. Findings support a deeper understanding of processes of adult learning and provide insights for youth development organizations to improve volunteer selection, training and communication during times of change.

Author

• Eric McGinnis, The Pennsylvania State University