The world’s largest Scouting organization will require that condoms be available for participants next year during the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia.
The Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and Asociación de Scouts de México will host the event.
According to page 10 in the Guidelines for the Hosting of the World Scout Jamboree, the hosts must “ensure that condoms are readily and easily accessible for all participants and IST at a number of locations on the site.”
“IST” is another word for staff.
The event will take place July 22-Aug. 2, 2019, at The Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
Additionally, alcohol may be used by adults “in confined areas.” More than 160 national Scout organizations are expected to attend.
Liberty Counsel, a pro-family legal group, sent out an email Tuesday notifying its members of the controversial policy.
“Churches that are chartering Boy Scout Troops to the World Jamboree event should be outraged that it is encouraging minors to participate in sexual conduct …," said Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. “These guidelines which include condoms and alcohol are completely irresponsible. I can't imagine any parents who want to send their children to a campout that promotes this kind of outrageous and dangerous behavior.
“Every church should consider partnering with Trail Life USA, which encourages Christian values, and immediately dissociate with the Boy Scouts,” Staver added.
Last year, the Boy Scouts of America announced it would allows girls as members.
Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his website, MichaelFoust.com
Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/AlexStar
Publication date: May 23, 2018
