Boy Scouts Chief Apologizes for Trump's Remarks

Apology by Chief Scout Executive

In January 2017, during President Donald Trump's speech at the National Scout Jamboree, he made remarks that many found to be politically charged. The event, which was attended by over 30,000 scouts, took an unexpected turn when the President veered from the expected uplifting messages aimed at young people. Instead, he made comments about his election victory and appeared to criticize political opponents. In response to the backlash from parents, scout leaders, and various organizations, Michael Surbaugh, the Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), felt it necessary to issue an official apology.

Michael Surbaugh’s Commitment

Michael Surbaugh, who has served as the Chief Scout Executive since 2015, emphasized the core values of the Boy Scouts in his apology. He acknowledged that the remarks made were not in alignment with the BSA’s mission of fostering trustworthiness, loyalty, and respect among its members. Surbaugh clarified that the organization does not engage in political activity and aims to remain non-partisan to serve the most diverse group of families.

The Reaction from the Scout Community

The comments made by President Trump stirred significant controversy, prompting various responses from the scouting community. Many parents and leaders expressed concern that the President’s words could overshadow the core goals and values of the scouting program. Surbaugh's public apology was an attempt to reassure scout families that the BSA upholds its educational mission and will not be a platform for political agendas.

The Aftermath of the Incident

The incident at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree raised questions about the Boy Scouts of America’s relationship with political figures and the implications of using such large-scale events for political commentary.

Impact on Boy Scouts of America

Following the incident, the BSA faced challenges in maintaining its image as a non-political organization. Surbaugh’s apology reflected the organization's intent to reinforce its neutrality in political discussions, focusing instead on character and leadership development.

Continued Commitment to Values

Despite the controversy, Surbaugh and the BSA continued their commitment to educating young scouts in values that host an environment of inclusivity. The BSA encouraged its leaders to focus on character-building activities and community service as a means of steering away from political channels.

Fun Fact

Curious Hypothetical: What If?

What if the Boy Scouts of America had completely embraced politics? The organization, founded in 1910, could have impacted millions of boys’ lives in uncharted ways, yet it would have also strayed far from its mission to nurture personal character and leadership skills.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Boy Scouts of America

For those interested in learning more about the Boy Scouts, consider reading "A Century of Honor: The Boy Scouts of America" and "The Scouting Movement: A History of the Boy Scouts of America" for a deeper exploration into the pivotal moments and milestones in the history of this iconic organization.