re: Scout Handbooks
Interesting differences between the Boy Scouts of America mission statement and that of Scouts Canada...
US:
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is:
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent
BSA
Canada:
Scout Promise:
On my honour
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and the Queen
To help other people at all times,
And to carry out the spirit of the Scout Law.
Scout Law:
A Scout is helpful and trustworthy,
kind and cheerful,
considerate and clean,
wise in the use of all resources.
Scouts Canada
I have no idea of the current policies of Scouts Canada regarding religious affiliation or homosexuality.
I was a Cub Scout for a while but it was too far to the nearest Scout troupe for me to continue. My father was a Scout leader for many years in the '30s, '40s and '50s, and my mother was Tawny Owl in Girl Guides. At that time it was a good experience for everyone involved.