"Good enough" is a value judgment. Your kid just didn't feel like he fit in. A Catholic kid would not fit in at B'nai B'rith Youth either, but this is not a moral judgment on either the Catholic kid or B'nai B'rith. Given this, you seem a bit bitter about it.

I wouldn't worry about recruiting--I expect it will be made illegal for Boy Scouts to show up in schools eventually, given the position of our educational establishment that Thou Shalt Have No Gods Before The State. (Recommended reading: The Children's Story by James Clavell)

When I was a Scout, the question of religion never came up formally. I know that one of the Scout leaders was a minister, but that made no more impression on us than if he had been a milkman, unless it inspired us to better behavior.

Certainly no one was ever excluded for their religion, although where I lived we had only Christians and Jews, and never saw it tested on a Hindu or something. If anyone was an atheist, they never mentioned it.

Your kid has a lot of integrity. This could not have been easy given the peer pressure in that age group.

You are never specific about your beliefs, and assume that if you wanted to tell anyone you would have. I have a small suspicion that they are more complex than simple atheism*, which I think would tend to make children uneasy.

I am not that religious myself, but am raising my kids in the church. I know that burying their grandmother and great-grandmother last year would have been a lot tougher on my kids and wife without some faith--sometimes the "Great Circle of Life" just doesn't fill the bill. If this means it's a crutch, so be it. Life is tough enough. All the up-front atheists I personally know have no kids, which in itself means nothing, but I suspect it's easier. I would be curious to see what your son's beliefs are in ten years.

Scout Oath (or Promise)

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

TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other
than his own.

COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Scout Motto

Be Prepared

Scout Slogan

Do a Good Turn Daily

*"Agnostic" is a word used by those who don't have the balls to call themselves "atheists."