The Scouts, They Are A-Changin'

At least in England, anyway. The Boy Scouts was founded 100 years ago by Englishman Lord Baden-Powell. His mission: to teach boys how to hunt, light a fire and build shelter in the great outdoors. But, would Lord Baden-Powell recognize today's Boy Scouts?

Recently, a jamboree was held to mark the 100 anniversary of the Scouts' original trip, but there was no fire, no hamburgers, no sausages! (Source) But, there were plenty of veggie burgers and other vegetarian entrees, with vegetable chili being especially popular. Why the menu? Are the Scouts concerned about health?

No! The dark cloud of Political Correctness has cast a pitiful shadow over the Scouts. It was RELIGION that determined the menu of the big jamboree. Clare Hanes, spokesman for the Scout Association said: "It was really to do with religion that we were not able to provide sausages and burgers and all that kind of food. We have been very careful to make sure food is provided to everybody's tastes and beliefs, so no one feels left out."

The jamboree, held on Brownsea Island in Dorset, banned fires after a massive woodland blaze 30 years ago. In the middle of the island, there is a huge "marquee" with industrial ovens and refrigerators stocked with vegetarian fare. Oh, and guess what? There was also an Internet Cafe that was set up with ten laptops that allowed homesick campers to e-mail home.

There are wash tents, portable lavatories, solar-powered lights for the walkways, and strings of lights powered by generators.

Oh, and the Scouts eliminated "Boys" from its name back in the 60's.

David Massen, a Scout leader from Bradford, said: "A lot has changed with the way Scouting works since 1907. The principles are still the same but society has changed. For example, Baden-Powell could just take his Scouts out on a boat for a fishing trip, whereas if I want to do the same I have to take a two-hour training session and write a four-page risk assessment statement."

CRAZY!!! I wonder if Scouts are doing the same things over here?

The article had some funny reader comments:

How do these other religions get on with swearing allegiance to god and the Queen then, all PC going far too far and should be done away with. If people can't accept what we do, then why should we accept what they do?
- Nigel, Somerset

This is dreadful! This country is going to the dogs. Lord Baden Powell will be turning in his grave.
- Isabel, Buckinghamshire

This is absolutely ridiculous! I do believe that the PC stupidity in the UK is absolutely barking mad. It defies belief and words.
- Charles, Durham,NC

I love that last comment: "barking mad." Hee, hee!