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Values of program ‘remain unchanged,’ says local Scouting leadership

Hopkinton Scouts and Ken Weismantel (center) salute a memorial at St. John’s Cemetery during Memorial Day events last year. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

A deal reached between Scouting America and the Pentagon last week will have some impact on local Scouts. However, leaders say that the mission continues for Hopkinton troops.

Last Saturday, Scouting America reached an agreement with the Department of Defense — also called the Department of War by the Trump Administration — providing certain concessions to maintain the organization’s relationship with the federal government. The agreement includes waiving fees for military families, launching a new military-related merit badge and other policy changes that ensure compliance with Executive Order 14173.

The order seeks to end diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in both the private and public sectors.

As a result of this compliance, Scouting America discontinued its Citizenship in Society merit badge. Its purpose was to help Scouts “realize the benefits of diversity, equity, inclusion and ethical leadership,” according to Scouting.org.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken aim at Scouting America since he first stepped into his role. A report from the Associated Press noted that Hegseth has railed against the organization’s 2024 rebrand and “woke” policies it has embraced.

“Today’s affirmation deepens a 116-year partnership that greatly benefits our Armed Forces and our communities,” Scouting America stated in a press release on Saturday. And despite the Pentagon’s dissatisfaction with the addition of girls into the program, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity.

Karen Thayer Bograd, president of the Hopkinton Scout Leaders Association, said the change primarily impacts those local Scouts trying to obtain the discontinued merit badge. Since Citizenship in Society was required to obtain the Eagle Scout rank, leaders are working to make sure Scouts still get the credit for any work they’ve done.

“The kids are resilient,” said Bograd. “We just help them figure it out.”

A message shared by Mayflower Council affirmed that regional leadership is focused on supporting its units. “Regardless of personal views on national decisions or policy changes, our shared responsibility remains clear: to provide an outstanding Scouting program for all youth and families we serve here in Mayflower Council,” the notice states.

Bograd shared similar thoughts. “In the big picture, our core values of Scouting remain unchanged,” she stated in a follow-up email. “Hopkinton has many dedicated volunteers who really care about the Scouts and helping them grow. We will navigate this change.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Developers for a commercial property on South Street met with the Planning Board on Monday to discuss plans to transition the building into an office building/warehouse.

Beverly Russell, 97, passed away Feb. 18. She spent her last few years at Fairview Estates in Hopkinton.

Paula Scardino, 89, of Hopkinton died Feb. 28.

The Hopkinton Women’s Club will host its next monthly meeting Monday at the Hopkinton Public Library.

Photo of the Day

Snow sits atop the baseball diamond at Carrigan Park off Main Street.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR