BSA signs memorandum of understanding with Unitarian Universalist Association

The Boy Scouts of America has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Unitarian Universalist Association that will grow Scouting through new Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Venturing crews, Sea Scout ships and Exploring posts.

On March 24, 2016, at BSA headquarters in Texas, Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh signed the memorandum alongside representatives from the Unitarian Universalist Association, or UUA.

The Boston-based UUA has more than 1,000 congregations with 221,000 members. The renewed ties ensure that UUA congregations can charter Scout units and deliver the life-changing experiences of Scouting to more young people.

“It means that we will be able to grow and develop a strong relationship between BSA and UUA for years to come,” said Gene Butler of the BSA’s National Alliances team. “So ultimately this will give both organizations opportunities to serve more youth, families and communities across the nation.”

The Rev. Peter Morales, president of the UUA, supported the strengthened ties between the two groups.

“We have always acknowledged the many shared values between the Boy Scouts and our Unitarian Universalist tradition,” he said. “I am happy to see our two organizations form new bonds of mutual understanding which will allow Unitarian Universalist boys and young men who want to participate in Scouting to be able to do so within their own Unitarian Universalist community.”


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.