Robert Baden-Powell founded the scouting movement in 1907 by leading the first scout camp at Brownsea Island and writing his Scouting for Boys the following year. Powell understood the importance of faith in scouting and the formation of character it seeks to instill, stating: “There is no religious ‘side’ of the movement. The whole of it is based on religion, that is, on the realization and service of God.” With the formation of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910, troops formed quickly within Catholic parishes. Bishops began exercising guidance over Catholic scout troops, organizing special manuals and leader trainings, Catholic jamborees and outings, and a series of medals for Catholic scouts.

The long relationship between the Church and BSA, however, was called into question, when in 2013 BSA began changing its policies in relation to homosexuality, first by allowing openly homosexual scouts. In July of 2015 the policy extended to leaders, causing the National Catholic Committee on Scouting to “express strong concern about the practical implications of this resolution, especially for our young people in Scouting.” Bishop David Kagan’s Letter on BSA’s decision noted that a religious exemption “will provide no protection for any of our parishes and/or schools, which sponsor troops,” leading him to disaffiliate the Diocese of Bismarck from BSA. This bold move not only protects his diocese, but provides a powerful witness in defense of the Church’s teaching. Conflict has already arisen in the Archdiocese of Louisville over its refusal to permit a homosexual man and activist to become a Scoutmaster.

The National Catholic Committee, however, also recognized that “Catholic Scouters . . . are still very much needed.” This sentiment resonates widely with many Catholics, but the changes in policy by the BSA have led to the search for alternative options for their children. One option comes from an unexpected source. Ven. Jacques Sevin, whose cause for canonization has begun, brought scouting to France in 1920, creating an explicitly Catholic model. The Federation of European Scouting, based on his efforts, now has 55,000 members (both boys and girls) in 19 countries.  It is becoming increasingly popular in the United States with the formation of the Federation of North American Explorers (FNE).

FNE’s website explains its faith based approach: “FNE is a Catholic faith based youth program.  The teachings and practices of our faith are interwoven into the overall program experience. . . . We deliver a Christ-centered program experience where each member strives to become an Ordinary Saint.” Fr. James Jackson, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Littleton, Colorado, recently explained why his parish started an FNE Troop: “FNE draws upon a legacy of Catholic scouting, is well organized, was founded by a saint, has Pontifical Right, and our parents have expressed confidence in its methods. Our troop has grown quickly to become possibly the largest in the country.” Pontifical right refers to a group’s status as an “international association of the faithful” with direct approval and support from the Holy See.

Two Eagle Scouts from my area in North Dakota, Ryan Norrell and Nate Swenson, sought another option for their children and have begun forming a Troop of St. George for the Bismarck-Mandan area. Dr. Taylor Marshall founded the Troops of St. George (TSG) in 2013 and the group has grown rapidly. In an interview (see below for the complete transcript), Marshall spoke of TSG not as a scouting group but as a Catholic apostolate focusing on the “cultivation of the seven virtues in the context of outdoor adventure.” Troops meet only to plan outings, which occur on average about once a month. Norrell and Swenson began forming their troop in the summer of 2014 and were drawn to TSG not only for its focus on faith, but also its emphasis on virtue and the strong role of fathers in the program. Marshall confirmed the central role of fathers: “As we watch TSG grow, we realize that it's all about boys and their fathers. These are the weekends and trips that will burn into our memories as we grow older.”

As a former Eagle Scout and having participated in Catholic Scouts in Europe, I am extremely disappointed in BSA’s accommodation to political pressure. However, Catholics now have an opportunity to rediscover the origins of scouting and the central role of faith within it, true to the ideals of Baden-Powell. FNE and TSG provide opportunities to the live the Catholic faith in the midst of forming character in the outdoors. There are some other opportunities as well: Trail Life USA and Columbian Squires for boys; and for girls Little Flowers and American Heritage Girls.

Interview with Taylor Marshall on the Troops of St. George

I had a chance to ask Dr. Marshall about why he founded TSG and the experience it seeks to provide for both boys and their fathers.

1. Why did you found the Troops of St. George?

I was blessed to grow up as a young man in the Boy Scouts and I loved the virtues, skills, and confidence that I acquired there and then also on hunting and outdoor trips with my father. I wanted the same blessing for my own four sons - but I wanted something that was explicitly Catholic.

2. How is TSG distinct from BSA? Can you call the boys scouts?

We are not "scouts" and we are not a "scouting" movement. We are an apostolate for Catholic priests, deacons, fathers, and sons where we enjoy the cultivation of the seven virtues in the context of outdoor adventure.

3. Why did you choose St. George as your patron?

Saint George stands for fortitude, chastity, and martyrdom - three ideals that Catholics should embrace for our time. Of course, there is also the legend of the dragon which I explored in my novel Sword and Serpent: A Retelling of Saint George and the Dragon. In baptism, we each have a vocation to slay the dragons in our lives.

4. How do you incorporate Catholic faith and identity into the troops?

Our Troops come together on campouts and we always try to have the Holy Mass and confessions available on campouts. We pray the Rosary and foster an environment of respect for elders, priests, and fathers. The boys learn survival skills and the practical virtues. We aren't preachy, but we are openly Catholic and challenge the young men to embrace a life of excellence.

5. What are the main activities of the troops?

Activities include: rock-climbing, rafting, kayaking, skeet shooting, building catapults, football, soccer, building projects for churches and monasteries, pilgrimages, archery, tracking, hunting, and even things such as scholarship, public speaking, Latin, and learning to serve the Mass.

6. How does a parish form a troop?

Every troop needs a Priest and a lay leader, which we call a Captain. The Priest and the Captain work together. The Priest provides the spiritual needs of the troop as much as he can. The Captain organizes the troop serves as the liaison between the Priest and the men/boys. The Captain is usually assisted by Lieutenants - adult Catholic men that are vetted and approved. We have a troop Starter Kit (https://troopsofsaintgeorge.org/) that gives you everything you need to start a Troop of Saint George. We have dues and these dues provide for accidental insurance for each troop - just in case an accident should occur.

7. How do you explain the rapid expansion of the Troops?

There is a deep hunger for the outdoors and for Catholic fraternity. The Troops of Saint George provide this for men and for their sons. We usually hear men say something like this: "I joined for the sake of my son, but I'm now seeing that this almost more for me than it is for them. I need this." Catholic men enjoy sitting around a camp fire with their priest, telling stories, and cooking steaks. Catholic men want to be spiritually challenged but they don't want to be a support group or be forced into an emotional situation. The outdoors provide a great environment for men young and old to enjoy spiritual fraternity with one another and with their clergy.

8. Is there anything else you would like to explain about the Troops? 

Imagine sitting around a fire ring with the stars above and your sons sitting next you. The fire is crackling and you’re staring into the embers. You spent the day rock climbing. Everyone is tired. You're finishing the last bit of your steak and your troop "cookie" is about to dish peach cobbler from a dutch oven. Father will be saying Mass in the morning. And you pray: "Dear God, I really needed this. Thank you." You hug your son "goodnight" and fall asleep.

That's what it is like. It's about physical work and learning new skills. As we watch TSG grow, we realize that it's all about boys and their fathers. These are the weekends and trips that will burn into our memories as we grow older.