Muslim Boy Scout Troop in Jersey City Connects Boys to Wilderness, Faith

June 12, 2006

Source: Herald News

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On June 12, 2006 the Herald News reported, "If America's image of a Boy Scout is the rosy-cheeked chap with a neckerchief in a Norman Rockwell painting, then the boys of Troop 469 offer an image-update. And if America's darkest image of a Muslim can veer toward that of a bearded terrorist, then the boys of Troop 469 can counter that, too. Troop 469, which was formed six years ago, is one of a handful of Muslim Boy Scout troops in New Jersey. Like any Scout troop, the troop devotes much of its time to outdoor activities, which members and Scout leaders consider opportunities for learning and good, clean fun. They've gone camping and canoeing in a South Jersey state park, and learned the correct technique to build a fire in a Jersey City parking lot. Like any troop, they also adhere to the Boy Scout Oath: 'On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country.' The Boy Scouts of America, the parent organization of all the nation's Boy Scout troops, is nondenominational, but many troops are affiliated with churches, mosques and synagogues, and religious beliefs are incorporated into Scouting programs and practices. So Troop 469 incorporates Islamic principles into its discussions and activities."