Muslim Scouting Thrives at the Islamic Center of Sharon

June 12, 2005

Source: The Boston Globe

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/06/12/scouting_a_cultural_bridge/

On June 12, 2005 The Boston Globe reported, "the Sharon Boy Scout groups began several years ago, but only recently has the program begun to pick up steam, gaining new members and leaders. It also for the first time has a dedicated space -- a former downstairs classroom set aside by the mosque. And a year ago, the Girl Scout troop was formed... Muslim-based Boy Scout groups are on the rise across the country, according to Brandi Mantz, a spokeswoman for the Boy Scouts of America National Council. As of the end of 2004, there were 112 chartered Islamic Boy Scout, Cub Scout, and Venturing Crews, up from 94 in 2002 and 107 in 2003. In Massachusetts, there are 12 Islamic Boy Scout troops, Cub Scout packs, or Venturing Crews (all come under the Boy Scouts). The Islamic Center runs six of them: the three in Sharon are active. Three others at its mosque in Quincy are dormant. Others are run by the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts in West Springfield, the Greater Worcester Islamic Center in Worcester, and Alhuda Academy in Shrewsbury."