A STATEMENT CONCERNING HUMAN SEXUALITY


Helping America's youth to become personally fit has always been one of
the primary objectives of the Boy Scouts of America.

Inherent in personal fitness concepts are concerns about sexuality,
sexual identity, and sex roles.  Our organization recognizes the
importance of individuals making responsible, informed decisions about
these important areas of personal development. Such personal choices are
an integral part of a healthy self-concept--a foundation for one's
future well-being.

The development of human sexuality is viewed as a lifelong process
encompassing one's thoughts about oneself in sexual terms; how one
interrelates with those of the same sex and the other sex; how one
perceives and participates in sexual interactions. Central to this
development is the issue of moral values--that is, the personal value
system that determines how an individual feels, behaves, and interprets
experiences. Sound input at early stages in life gives children a solid
foundation upon which to base adult relationships.

Education for sexuality belongs in the home. Parents should be the
primary sexuality educators of their children, particularly in the early
years. In the home, the most sensitive information as well as family and
religious values can be shared. However, positive education in sexuality
is not provided in many homes. Only a small percentage of mothers and
fathers contribute first sex information to their children. The bulk of
such learning is obtained from peers, the media, and literature.

Scouters often find themselves in the right place at the right time to
respond to questions from youth members. They should be prepared to do
this with sensitivity and accuracy, but they should not attempt to do
counseling. They should reinforce rather than contradict what is being
taught in the family and by the youth's religious leaders.


7557C/13A 
Draft Thirteen 
9/26/84-cr