Navigators USA

Not to be confused with The Navigators (organization).
Navigators USA
Location Brooklyn, New York
Country United States
Founded 2003
Membership over 110 chapters
Executive Director Robin Bossert
Website
navigatorsusa.org

Navigators USA is an American non-aligned Scouting organization that was founded in 2003 in New York City.[1][2]

As of 2011, Navigators USA has more than 100 chapters across the United States and further groups in Europe.[3][4] Navigators is open to all genders between ages 6 and 18. It is open to all regardless of sexual orientation or religious belief.[2][5]

The mission of the Navigators is:[6]

  • To bring nature to boys and girls ages 7–18, whether it's in their own backyard or the Rocky Mountains.
  • To create a safe environment for children to test the skills they will need to navigate life.
  • To help children build their own community to achieve goals they set for themselves.

History

In 2003, Navigators USA was founded by a group of volunteers serving children in need in East Harlem, New York. They wanted to offer a Scouting experience for boys and girls that was non-discriminatory and secular.[1] They felt there was a need for an alternative organization that approached Scouting from a different perspective than the established organizations.[1]

Robin Bossert started the Navigators after facing a moral dilemma. The Boy Scouts of America, besides not allowing girls or gay youth, also required that boys believe in a supreme being. Due to these exclusionary practices, Bossert created the alternative Scouting group that would become the Navigators USA.[3]

In the fall of 2010 a 188-page Navigators guidebook was completed and the new group became public. Bossert credits the guidebook for an increase in current interest. Not only does the guidebook teach outdoor skills it also has all the information to start Navigators.[3]

In 2011, incumbent Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg stated at a fund-raiser at Christie's that "by belonging to the Navigators, boys and girls get the guidance and adult-supervised adventure that only Scouting can offer—in an atmosphere free of any stigma about sexual orientation. And as a proud Eagle Scout who has publicly told the Boy Scouts to change their wrong-headed anti-gay policy, I say ‘Amen’ to that!"[3][7]

The first Navigators Chapter in the United Kingdom started in January 2014 in Kingskerswell, Devon. With subsequent groups now also opened up in Cornwall, Devon, Hereford, Yorkshire and many more either as entire new groups or transferring over from mainstream Scouting Associations.[8]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "History". Navigators USA. 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  2. 1 2 Johnston, John (July 20, 2012). "Navigators: Gay scouts welcome". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Skinner, Donald E. (March 11, 2011). "Alternative scouting group starts to grow". uuworld.org. UUA. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  4. ↑ "All Chapters". Navigators USA. 2013. Retrieved 2013-10-13.
  5. ↑ Welch, Cathy (July 26, 2012). "Kids learn about nature, character". Hampton Roads Daily Press. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  6. ↑ "The Navigators USA". The Heart and Soul Charitable Fund, Inc. 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  7. ↑ Barron, James (November 16, 2000). "Eagle Scout Speaks Out". The New York Times. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  8. ↑ Navigators UK
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