Is Boy Scouts of America being discriminatory towards children?

I think the Boy Scouts of America is being discriminatory towards children who are obese because they won’t allow these children to participate in some activities at their national Jamboree.

Please note this event is happening in my own backyard (local area) in southern West Virginia.

According to a CNN report the Boy Scouts of America are using a BMI to “ensure safety.” Some of the events the boys with weight issues are prohibited from include: hiking, zip-lining, and rock climbing. Safety concerns are important.

I think this is discriminatory towards these children because they seem to need physical fitness most.

I think the solution would be to provide adaptive and specialized programs to allow as many children to be included as possible. Here is an example: the duration (distance) or frequency (time spent participating) could be limited for safety. However, the main focus would be to allow children with weight issues to have an opportunity for physical fitness. Introducing children (especially ones with weight issues) to physical fitness activities could help these children to decrease weight, improve health, overall quality of life, well-being, and improve their self-esteem.

 

Dear Boy Scots of America:

Please make changes to allow more inclusive activities for children with weight issues to allow them an opportunity to improve health, wellness, well-being, and overall quality of life.

Thank you. Danny Pettry,

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

Master of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation

 

Here is the link at CNN that reports this issue: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/19/health/boy-scouts-bmi/index.html?hpt=hp_t3