Navigators USA
| Navigators USA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Location | Brooklyn, New York | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 2003 | ||
| Membership | 23 chapters | ||
| Executive Director | Robin Bossert | ||
|
| |||
| Website http://navigatorsusa.ning.com | |||
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Navigators USA is a non-aligned scouting organization that was founded in 2003 in New York, New York.[1][2]
Navigators USA is a growing[3] youth organization currently consisting of 27 chapters[4] across the United States. Navigators is open to boys and girls ages 6-18. It is open to all regardless of sexual orientation or religious belief. [2][5]
The mission of the Navigators is to:
- "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."[6]
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. [7]
In the fall of 2010 a 188-page Navigators guidebook was completed and the new group become 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. [7]
In 2011, incumbent Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg stated at a fundraiser 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!"[7][8][9][10]
References
- ^ a b
Johnston, John (July 20, 2012). "Navigators: Gay scouts welcome". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Alternative scouting group starts to grow". Retrieved October 19, 2012.
- ^ "Navigators USA Chapters". Retrieved July 20, 2012.
- ^ Kids learn about nature, character - dailypress.com
- ^ "The Navigators USA". Retrieved July 22, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ a b c "Alternative scouting group starts to grow". UU World. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg (February 15, 2011). (Speech). Heart and Soul 2011 Gala Auction. Christie's Auction House, Rockefeller Plaza, New York http://navigatorsusa.ning.com/video/mayor-michael-bloomberg. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
{{cite speech}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Eagle Scout Speaks Out". The New York Times Company. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
- ^ "All Souls Quarterly Review - Spring 2011". Retrieved July 31, 2011.