Boy Scout Camp Staff: It Gets Better
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- After a decade on Boy Scout camp staff, it is finally time for me to come out against the Boy Scouts of America's discriminatory policies. I know the time will come when LGBT Scouts can openly serve.
The story of Tim Griffin, who's firing this summer really started the writing of this video:
www.sacbee.com/...
I will keep my twitter and tumblr updated with developments as this saga continues:
/ dereknance
/ dereknance
My friend and fellow Eagle Scout Ross Armstrong made a heart warming coming out video a couple years ago:
• It Gets Better: Eagle ...
Derek the ban on LGBT adults has been lifted! You can now proudly wear your uniform again!!
I have the upmost respect for this man. A scout is BRAVE, and that's exactly what he had to be to post this video. Have courage, there will come a day when the BSA will get past their old fashioned views. Just because you're gay doesn't make you any less of a scout in my eyes. And listen; you earned your eagle, once an Eagle always an Eagle.
I'm so glad you had a discussion on the issue. I feel that many Scouter are afraid to talk about this, or are unaware that this policy even exists (as surprising as that sounds). And thanks for your support! I will always be an Eagle, no matter what happens after this.
I hope everything works out for you man. I was just shocked by this, very shocked, and admire your courage. Thanks for the video and coming out to the world like that. I'm still shocked.
Visiting my list of Liked videos today, this video is the first I liked and allowed me to I muster up to publicly be myself on social media. That was 7 years ago. Thanks to you and many others, we live in a better world now.
Thanks Brian! I think I do remember us having a conversation about Scouting like way back in the day....
Derek I am so proud of you! There are always a few people who are on the right side of history in these situations and you are leading the way. This video and your actions will go down in the history books! Thank you for your love, passion, dedication, and hope for a better future. You have changed the course of history in 4 minutes and 5 seconds. Thank you!
You show what a great leader you are by making a video such as this. It speaks volumes to the program you support that it helped mold you into the man you are today. I only wish the program would show you the same support you have given them. They would be better respected for it if they did. Much respect to you. Thanks for doing this. Saw this on Give A Damn Campaign's facebook.
This is amazing, I know how much courage that it takes to post a video like this, you're inspiration!
Derek, I love this video and that you are speaking out I hope everyone has the opportunity to see this video and that things will change. It's people like you who will make the difference in society. I've seen your positive influence at the University and now everyone can see what a great individual you are. Best Wishes.
Derek, as a fellow camp staffer and Eagle Scout, I am so proud of your honesty. I was lucky enough to serve for 5 yrs at Owasippe Scout Reservation in several roles. I quietly came out during the course of those 5 yrs to my camp family and was well welcomed. Soon staff members looked up to me for guidance with their own coming out. You're getting to inspire many more young scouts to know they are not alone and it's ok. Keep up the good work and know that we all love you!
My thoughts are with you and hope this gets resolved. It's not fair that you put in so much effort but still get discriminated against. A guy like you would have been an inspiration to me when I was struggling with my own coming out when I was in the scouts in the UK. I hope that you remain to be an integral part of the scouts and a role model for the young for many years to come. :)
Bravo! I applaud your courage, and I'm so happy for you that you now have that freedom we get after coming out. Hiding parts of ourselves truly eats away at our souls. I wish you just left the camera rolling and didn't do the jump cut editing. I have a feeling there was a lot of emotion going on there that might have made even more of an impact. But either way, I'm very proud of you for standing up and being true to yourself. I wish you the best, and hope for overwhelmingly positive comments! :)
Heard you on the CBC news this morning. Thank you. What an honest, genuine video.
I want to add my voice to thanking you for your important and brave message. The risk you've taken is clear, and we all benefit from your actions, your wisdom and your approach. The tide is turning. Thank you so much.
Really nice video! I had to smile. It's only through people bold enough to take a step forward, that we will see progress. Now is an amazing time with all the current momentum. I started working as a manager in 1997 & didn't come out proffesionally until 2005. I wanted to be respected for my job performance and nothing else. Once I decided to out myself, not only was it a relief but it gave me a chance to be a positive role model. Something I still strive to do. Best of luck 2 U!
Awesome someone is finally speaking out from within. Thank you! I feel everything you said after being an Eagle myself and worked in summer camps too.
I can't tell you how much I admire your decision to post this video. It breaks my heart to see with every pause you take how difficult that action was. To those of us who did not participate in scouting, but are LGBT, the BSA can often evoke some deep feelings of frustration, such that we might feel the organization fundamentally flawed. Thank you for reminding us of what scouts truly stand for by illustrating what it means to be morally straight. (No pun intended.)
Derek- I don't know if you knew I'm also an eagle scout, and I am truly inspired by your ability to be brave and trustworthy and I am honored to call you my friend. You have my full support, and I really hope the BSA fixes their shit soon so you can go back to being a fantastic inspiration to the other growing scouts who need you.
Derek, I am so proud to have worked with you in College, and this might be the bravest thing I have ever seen. Admiration and Affection, all the way from Vegas. ~Danni
I find it shocking how the boy scouts of america are thought of as mature enough to be allowed to use guns but arent mature enough for them to know that some people are homosexual i mean its nearly 2014 yet we still cant shake this ridiculousness. Im very close to my nephew practically his father and in the next couple of years im planning enroll him in the scouts so he can learn handy skills, make friends and have fun wether the scout leader is gay, straight or bi sexual doesnt even factor into it
You are one of the greatest men/RAs/persons I have ever met! You're a champ D and you have always had my respect.
Continue to Kick Ass Derek!!
You are doing good work and everyone in Phi Delt here brags about what you are doing.
You are an incredible man, Derek. It is an honor to be your friend. You are sincere, honest, humble and one of the bravest men I know. I am so proud of the person you have become and the lives that you have inspired and continue to inspire. Thank you for doing what is RIGHT. Not what is easiest.
Derek, I just wanted to say I admire you for doing this! Over the years I've realized that sometimes standing up for what you believe in takes a great deal of bravery and courage, which you have both! As an Eagle Scout myself, I'm deeply disappointed in the BSA's discriminating policy and I sincerely hope that soon they will realize that their exclusive membership policy is hurting the organization! You should feel very proud of yourself for standing up for what is right!
You are one brave and special individual. Not only have you proven your quality work in the past you've also shown a brilliant example of commitment. I hope you succeed in your aims and real change is made. Not only for you but for America because your country really needs to treat all of it's citizens equally regardless of colour, race, sexual orientation or gender identity now. This is a great step, well done for taking it.
I truly hope that my little daughter will grow up in a world where courageous people like you show her that "different" is ok, that "different" makes us all stronger, and that "different" causes us all to grow, whether we like it or not. I wish you all the very best in your endeavors, and as many people in your environment and their str8 allies (my environment) are saying: it gets better. Keep going!
As a gay adult Girl Scout who worked at camp for many years, I empathize so completely with how you feel about camp. I have been so lucky to not ever had to go through the discrimination you've faced during my scouting career but I do know what it's like to not be able to fully express myself. I want you to know that you're not alone. I am rooting for you so hard, even though we don't know each other. Sending much love your way.
I'm very proud of you Derek, you exemplify All 12 points of the Scout Laws and everything we hold dear in Scouting. What you are doing is incredibly courageous. I always knew you were a special young man.
aka Camp Ma
Thanks p-Jeannette! Your husband was literally the second person I came out to, so your support from the very beginning has been amazing!
Great job, I have enjoyed knowing you at Church in Scouts and even the great work you did at camp when our Troop came to camp. I know how hard you worked and the passion you put into Scouting Stand by your beliefs.
Your awsome man. Your a huge inspiration to me. I am 14 Bi and a second class. I have not gone to scouts at all this year but after hearing your story, I am more then willing to give it my all and earn the eagle rank.
Thanks,
Jack
Derek, this is skywalker. This was surprising. you have my full support though. this video brought tears to my eyes as I know working with you was amazing. mataguay was definitely a better camp experience with you there. let me tell all of you about Derek....he would sing the moose song to the scouts and make a complete fool of himself for them and us staff. he organized programs, had scouts lives in his hands, our lives in hhis hands.
Derek,
What an amazing human being you are!
If we could live our lives with 10% of your attitude, understanding, commitment, compassion & wisdom, this world - our world, would be changed for the better - forever.
I wish you all the best on whatever “next steps” may follow the thoughtful words you have so vulnerably shared; as a gay man, they touch me deeply.
May the heart you so courageously follow be filled with the greatest peace while on your journey.
With love
michael
Best wishes to you ! This was a monumental step on what I'm certain will be a lifelong journey , not only for yourself, but, clearly, working for others as well ! You should be proud ! Heck, I am and I don't even know you !
Peace to you lil bro !
Jay-Mo
I wish you love, courage and strength Derek.
I miss Mataguay! Change comes slowly, but change does come. Keep a strong heart Eagle scout!
good luck sir i hope everything gets better
Knowing Derek personally, myself and MANY other staffers past and present from Mataguay can testify that Derek is one of the most genuine and dedicated scouts we've ever known. There is nothing 'fake' about him or his endeavors.
Thank you for your kind words! (for the record, writing down my thoughts and jump cutting really helps make me sound articulate). It was painful to finally leave camp, but it was finally time, and I'm hoping that through this video I can help those that are in the same position.
We love you, man. What you're doing is a beautiful and freeing thing. Stay strong, as you obviously are!
The Boy Scouts should be PROUD to have you as a member and on their staff. You're sincere and so very articulate. I hope more follow your lead, and you're right--you earned that Eagle. I would not allow my son (straight) to join as long as this discrimination is in place. There's nothing "virtuous" about discriminating against gender orientation.
I'm a female 9-year staffer at a scouting reservation. Camp staff has has hugely impacted my life and the lives of others, including the staff members who I know have had to hide their sexual orientation from their bosses and select peers. The values gained in scouting apply to everyone and staffers that return every summer and help with work parties I know to be as trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent as the rest of us.
You are teaching us all an important lesson in values. Civics, responsibility, honesty, courage - you are amazing.
Thanks! And I'm lucky to have such great colleagues. Everyone has been so kind to me today.
I agree, and I tried to word the petition in such a way to cause the least amount of harm. Train is still going to perform at Jamboree if the policy changes in May, and I hope to encourage Carly Rae to do the same. The decision is now in the BSA's hands whether the show will go on.
As an Eagle Scout & former scout camp staff member, you have my thanks and support. As a current scout leader and church pastor, I will continue to speak until the scouts change their policy.
Awesome vid dude. I'm a straight Eagle Scout and OA Brotherhood member. Wish I was still working as camp staff (I left for other personal reasons).
I worked 4 summers at Geronimo in Payson, AZ. 2 summers at Raymond in Flagstaff, AZ, last summer as the archery director. I hope I end up at camp in my years down the road....
I watch this video every so often. You never had to hide anything from me. I understand why you did. I miss you bro. Hope youre doing well these days. )-(>
I'm 61 years old. I left Scouting when I was 13 when I felt completely different. I had no one to talk to about how I felt and what was bothering me. My former scoutmaster told me he was gay when I formed the first statewide organization for LGBT people in the state of South Dakota about 18 years ago. It would have been important for me to know when I was 13. You toughed it out and stayed in scouting. What you've learned and achieved can never be taken away. Congratulations.
I'm glad that I could encourage you to go back! The BSA is an amazing organization, despite their stupid policies. I really hope that the policy changes in May so that you can go back and enjoy the next four years as a Scout. :)
Keep it as a eagle myself I know how hard it is to get to the rank of eagle. I am in a tough position as far as the otherthing gose but I'm glad you stand up for what you believe in and that is a lot of what I think scouts is about
Just awesome! thank you for courage to share! Love and Light from SLC, Utah
Derek, while I can not even begin to comprehend the enormous strain and pressure you have been under and all the choices you have had to make in the past, I think you have hurt many of the Scouts you profess to support and still hold the highest regard for. Outside agencies and performers will with hold their support or cancel participation in events thinking that they are "Making A Statement" when in reality they are hurting our current Scout youth. Please rethink your vision.
Congratulationa on coming out. You are now part of changing history in America. Everybody who does this sort of thing makes a difference. Good for you!
As an ASM in Troop 805, Danville, CA and the father of an Eagle Scout, I applaud your courage and your conviction. A scout is brave.
Best person I knew when I first started camp, and understood him more working for him. True inspiration and realistic thinker !
Thanks Caitlyn!!! I appreciate all the support! :)
Great job Derek! So glad you spoke up!
Don't let the haters bring you down. And this Girl Scout has your back. #ScoutingForLife
That would be so awesome! Summer camp staff is a little know, yet wildly passionate branch of the Scouting program, so if we could get all of them talking we could make big changes.
Courage in action. You're awesome and your friends and colleagues are lucky to know you. You've sacrificed a lot, and may it come back to you many times over. Good luck brother.
One of the reasons I stayed around, the most interesting conversations.
Now we just had this discussion at our meeting the other night. You'll ALWAYS BE AN EAGLE SCOUT. If it can be taken away, why do we work so hard and suffer so much to help our kids attain it?
You are so brave for doing this. THANK YOU!!!!! You have my full support.
Derek, according to Scout Law a Scout is brave and that is exactly what you are. There is no logic to this policy except for fear and ignorance. By continuing to talk about it by stand up people like you coming out to show who you really are shines a light on the faces of people who don't understand. I think you are awesome and you have my love, support and respect along with countless others. Continue to hold your head high! :)
Well said! This sounds so much like my story. After 7 years as a BSA camp staff member, I too made the choice to step away from the organization that had been such a big part of my life for many years.
As an Assistant Scoutmaster, I understand your passion for Scouting, and I also understand how difficult it must have been to make this video: the loss of your job as program director at a Boy Scouts camp is imminent; you may have your Eagle revoked; you may lose the respect of people whose opinions you valued. I long for the day that the BSA would have an iota of the courage you have demonstrated. One's sexuality has nothing to do with the content of his character. I support and admire you.
you’re so cool, this video is so meaningful
The purpose of life is subjective. For all life procreation and survival are goals ,but fulfillment and happiness are subjective. For the club it was always about further advancement. Choice is such an interesting thing at the end of the day.
At scout camp I was the wizard of snot rockets
Don’t ask how but I was damn good at snot rockets
Thanks so much for bringing this video to my attention. I was a boy scout and the issue of acceptance by the scouts still means a lot to me.
A couple of months ago I received the rank of Eagle scout, and looking back on my experience in scouting, I have this to say about Gay boy scouts in the scouting program:
A scout is taught to live the scout oath and law In their daily life and will be asked about that in SMC and BOR. Most scouts say they live Friendly, kind, etc. They also believe that the point of the scout oath the stands out to them is "To help other people at all times"
Now this doesn't directly relate to the BSA's ban on gay kids, but I believe that scouting should learn to accept people into the program for who they are. I am sure that their are plenty of gay Eagle Scouts out there and they turned out to become great people in life. Discriminating against gays would only demote the BSA program more then it has been
So in conclusion, I say I admire how you are okay with coming out and saying that you are gay, there's nothing wrong with that. Maybe the bible thinks otherwise, but I believe, as a Eagle Scout, that we should accept everyone for who they are and that's what the scouting way should be. I wish best of luck to you in the future and great choice of working at scout camp! :D
Congratulations on getting your Eagle!!!! The rank of Eagle is still a very prestigious award, so you should be proud of that. And thank you for your kind words.
Hi Derek hope you got the link you should also search "Wayne Bulpitt it gets better" on youtube he's the Chief Commissioner for The Scout Association i think it will interest you.
You are outstanding, thank you for making this video. It has made such an impact on me personally. As gay ex-scout you give me and I know other tremendous hope. Thank you for your courage.
Thanks Todd, you are correct. I know there were rumors around camp about my orientation. My coworkers and friends were all smart and they knew what the implications would be if they asked, so I was never asked by anyone.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I'm a friend of some of your friends. Will be sharing with others. Thanks for your insight and bravery.
You've gotten in almost as far as I did! (I would tell you to run while you still have the chance, but after nine years camp is just part of your blood). :) Thanks for your support!
Thank you for your support! But I always feel conflicted when I hear parents say what you say. I still believe in the BSA's program, and the opportunities it gives youth are second to none. I wish that outdated politics would get out of the way so everyone could have the same opportunities I had without the guilt.
Dude!... Thank you. It get frustrating but thank you for what you're doing. I've dealt with the same things only... I'm not a program director. I really think that we as scouts should consider bring Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts together like other countries do. Anyways, thank you.
Thanks Tyler! There are many of us who have felt those frustrations. A coed program would be wonderful, but I don't ever see that happening.
bravo. such a brave thing to do. more power to you. they will change, the time is coming, we just have to keep the pressure rolling.
Oh, wow. That looks like a really cool project. All I did for mine is build a couple lean-tos at the VFW in my town. lol
When did you make Eagle?
Straight 17 year old guy from Oregon here, you seem like a pretty cool person and shouldn't have to hide. Best of luck my friend
Proud of you, Derek! Thanks for having the courage to be openly yourself. Closets are a fine place for clothes (your uniform, for instance!), but NOT for people. All the best to you on your journey!
Congratulations, Derek, on your decision to stand up for equality in your organization. I hope through your efforts you can change the world! Good Luck in your endeavor.
Thank you for having the courage to step forward.
Derek - Thank you for filming this & putting it on youtube. I pray that one day, we will, as a nation, see that sexual orientation & sexual misbehavior are not synonymous. I know you've been a wonderful role model/leader as a strong young man to so many who've attended camp. As an Eagle Scout, you have shown your community that leadership. One day, Boy Scouts of America, & America itself, will realize that one can be a strong moral leader and have a different sexual orientation. Soon, I hope!
Thank goodness there are decent and courageous men like you who can show how it is not only possible but necessary to have dignity for who they truly are and will stand firm and open to the world. I am proud to call you gay.
Greg
Hey, Derek. :) I liked your video.
What did you do for your Eagle project?
I am not from america or am an american scout but i am an irish one. They are a little different but shouldn't they have the same rules. You can not stop someone working at a work station because they are gay but you can stop them from being a scout leader. My best friend is gay and he came out 2 months ago to everyone and he is still in scouts. Hope they will change there ways and hope you get back to doing what you love.
I was on the CBS News?! That's insane. I never imagined my video would make it that far.
Thanks for your support!!!
Thank you so much for your support!!! And keep supporting your gay friends in the program!
Rationalization of any belief is impossible, it all takes blind trust, and that type of trust is unique. A science club at a school I went to reasoned that homosexuality was pointless as it goes against intended purpose.
In the UK, Scout membership has seen significant and sustained growth over the last eight years for young people and for adult volunteers. We have been pleased to support Pride events. We openly and equally welcome LGBT and heterosexual young people, volunteers and supporters who wish to join our Movement. We would hope that as a result of further dialogue and reflection, the Boy Scouts of America would reconsider their position to further serve young people and the wider community.
As a heterosexual Eagle Scout, I can only thank you for doing your part to live the Scout Law in your every day life. A Scout is Brave, and you have absolutely lived up to that while bestowing the positive qualities of the Boy Scouts of America. The day is coming where these policies will change, and it will only make the program better.
That is awesome! I hadn't seen that yet. Could you send me the link to where that is so I can use it as I spread my story? I've been looking for quotes like this from other Scouting organizations.
Thank you! I've always been in awe of the other Scouting programs who don't see sexuality as an issue.
I dropped out of scouts because I came out and when I went back to meetings parents and fellow scouts were starring at me and judged me. I loved camp so much. And I can admit one of my first mutual crushes was someone I met at camp Falling Rock in Ohio. I'm sad I had to leave. I just turned 18 and so now its too late to go back. I only reached tender foot. Your such an inspiration. Keep working. I would love to talk to you somehow. Follow me on twitter. @broadwaygeeck