[Lilybeans]

Originally Posted by GypsySoul22

T

I am finding it hard to locate something for my son to be in, however, apart from scouts

Why don't you like scouts?

[GypsySoul22]

The only 'fault' I've found for the kids is you need to have a car to take them everywhere (like any suburban/rural place w/out buses). Things are spread out here and except for the 'local park' I can see how kids and particularly teens can get into trouble because they have nothing to do.

I mean, exploring nature is nice...don't get me wrong, but kids without 'direction' (which can happen anywhere) are more likely to turn to drugs or drinking or mischief to get their kicks.

Also there are not a lot of children in certain areas so they may not have a chance to run up the road and play with others (again, these things occur in any rural place). Some towns are mainly older folks (remember this is an 'old' state).

[DogLady321]

We haven't regretted our move to VT to raise our children.
Unless you live in town though you will be spending ALOT of time in your car.
If you are a homeschooler, depending on the area, there can be lots of homeschoolers to network with.
Unfortunately, financially speaking, we sacrificed ALOT so that our kids could have a good childhood.
People seem to be more down to earth here and not so focused on material possessions.
Taxes are high. We pay 3K for a 1000 sq ft home, but we do live close to town so walking or taking the bus is always an option.

[pucabear]

We moved from Vermont for our children. We wanted to be in a place where Christian values are a normal part of everyday life....that is not Vermont. If that is not a priority and you don't mind a looooong cold season,then Vermont maybe for you.

[Lilybeans]

Originally Posted by pucabear

We moved from Vermont for our children. We wanted to be in a place where Christian values are a normal part of everyday life....that is not Vermont. If that is not a priority and you don't mind a looooong cold season,then Vermont maybe for you.

Interesting. Since the majority of Vermonters are Christian, then the everyday values they have, by definition, must be Christian.

[lelise]

Originally Posted by Lilybeans

Why don't you like scouts?

Um... personally, we don't like scouts because of their homophobic and overltly Christian views. Learning to live with/ cope with nature: yes. Learning to respect humanity, including citizens in need: yes. But touting a "We love God" viewpoing or a "No gays allowed" mantra is unacceptable to us. We have decided to just take more family camping trips instead.

[Lilybeans]

Originally Posted by lelise

Um... personally, we don't like scouts because of their homophobic and overltly Christian views. Learning to live with/ cope with nature: yes. Learning to respect humanity, including citizens in need: yes. But touting a "We love God" viewpoing or a "No gays allowed" mantra is unacceptable to us. We have decided to just take more family camping trips instead.

The Scouts are not overtly Christian. Not by a long shot. In fact, they have special medals for all religions. Homophobic? No scouting I've ever been involved with. What they do teach is leadership, outdoor skills, emergency skills, self confidence and pride in attaining goals.

[elevenhounds]

The majority of Vermonters are Christian?? News to me!

Vermont is a very socialist state. We keep electing Bernie Sanders for goodness sake!

[GypsySoul22]

One of the reasons we chose "New England" is that it is 'more liberal' than some other parts of the country when it comes to certain things. I don't want people judging us or my son because we don't go to church or aren't any particular religion.

I don't care to be political, either. Our family's motto is basically respect others and hope other will just do the same. I don't care what someone's religion is or what they do behind closed doors--just don't 'demand' I accept it or expect me to 'feel weird' because I don't!

I don't need to justify why we are 'anti-scouting' but part of it is tied up with religion and the fact I just don't feel comfortable with my son in any group unless my husband or I can 'be involved.' My son has a medical condition that makes him an easy 'candidate' to be taken advantage of by adults or children.
Maybe in a year or so when he matures a bit, if he wants to, we will revisit the idea.

[Mary77]

I agree with the people here who say that Vermont is "not" a Christian state. I've lived here for six years and the whole time I've been we've been searching for a good church. I ask people that I meet at work or in my neighborhood and almost everyone I've met either doesn't go to church at all or they say they are Catholic but haven't been attending church lately. The churches we have visited are very small and don't seem to be thriving.

Also, if you wanted to join a Cub Scout troop that doesn't incorporate Christianity and doesn't discriminate against Gays & Lesbians--Vermont is probably the best place to find one like that. Vermonters are very tolerant and respectfull toward people's choices to be whatever they please.