Ummm, just a correction. The BSA did not allow homosexuals in. The policy is that EACH Chartering Org for EACH unit can decide if they want to or not. Mormons and Catholics, like the Knights of Columbus, do not allow gays, but other secular orgs like Kiwanis and Rotary's do, if they so choose. I serve on a district committee that has over 100 units, and the whole "gay" thing has been a non-issue.
BSA is doomed. LGBTQIA has been targeting the organization for some time, for one stated reason or another. Of late, here in Ohio, it's been a push by women/girls. The girls want in an organization that is outdoorsy. BSA said to join a Venturing crew (BSA older and coed group). Girls/parents said not good enough. That may be headed to Federal court as a civil rights suit.
But beyond this, the organization is killing get itself. Too safety concerned (after years of having tomahawk throwing at events, it's now banned as too dangerous. The gun rules are also way too stupid.) They are making requirements too academic instead of keeping the boys outside and active. At the same time fewer parents are steering their kids to Scouts, as there are competing events. And too often, parents see Scouts as not worth the time. Scouts teaches self reliance and independence (if done right). Parents seem more concerned about college applications and scholarships. Or, a future NFL/MLB/NBA/NHL/MLS contract if Johnny goes to practice 5 days a week instead of Scouts on Wednesday evenings. All of this combined will likely kill Scouting in the next 10-20 years.
Yes, the lawyers have done a pretty good job of sucking the fun (and bleeding) out of many things, BSA included. Yet, for as bad as things have gotten, there is a movement afoot to combine GSA with BSA and just be "Scouting". GSA is too stupid to fall over dead, it's dying so fast, girls want to be outdoors and do some of the cool things that the BSA still does. And yes, the shooting rules are stupid. Even though I was certified to run ranges in Germany (Grafenwoehr, Wildflecken, and Baumholder) up to and including Tanks, Close Air Support, Artillery, and Combined Arms Exercises, I'm not qualified to run any range more than BB guns or serve as a Shotgun or Rifle Merit Badge Counselor. Did I mention I spent three years as President of a Sportsmen's club? I also am a certified Hunter Ed Instructor (15 years), and have volunteered for 6 years as part of our Junior Rifle and Youth Shooting Sports program, where I teach....wait for it.....Basic Rifle Marksmanship and Shotgun Shooting !!!
And yes, I ask parents "If you could guarantee that your son could just about get the pick of any college or university in the country, would you give up an hour and half a week of your and his time?" That's what it takes to become an Eagle Scout. And those words still carry a lot of weight on a resume. Even to those people that have no connection to Scouting.
I also point out that chances are very, very small that little Timmy will make the Pro's, but he will need skills to major in life. The lifeskills gap between my bio 16 year old son, and my foster 16 year son is mind boggling huge. Mostly from what he has learned as a Scout via merit badges.