I was a Boy Scout - I even remember wearing my uniform to school on occasion. I never progressed beyond the lower ranks, but the things I learned stay with me even today.
I was the proberbial "97 lb. weakling" back then, and the satisfaction I got from being able to carry a 40 lb. pack on my back for 5 days while hiking and camping in the mountains was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
I learned that I could survive in the wilderness if I had to. I learned about plants and animals, morse code, first aid, survival skills, and a lot about other people and myself, too.
Screw these anti-scout people!