I suspect that you’re quite right. As a kid I never wanted to join, as the whole thing had a weird vibe to it. I seem to recall other kids at school mentioning their scoutmaster acting oddly and paying special attention during their nightly, naked “buddy system” tick check routine when out camping, and that it gave them the creeps.

Just as well that they crash and burn. There are a few chapters of Americana that are far better left behind.