Amid Boy Scout Turmoil, Other Groups Hope to Grow With the Boy Scouts of America entangled in a furor over its ban on gays, lesser-known youth organizations across the ideological spectrum see an opportunity. They wonder if the turmoil might prompt some families to give them a closer look as options for their boys. They range from Bible-based programs run by conservative religious organizations to coed, inclusive groups, including one founded on the basis of pagan beliefs. None of the groups has the size or iconic status of the BSA, though some have been around for many decades. Leaders of several of the groups, in public statements and interviews with The Associated Press, made clear they are following the Boy Scouts' predicament with interest and pondering possible ramifications for their own prospects - though not seeking to profit from "someone else's misfortune," as one leader said. The BSA, founded in 1910 and now serving about 2.66 million boys, is deliberating a possible shift in its long-standing policy of excluding gays as youth members or adult leaders. In May, the BSA's 1,400-member National Council is expected to consider a proposal to ease the ban by allowing sponsors of local Scout units to decide for themselves whether to admit gays. Gay-rights groups say the plan is inadequate, and that no units should be allowed to discriminate, while some conservative religious leaders and advocacy groups want the ban to stay in place nationwide. 19, 2013 AND THEREAFTER - This 2011 photo provided by the Baden-Powell Service Association shows Pathfinder members Noah Kresse, Jude Atchley and Laura Gardner of the 10th Daniel Boone BPSA Scout Group working during an annual service project cleaning up 3 miles of trails along the Missouri River in Washington, Mo. The BPSA was founded in 2008 by David Atchley of Washington, Mo., who as a leader of his son's Cub Scout pack had a rift with regional BSA leaders over his efforts to adopt a nondiscrimination code. (AP Photo/Baden-Powell Service Association, David Atchley) Close As a result, there has been consternation on both the left and right of the Scouting community, and warnings of possible defections depending on what decision is made in May. For families that do seek an alternative to the Boy Scouts, here are some of the options: The Southern Baptist Convention's Royal Ambassadors http://bit.ly/y1p6ck Founded in 1908, this is a program run by Southern Baptist churches for boys in first through sixth grade. The SBC's Women's Missionary Union, which oversees the program, estimates that it has about 6,300 adult leaders and 31,000 youth members. Its curriculum shares many features with the Boy Scouts - including camping trips and model race-car competitions - but it also stresses a goal of providing boys with "godly characteristics" and a "biblical worldview." Of the major religious denominations which sponsor large numbers of Boy Scout units, the Southern Baptists have been among the most outspoken in urging the BSA to keep the ban on gays. The SBC's official news agency, Baptist Press, recently reported that the Royal Ambassador program might spread to more Southern Baptist churches if the BSA's ban is lifted. The article quoted Don Hinkle, editor of the Missouri Baptist Convention's newspaper, as reminiscing fondly about his boyhood experience with the Royal Ambassadors. "Perhaps in these sad, self-destructing days for the Boy Scouts of America, God will use RAs in a new and powerful way to bring honor and glory to Him," Hinkle told Baptist Press. In addition to the Royal Ambassadors, the SBC also oversees the Challengers, a program for boys aged 12-17. The Assemblies of God's Royal Rangers http://royalrangers.com/ Founded in 1962 by one of the largest Pentecostal denominations, the Royal Rangers have about 81,000 youth members in about 4,000 units, according to church headquarters.