Disenchanted Boy Scout leaders and others in the faith community will meet next month to form a new organization for boys.
Organizers say the program will be Christ-centered, non-denominational and provide a safe haven for those who want to leave the Scouts.
"We know that thousands of churches across the country are considering this," John Stemberger, founder of OnMyHonor.net [2], said.
Because churches sponsor 70 percent of Scout units, they are considered key to its future. But so far it's not clear just how many will leave.
The largest faith-based sponsor, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says it will stay. Another large sponsor, the Catholic Church, is reserving judgment -- for now.
But the Southern Baptist Convention is expected to recommend next month that its churches pull out. In the meantime, they are beginning to slip away, one by one.
In Alabama, First Baptist Church of Helena's Pastor Greg walker says Troop 2 will no longer meet at his church.
"To be a member or to be an organization or a ministry of the church, you have to align with what the Bible actually aligns with," he said.
Some eagle scouts like Bill Bright are also taking a stand, returning their badges in protest over the new policy.
"I don't see that fitting in to the example that I knew and loved as a Boy Scout at all," Bright said.
He and many others worry the new policy will harm boys and generations to come.