The membership numbers for Navigators USA, an alternative group to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), have more than doubled in the past year.

In March 2012, Navigators USA had 19 chapters, compared with today’s 45. There are currently up to 600 boys and girls enrolled on the program.

Rising membership levels of alternative organizations are in stark contrast to the Boy Scouts whose membership has declined by approximately one third by 2012.

The BSA has come under fire since its decision to uphold its controversial anti-gay ban in July 2012.

BSA has banned openly gay individuals from becoming members and from applying for adult leadership positions since the 1980s.

Sponsors including Intel and UPS have pulled their funding of the organization, and many celebrities have spoken out against the ban.

In February, Carly Rae Jespen announced she would no longer play at the BSA’s annual jamboree, stating in a tweet: ‘As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America jamboree this summer.

‘I always have and continue to support the LGBT community on a global level.’

As part of the Navigators USA ‘Moral Compass’, members pledge ‘to treat people of every race, creed, lifestyle and ability with dignity and respect.’

Speaking to Mother Jones, Tony Porterfield, Navigators chapter leader in Los Altos, said: ‘Inclusiveness and respect for others is part of the Navigators program and something we discuss directly with our children.’

The BSA will again review its decision to uphold its ban on gay members this May.