A Historic Change in Scouting: Girls in Scouts BSA

The scouting movement is about building confidence, strong self-esteem, learning important life skills and leadership skills, team building, outdoor adventure, and most importantly it is about FUN! Scouts learn to make good choices and take responsibility for their actions so that they are prepared for life. Whether you think this sounds like being a Girl Scout or a Boy Scout you are right. As of February 2019 though there will be a new opportunity for young women ages 1-18. That is when the Boy Scouts of America launches Scouts BSA. Today's bog is about why scouting is important to me and why my daughter will be part of this historic change.

Above is the sticker on the back of my car window. It does not read "Girl Scout" or "Boy Scout." Not because I do not support either, but rather because I support BOTH. It's no secret that I am active in both youth organizations. Both of my children are in the organizations and soon my daughter can join both. I am a leader in both. My parents were leaders in both. My grandparents were leaders in both.

I was a Girl Scout and my brother was a Boy Scout because at that time that was the only options we had. I wanted to be a Boy Scout and do the things my brother was able to do. As a tomboy, I felt more tuned into activities that my male friends did. My daughter, is also a tomboy.

The Strength of Scouting

I am proud to be a scout, and prouder still that my kids have chosen that route. Each program has its strength. Girl Scouts has strong financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs. Boy Scouts has offered my son some stellar leadership options and more than 130 merit badge options. Did you know that many men have their adult hobby or career because of a merit badge they did as a Boy Scout?

As a leader I use the best tools to work within my Troops. I try bringing in the stronger financial literacy aspect to my son and boys I work with, so they understand what they are spending money on. I also try very hard to bring in much of the Boy Scout program to the girls I work with, whether that is through camping or an activity that is non-badge specific. Starting in February however, I will be ending my role as the Scout Master of my sons troop to start a new Scouts BSA Troop for my daughter.

My Decision

The decision to start the new troop was really born as a result of my daughters desire to join Scouts BSA. She wants to earn her Eagle Scout rank like her brother did and her Papa did. It's something that is in her blood. I considered simply finding a new troop, but I knew that my experience as a Scoutmaster would be invaluable in the new troop. I do enjoy scouting and have camped many times without my son, but since he is not camping as frequently, I thought it would be good to support my daughter too.

Ready for the Change?

Not everyone in the United States is ready for the change. The Girl Scouts recently filed a lawsuit against the BSA and many social media posts I have read bash those who are progressive enough to accept the change. I have some good friends who do not support the change, but I will never condone them for their beliefs. The World Organization of the Scout Movement has only a handful of scouting programs that are for "boys only" including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Botswana and Pakistan.

When the announcement was made about girls joining the Scouts BSA I have read, and personally faced a lot of backlash. I have seen many overly-negative comments about not supporting the Boy Scouts now that girls an join. To not support the organization the scouts though is to not support tomorrow's leaders. We want these youth to gain  leadership skills, give service to their communities and grow up with a strong moral compass. While I recognize that some girls will flourish in Scouts BSA, some will also flourish in Girl Scouts and some will flourish in both. Technically my daughter is ALSO gaining leadership in 4H and although she is joining Scouts BSA, she will remain a Girl Scout so that she can continue with some of the programming they offer.

So the next time you read an article about girls joining the Scouts BSA, please try and stay open minded. These young women will already be sent through the ringer. They are making history. For years I have had my scout Troops - My Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts camp together, cook together and do service together and the world has not ended. These kids are fantastic and I cannot wait to see where Scouting will take them.