The Boy Scouts have expanded to add girls into the Cub Scout program after a unanimous vote by Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors. Starting in 2018, Boy Scout packs will be allowed to create all-girl groups, co-ed groups or all-boy groups.
In a press release by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh said “The values of Scouting – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example – are important for both young men and women.”
For Girl Scouts like senior Sadie Johnson, this new ruling has a major effect on how she will finish her scouting career. Sadie has been a member for twelve years and currently has the high rank of Ambassador.
“I don’t think allowing girls in Boy Scouts was a decision that even needed to be made in the first place considering the programs already available,” said Johnson. “I feel that the Girl Scout ‘curriculum,’ is set to enhance and enrich a community of girls and create a sisterhood within the troops. Boy Scouts has the same purpose for young men, and I think it’s very important for young girls and boys to bond in an environment unique from school, sports, church, etc.”
With the decision, Girl Scouts can now earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Although there may be a Girl Scout equivalent, the Gold Award, the ranking doesn’t carry as much recognition as being an Eagle Scout.
This announcement is not the first time Girl Scouts have coexisted with Boy Scouts. The Venturing Program started in 1998 and allows young adult scouts of both genders to learn lessons in maturity and life experiences.
“To include both sexes in the Boy Scouts kind of gives the idea that there wasn’t something special going on already,” said Teacher and Girl Scout Leader Ms. Dana Suarez. “I think the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts should be separate because they have something very different to offer.”
In 2019, the BSA will have a new curriculum aimed towards older girls. Other than being tailored towards Girl Scouts, this curriculum will also enable them to earn the title of Eagle Scout.
