Are the Boy Scouts Co-Ed Now? Can Girls Be in the Boy Scouts?
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), often recognized as the Boy Scouts, has long been a source of leadership and community support. However, the organization made a significant decision in 2017 that has changed the landscape for countless families in the United States. This decision involved making several of its scouting programs co-educational, allowing girls to participate in activities traditionally reserved for boys. Letrsquo;s delve into the background, the reasoning behind this decision, and the current status of Scouting programs.
Key Changes in Scouting Programs
Co-Educational Programs: In 2019, the BSA officially completed its transition to including girls in its scouting programs. This transition came in two main stages. The first stage began in 2018 when the Cub Scouts program, catering to boys and girls aged 6-10, started admitting girls. The second stage came in 2019 when the Scouts BSA program (previously known as Boy Scouts) was opened to girls in the 11-18 age group. This program includes activities such as camping, leadership training, and outdoor exploration, allowing girls to participate in all aspects of Scouting.
Co-Educational Programs at a Glance
Le or other countries with co-educational Scouting programs, the transition to co-educational scouting has been well-received. The following table provides an overview of the co-educational BSA programs:
Program Age Range Type Cub Scouts 6-10 Co-educational Scouts BSA 11-18 Co-educational Exploring, Venturing, and Sea Scouts 14-21 Co-educationalStructure and Leadership Requirements
While the transition is significant, the organization maintains its core values and structure. Scouting units, including Cub Scout packs and the Scouts BSA, are structured to ensure a safe and engaging environment for all participants. Herersquo;s a closer look at how the units are organized:
Cub Scout Packs
Each Cub Scout pack is divided into dens, which are smaller groups organized by school grade. These dens are still separated by gender, ensuring that activities and leadership roles are age-appropriate and appropriately challenging for each participant. This structure fosters a sense of community and leadership development among boys and girls.
Scouts BSA Troops
For the Scouts BSA program, troops are organized into smaller units within the same geographic area. These troops are also separated by gender, allowing for a focused and developmentally appropriate environment. However, all units, including those with female participants, must have at least two deep leadership, ensuring that girls and young ladies have the support they need to thrive in their Scouting activities.
The leadership requirement for all Scouting units is crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of the programs. Female adult leaders are a requirement for units with girls, ensuring that girls are not only included but also have the support they need from experienced and trained leaders.
Decisions and Background
The decision to open its programs to girls came after a thorough review process. The BSA leadership team recognized that its previous approach was excluding a significant portion of the population, particularly girls under 14, and discouraging family involvement. The basic reasoning behind the decision was threefold:
Family-Friendly Scouting
Girl Scouts in the United States were intended to provide a family-friendly atmosphere where both parents and children could participate. However, the current structure excluded girls from participating fully until age 14, creating an unserved population and discouraging families from participating together.
Empowerment and Participation
The new approach aims to empower girls to participate fully in all aspects of Scouting, from camping to leadership training. This move ensures that girls can develop the same set of skills and competencies as their male counterparts, fostering a sense of inclusivity and fairness.
Community Participation
The overwhelming support from 90% of the local councils and volunteers during the review process further solidified the decision. The BSA leadership was confident that this change would lead to increased community participation and a more inclusive Scouting experience for all.
Conclusion
The transition of the Boy Scouts of America to a co-educational format is a significant step in promoting equality and inclusivity within Scouting programs. This decision not only supports the growth and development of young people but also strengthens the community impact of Scouting. Whether you are a parent, volunteer, or simply interested in Scouting, this change is worth considering for its potential to create a more welcoming and empowering environment for all.