By Audrey Seilheimer
In 2017, Boy Scouts of America decided it would be registering both boys and girls for its scouting programs. In 2018, the policy change was put into action. The first girls to participate started in the kindergarten-to-5th grade Cub Scout division.
The Scouting program, with its familiar motto “be prepared” was started in the U.S. in 1910. It was officially recognized by Congress in 1916 with passage of a bill which incorporated the organization and created its national charter. President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law.
Fast forward to 2018 and it seemed the organization was preparing to adapt to a different future after struggling with years of abuse lawsuits and devastating news from its past.
The organization announced it was officially changing its name from Boy Scouts of America to Scouts BSA to drop the “boy” and encourage more girls to participate and formally receive the benefits of the scouting curriculum and leadership experience, along with other updates and changes.
“This really wasn’t anything disruptive because girls had been participating informally, attending as siblings with their older brothers for many years,” explained Jacob Maxon, Pathfinder district executive for Scouts BSA’s Michigan Crossroads Chapter.
“The position of BSA is one of understanding that there is nothing a girl can’t do.” says Maxon.
“Sisters would come to meetings and do everything the boys were doing. But now, by formally registering and participating in the program as Scouts, they get the benefits, rewards and all the opportunities to learn. The nice part for parents is that siblings of both genders can come to the same location at the same time and equally participate, which makes it a lot easier for parents juggling already complicated schedules.”
There are no special requirements or changes in the program other than some minor safety requirements as the program incorporates girls as participants, Maxon said.
“For our cub scouts in kindergarten through fifth grade, the boys and girls participate in activities together. For our troops participating in BSA grades 6-12 we have found that sharing resources – but having separate troops of both boys and girls – allows for more leadership skills to develop for youth leaders representing Scouts effectively for their peer groups. This was a National Council decision” said Maxon.
Maxon was asked why a girl would participate in BSA other than to be in the same location as her sibling.
“I can’t speak to what another program does or doesn’t do and some members of our troops participate in both programs. Our goal was to design a formal process to allow more people to participate at every level.”
As regional executive, Maxon helps to guide scouts and leaders in four counties with 1,200 Scouts.
Recently, LilyAnn Campbell was awarded her Eagle Scout rank in Vicksburg. The milestone was celebrated by all with her Eagle Court ceremony in November. Witnessing the hard work and dedication the program takes to earn such an honor, it’s heartening to see it awarded to LilyAnn, and also for leaders like Scott Luegge, who leads the local girls BSA troop, to step up to serve the kids in this program.
As a mom of a male scout participant, it was wonderful to see fathers and daughters enjoying the pinewood car derby alongside boys with their dads. Perhaps, best of all was witnessing a big brother applaud when his sister won an award for best-designed car. “That’s my sister!” He clapped and hugged her as she showed him the trophy.
So much of the good attributes of the scouting program are embodied in this modern effort to be prepared for the future and to include everybody. The future includes everyone getting to learn, achieve, and lead, and that’s a nice idea. Parent volunteers continue to deliver the program for future generations.
