TORRINGTON – Earlier this month, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced it will begin accepting girls into its programs. The BSA board of directors made the decision last Wednesday and already individuals across the country are divided on the issue.
“This decision is true to the BSA’s mission and core values outlined in the Scout Oath and Law. The values of scouting – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example – are important for both young men and women,” said Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive, in a press release on the BSA website (www.scoutingnewsroom.org). “We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children. We strive to bring what our organization does best – developing character and leadership for young people – to as many families and youth as possible as we help shape the next generation of leaders.”
Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming CEO Sally J. Leep took exception to the decision in an opinion-editorial piece released statewide Friday.
“We stand firm in our belief that Girl Scouts is the best leadership experience for girls in the world,” she said. “While we support girls and their families having a variety of options and activities, we disagree with (BSA’s) recent decision to open its program to girls. Research has proven that girls learn best without the distraction of a coed environment.
“For those who say Boy Scouts offers options and adventure that Girl Scouts doesn’t, I invite you to take a closer look,” Leep continued. “Girl Scouts offers just as many options and adventures including STEM activities, outdoor survival, and a highest awards program that culminates with the Girl Scout Gold Award – an elite accomplishment earned by just six percent of Girl Scouts.”
Agree or disagree, the transition won’t happen all at once. Beginning in the 2018 program year, families can begin enrolling their daughters in Cub Scouts, per the BSA release.
“Existing packs may choose to establish a new girl pack, establish a pack that consists of girl dens and boy dens or remain an all-boy pack. Cub Scout dens will be single-gender — all boys or all girls,” the release reads.
A second program identical to Boy Scouts and geared toward older girls is projected to begin in 2019 and will allow girls to earn Eagle Scout rank.
“This unique approach allows the organization to maintain the integrity of the single gender model while also meeting the needs of today’s families,” the release reads.
Dawn Mickle, Committee Chair for BSA Troop 26 and Venturing Crew 26 in Torrington, said she believes the decision to incorporate girls in additional BSA programs is “awesome”.
The Venturing Crew is new in Torrington, although it’s existed in BSA for 20 years and offers co-ed groups adventure opportunities, including rock climbing and white-water rafting.
BSA’s Exploring and STEM Scout pilot programs are also available for boys and girls.
Currently, Torrington’s Cub Scout Pack 37 is not active, but Mickle said when the program is up and running, it will begin accepting girls.
The area also lacks an active Girl Scout troop, according to local sources. However, Bridgett Osmotherly – whose daughters were members of a Scottsbluff, Neb. Girl Scout troop prior to a recent move and helped keep the Goshen County area supplied with cookies – said she is in favor of the BSA’s decision.
“I think it’s a fabulous idea,” she said. “I think girls should know the importance of everything the Boy Scouts do. I also have a tomboy who would probably pick Boy Scouts over
Girl Scouts.”
It remains to be seen how the situation will play out nationally, and even statewide. Locally, and perhaps due in part to a limited number of programs, residents involved in both organizations appear open to the opportunity.
For more information about BSA Troop 26 in Torrington, call Howard Sinclair at (307) 575-3586.
