Has Incorporating Girls into the Boy Scouts Organization Benefited the Program?
It is premature to conclusively determine whether the inclusion of girls in the Boy Scouts organization has been a net positive or negative for the program. While there are both benefits and concerns to consider, the decision reflects a significant evolution in the organization's approach to inclusivity and community involvement.
The move to include girls in the Boy Scouts program has been controversial, with supporters and detractors on both sides. It is unequivocally beneficial for the girls who now have access to these programs. It also offers relief to caring volunteers who have grown weary of the politicization of the organization. Furthermore, it provides more options for parents and families who can now choose programs that better align with their values and aspirations for their children.
However, it remains to be seen over the long term whether this change will have a positive impact on the Boy Scouts as an organization. Many of the outcomes depend on how effectively the organization navigates this transition and ensures that both boys and girls benefit equally from the various programs within the organization.
A Bit of History
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has a rich and evolving history. The organization began gradually allowing girls into their programs over half a century ago, with several different programs for different age groups. Here is a brief overview:
Exploring BSA (1969): A co-ed program for 14-20 year olds focused on career exploration.
Sea Scouts BSA (1972): Another co-ed program for 14-20 year olds engaged in maritime activities.
Venturing BSA (1997): A co-ed program for 14-20 year olds focused on high adventure activities.
Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts, 2019): For 11-17 year olds, with single-gender troops (all-boy or all-girl), offering the same program that has been in place for over a century.
Cub Scouts BSA (2018): The program for grades K-5, specifically designed for younger children.
STEM Scouts BSA (Co-ed, being tested): A program focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) for a small group of testers.
Volunteers have been clamoring for this change for a long time. They want their daughters and sisters to be able to participate in the same enriching and life-changing programs that boys have been benefiting from for over a century. Traditionally, girls had to wait until they turned 14 to begin participating in the Venturing program, which could only provide a taste of what Scouting is like. However, the BSA recognized the value of starting Scouting earlier and designed programs that are equally applicable, beneficial, and fun for both boys and girls.
Moving Forward with a Family-Friendly Approach
The changing demographics of families today have been a driving force behind the adjustments made by the BSA. Most families today do not fit the traditional nuclear family structure, with both parents often working long hours to make ends meet. This has led the BSA to make its programs more inclusive and family-friendly, enabling the entire family to participate together.
When one sets aside the political labels and focuses solely on the programs themselves, it becomes clear that everything in the Boy Scouts organization is designed to be beneficial and useful for both boys and girls. The programs foster skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and personal development, which are equally important for all children. Thus, incorporating girls into these programs enhances the overall value proposition of the Boy Scouts organization.
Personal Experiences and Support
Our family, in particular, is fully supporting and actively benefiting from this change. My wife is now the Assistant Scoutmaster of a newly formed all-girl troop under the Scouts BSA program, which is single-gender. My daughter is a member of this troop, and I serve as an Assistant Scoutmaster for an all-boy troop that has been in existence for 80 years. My oldest son, who is now an adult, has graduated from the all-boy troop.
Our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The programs are designed to be engaging and educational, providing a safe and supportive environment for children to grow and develop essential life skills. The inclusive approach of the BSA not only meets the needs of the current generation but also opens up new opportunities for future generations of Scouts.
In conclusion, the decision to include girls in the Boy Scouts organization is a significant step forward in making the programs more inclusive and family-friendly. While the long-term effects remain to be seen, the current benefits to the individual participants and the organization as a whole are clear. The BSA is well-positioned to continue growing and evolving to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society.