Impact of Boy Scouts New Policy on Girl Scouts Membership
The recent decision for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to admit girls into its various programs has sparked considerable debate about the future of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and the overall impact it might have on its membership. It's essential to understand the historical context of these changes and how they have affected other similar organizations over the years.
Historical Context of Co-Educational Scouting
The BSA did not disappear or go away when the Campfire Girls became co-ed in the late 1960s. Similarly, the GSUSA did not dissolve when the BSA included girls in their Exploring program in 1969 or introduced Sea Scouts in 1971. Other organizations also adapted to this changing landscape:
Scouts Britain: Turns co-ed in the 1990s, while Girl Guides remained all-girl. Girl Guides: Remained all-girl and continued to operate successfully.Since then, neither organization has disappeared due to these changes. Both continue to adapt and modify their programs according to the needs and interests of their members.
No Significant Impact on Girl Scouts Membership
significant impact on the Girl Scouts has not been observed, despite the co-educational changes within the BSA. These changes included the creation of the Explorers and Venturing programs.
1969: Began to include girls in programs such as Explorers and attempted to change Sea Scouts to Sea Explorers. 1998: Reaffirmed its commitment to co-educational activities by adding the Venturing program.None of these changes led to significant disruption in Girl Scouts membership or operations. The BSA did not become Scouts BSA; it merely changed the name of its signature program to reflect its evolving nature.
Current Impact on Girl Scouts and Family Involvement
With the addition of girls to the Cub Scout program, GSUSA made a concerted effort to recruit girl members. In my area, south of Houston, their push was quite successful. However, it did not hinder the BSA's changes in any significant way.
In 2019, many Girl Scout Troops that were formed in the area collapsed, and GSUSA made no significant push at local schools. This year, I noticed no Girl Scout representative competing, whereas my pack had remarkable growth, particularly among Girl Scouts den members. Many of these girls brought their brothers, leading to increased family participation across the board.
Long-Term Adaptation and Future Prospects
While short-term membership numbers may not show a significant drop, GSUSA will need to adapt to a more family-friendly, inclusive environment. Families increasingly prefer such programs, and the adaptation is necessary to remain relevant.
The two organizations are unlikely to consider a merger again. However, their different program offerings will appeal to a broader base of youth than a single merged organization could. Both programs continue to serve their respective members effectively and fill different needs within the community.
-sizing the positive character-building programs offered by both organizations, today's youth need such support more than ever. As both organizations continue to evolve and adapt, they can better serve and support the diverse needs of today's youth.
As the landscape of scouting continues to evolve, it is clear that both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts remain robust organizations with committed leaders and dedicated members. While changes may lead to some shifts, the future of these organizations is not in jeopardy. Instead, they provide invaluable opportunities for personal and group development in a way that resonates with today's youth.