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PROGRAMS FOR GIRLS

WELCOMING GIRLS TO THE BSA

Overview

As an organization committed to positive youth development, we are always looking for ways to better meet the needs and expectations of our communities young people and their families. Expanding our programs to welcome girls is the result of this process.

The National Council of the BSA announced on October 11, 2017 that Scouting programs would be expanded to include girls in grades K through 5 in our Cub Scout program beginning in 2018 and for girls from fifth grade to age 18 beginning in 2019. This will include full program participation and the ability to work toward all rank advancements including the Eagle Scout award.

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. In 2019, we will offer a program for older girls using the same curriculum as our Boy Scout program.

We realize there is much to do to prepare, yet we are excited to be able to offer what so many of our families, volunteers and chartered partners have been asking for.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF PROGRAM EXPANSION TO WELCOME GIRLS:

It is a choice and is optional - Chartered organizations, leaders and parents will determine what format best meets the needs of the young people in their community and unit.

It is designed to meet the needs of families and their children - This offers families an important additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children.

It is backed by research and requests – this expansion comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls, the evaluation of numerous research efforts, input from current members and leaders, as well as from parents and girls who've never been involved in Scouting.

It supports today’s families – Families are busier and more diverse than ever. Most are dual-earners and there are more single-parent households than before, making one stop shop/convenient program serving the whole family more appealing.

Implementation details are being developed – A Task Force of volunteers and staff are working hard to have resources in place and shared with stakeholders for the fall 2018 rollout for Cub Scouts and 2019 for Boy Scouts. Their focus is on three primary areas; facilities, program/training and marketing. It is being made up of local volunteers from all levels of our organization and various backgrounds.

There is an option to be an early adopter - Chartered organizations and Cub Scout Packs who meet specific criteria and demonstrate that they are ready to include girls may begin doing so as early as March 1, 2018. Reports from these packs will be made to our task force as part of our learning and planning process to be applied to our full rollout in the fall of 2018.

There will be many points of learning throughout the process and implementation and we will do our best to keep everyone informed using this webpage as our primary source of information.

For Girls
For Parents
For Volunteers
For Charter Organizations
FAQ

Questions:

Colleen Brazier
Deputy Scout Executive/Field
763-231-7210
[email protected]

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