Little girls who’ve wanted to walk in their older brothers’ footsteps by joining the Boy Scouts instead of the girls’ organization will get their chance very soon. The Boy Scouts of America has recently announced that it will open its doors to all kids, no matter their gender. Scout’s honor!
In an effort to offer girls around the country the same benefits, survival skills and leadership training its male counterparts receive, the Boy Scouts has decided to admit girls into its Cub Scout and Scouting programs for the first time since being established in 1910. Some are criticizing the Boy Scouts of America for changing up the “boys only” club rule for the sake of boosting its dwindling membership as well as neglecting the benefits of growing and learning alongside other girls, but others are thrilled with the soon-to-be coed organization. For one thing, parents of boys and girls will only have to drop off their tot at the same place instead of two separate locations.
Beginning in 2018, girls in grades 1–5 will be allowed to sign up for the Cub Scouts program where scout dens, or small groups, will continue to be single-gender. In 2019, older girls will be able to join a program that will put them on track to become a highly-ranked Eagle Scout. To learn more about the Boy Scouts’ announcement and exciting changes in the works, visit scouting.org, or learn about local troops on bsa-gnyc.org. And find lots more amazing programs for kids by browsing through our picks for the best after-school programs, summer camps and all types of classes for the little ones.
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