Beginning in 2018, young girls will be able to join Cub Scouts and advance to the highest rank in BSA, Eagle Scout. Their announcement was made on #DayOfTheGirl.
The statement from BSA reads in part:
Today, the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors unanimously approved to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls, the organization evaluated the results of numerous research efforts, gaining input from current members and leaders, as well as parents and girls who’ve never been involved in Scouting – to understand how to offer families an important additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children.
They go on to cite a few surveys supporting the claim that many families of young girls are looking for programs like what are being offered in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. They also are looking at bringing families closer and making their lives more convenient in today’s busy times.
Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive, said:
“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. 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.”