Girls will be able to be part of what was known as the Boy Scout program next month.
The organization’s governing body, Boy Scouts of America, announced in May that girls ages 11-17 would be allowed to join the Boy Scout program which was rebranded as Scouts BSA
Troops will be single-gender and meet independently. Numerous troops have already formed in anticipation for the launch of Scouts BSA, from Beverly Hills and Culver City, to the San Fernando Valley and Lancaster, organizers said.
“The experiences and skills that Scouting provides are incredibly valuable to all youth — not just boys,” said Troop 2019 adult volunteer leader Jessica Pazdernik. “I’m honored to help offer this opportunity to the girls and young women in our community.”
Alexis Shrewsbury, a future Scout from Santa Clarita, said she “can’t wait to go camping, earn merit badges and go on adventures with my friends.”
Some of the girls who plan to join Troop 2019 are coming from the BSA’s Cub Scout program, which opened to girls ages 5-10 last year. Since then, more than 77,000 girls have joined the program, but the troop is also seeing interest from girls who would be joining a BSA program for the first time.
“When I heard it would be possible for me to join Scouting and work to become an Eagle Scout, I knew I had to find a Scouts BSA troop to join,” Anna Fineberg said. “I can’t wait for our troop’s adventures. This is something I have been excited to do for a long time.”
Girls and families who are interested in learning more about Scouts BSA can find a unit near them by visiting BeAScout.org.