As of Friday, Feb. 1, females fifth grade and up will now be admitted into Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts of America.)
Leanna Holzem, Communications Executive of Samoset Council, says that although females are now able to join at all program levels, everything else about the BSA programs will remain the same. “This is going to give young ladies an opportunity to go through the same program as boys,” Holzem said. “The program’s not changing. The program has always been something boys and girls could benefit from, so there’s no need to change it.”
Program activities include kayaking, camping, hiking, rock climbing, and more while developing skills and friendships that will last a lifetime. Scouts BSA is a year-round program for boys and girls in fifth grade through high school, that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge and responsibility, to help participants become the best version of themselves.
One of the main benefits of the change is females will now be able to acquire the Eagle Scout designation, the highest honor in BSA. “The Eagle Scout rank is so prestigious, and so many youth want to attain that,” Holzem said. “A lot of work goes into obtaining the Eagle Scout rank. Scouts have to earn at least 21 merit badges- eleven of which are required for Eagle Scout- and plan and organize an Eagle Scout project that will benefit the community,”
Leadership within the scout’s troop is also encouraged. A Scout must meet all of these requirements before the age of 18 to achieve the rank of Eagle. Youth 16 years old or older, but not yet 18 as of Feb. 1, may request an extension to earn the Eagle honor, if they register as a member with Scouts BSA on or before Dec. 31. “The Eagle Scout projects will help them with vital characteristics. The knowledge they learn throughout the process by being allowed to lead on those projects, sets them up for leadership later on in life,” Holzem explained.
Are you ready to go places, test yourself, and have one-of-a-kind adventures that can’t be found anywhere else? Join the adventure of a lifetime with Scouts BSA. There are two Girl Troops having Join Nights for those interested to learn more about the program, meet current scouts and leaders, and to sign up for a new, life-changing adventure.
The first join-night was held Tuesday at St. Stephens United church of Christ in Merrill. Another join-night event is set for Monday, February 11, from 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. at McCormick Lodge (behind Samoset Council Service Center) in Weston.
For more information on one of our Join Nights, contact Chirstine Reynebeau at [email protected]. For more information on Samoset Council, call (715) 355-1450.