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Boy Scouts, Take a Page from the Girl Scouts: We Need You Both
Hey there! There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the Scouts, and I can’t help but share my thoughts. Just to give you some context, in my neighborhood, Scouting is pretty popular. My daughter is thriving as a Brownie, thanks to the amazing moms who run the program. On the flip side, my son tried Cub Scouts but ended up quitting, much to my husband’s disappointment. He loved his time as a Boy Scout, but it just wasn’t for our son.
Honestly, deciding to let him join was tough for me. Brownies were an easy choice, but the Boy Scouts have had a history of being less inclusive. They only just lifted their ban on gay Scouts, and there still seems to be some confusion around it. However, our local troop aligns with the values of our community, and once I realized my son wouldn’t encounter any anti-gay attitudes, I put my reservations aside and signed him up.
Recent news stories highlight the contrasts between these two organizations and hint at their future directions. The Boy Scouts recently decided to ban water gun fights. Sure, they can still shoot water at targets, but not at each other. The reasoning? Shooting at each other isn’t kind. It’s a bit of a laugh, but I get the sentiment; they seem to be missing the mark, though. Kids play in all sorts of ways, and just because some play is rough doesn’t make it unkind. I remember my daughter asking to change into her bathing suit just so my son could shoot her with a water gun. They thought it was a blast!
Meanwhile, the Girl Scouts are facing some pushback for allowing transgender girls to join, as long as the child is recognized by their family and community as a girl. This controversy, driven mainly by groups like the American Family Association, showcases the evolving discussions around gender identity in our society. We’re navigating a major cultural shift, especially as topics like gay marriage become more accepted, and figures like Janet and Laverne Cox shed light on transgender issues.
I genuinely hope both organizations can continue to thrive. However, it feels like the Girl Scouts are moving forward, while the Boy Scouts are stuck in the past. They still don’t allow gay troop leaders (though they’re starting to address that), and their approach to the water gun issue feels disconnected from reality. Teaching kindness to boys is essential, but there’s nothing unkind about having a playful water gun fight.
The Boy Scouts had a good point when they acknowledged that while opinions on their policies differ, kids benefit from being part of Scouting. On the other hand, the Girl Scouts understand the need to adapt to remain relevant. For instance, they’ve focused on including more urban and minority girls and tackling modern issues like environmental awareness. Eileen, the VP of programs at the Girl Scouts, has emphasized that they can maintain their core values while being fun and engaging for today’s girls.
So, Boy Scouts, pay attention!
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In summary, the Boy Scouts need to reevaluate their approach and adapt to the changing times, just like the Girl Scouts are doing. Both organizations can offer unique experiences for kids, but inclusivity and understanding are key to their futures.