Hey there, Boy Scouts of America! It’s about time you took a good hard look at your outdated views on gender and moved forward.
For three generations, my family has been all in when it comes to scouting. My dad joined the Boy Scouts of America back in 1960, the same year they celebrated their 50th anniversary. With asthma keeping him from sports, scouting opened up a world of adventure and purpose that stayed with him until the end. One of his proudest moments was handing down a neckerchief slider—shaped like a fist—from the Boy Scout Jamboree in ’64 to my son when he joined scouting during the BSA’s 100th anniversary.
Dad earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and after he passed away in 2012, we uncovered a treasure trove of his scouting memories, carefully labeled and preserved. Being a Boy Scout shaped who he was, and he wore that badge of honor with pride.
Like Dad, my brothers and I were involved in scouting from a young age—though I was a Girl Scout while he served as Cub Master for my brothers. I fondly remember him leading songs, presiding over ceremonies, and returning home from camping trips covered in mud. Scouting events were a family affair, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and yes, even popcorn sales!
So naturally, when my son was old enough, we enrolled him in Cub Scouts. The first meeting felt like home. I watched the Cub Master lead the boys in songs, and my heart swelled with pride as my son earned rank after rank. I often wish my dad could have shared those camping adventures with him.
While I cherish the experiences the BSA offers, I can’t help but feel conflicted. My daughter has grown up in scouting, attending meetings and participating in activities alongside her male peers. She’s even raced a Pinewood Derby car and collected food for their annual food drive since she was 4. She loves scouting and is passionate about it. Yet, she’s barred from joining simply because she’s a girl.
We enrolled her in Girl Scouts when she started kindergarten, and I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. Her troop has empowered her and provided her with lifelong friendships. But here’s the kicker: my daughter won’t receive the same recognition her brother will when he reaches the prestigious Eagle rank.
The Eagle Scout rank isn’t just a badge; it’s a ticket to opportunities. Many influential leaders, from politicians to astronauts, proudly wear it, and my son will benefit from that recognition. Meanwhile, when was the last time you heard about a girl achieving the Gold Award in Girl Scouts? Let’s be real—while it’s a respected honor, it doesn’t carry the same weight in society as the Eagle rank does.
It’s a classic case of patriarchy at play. Boys can proudly list Eagle Scout on their resumes while girls remain sidelined. It’s 2023, and it’s time to shatter that notion completely. Women today are breaking glass ceilings in every field, yet we still cling to outdated gender divisions in scouting.
And please, spare me the excuses about girls somehow corrupting boys—I’m not talking about co-ed camping or shared bathrooms. I’m advocating for equal recognition and opportunities for girls in scouting. Just like boys, girls enjoy archery, hiking, and campfire stories. They deserve the same accolades. It’s high time, BSA!
My daughter should have the chance to earn the Eagle rank and enjoy those open doors just like her brother. If that means being the determined mom who clears the path for her, then so be it. As a proud Girl Scout, I’m ready to pave the way!
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In Summary
The Boy Scouts of America need to reevaluate their stance on gender inclusion. It’s time for a change that acknowledges girls’ contributions and allows them to achieve the same honors as boys. Equal recognition in scouting shouldn’t be a dream—it should be a reality.