For generations, my family has been a proud supporter of scouting. My father became a member of the Boy Scouts of America in 1960, during the organization’s 50th anniversary. Due to his severe asthma, sports were not an option for him, but scouting opened doors to adventure, travel, and a sense of purpose that stayed with him until his passing. One of his greatest joys was passing down a neckerchief slider from the 1964 Boy Scout Jamboree to my son, who wore it with pride at his first meeting in the BSA’s 100th anniversary year.
My father achieved the coveted rank of Eagle Scout, and after he passed away in 2012, we discovered a treasure trove of meticulously preserved memories from his scouting days. The values and experiences he gained through scouting were integral to who he was, and he always cherished his involvement.
My brothers and I also participated in scouting from a young age. While I was a Girl Scout, my father served as the Cub Master for my brothers’ pack, leading them in songs and celebrating their achievements. I fondly remember the camaraderie of family gatherings at Cub Scout events like the Blue and Gold dinners and popcorn sales.
When my son was finally old enough to join Cub Scouts, we enrolled him eagerly. Attending the first pack meeting felt like coming home. I watched with pride as my son earned rank after rank, wishing my father could have shared those camping experiences with him.
However, my admiration for the BSA has been overshadowed by a harsh reality: my daughter, despite her enthusiasm for scouting, is excluded simply because she is a girl. She has participated in Cub Scout events, raced a Pinewood Derby car, and contributed to their Scouting for Food drive since she was four. Yet, she is not allowed to join the ranks of the Boy Scouts.
We enrolled her in Girl Scouts, where she has formed lasting friendships and found empowerment through her troop leaders. While I value her experiences there, the disparity in recognition between the Eagle Scout rank and the Gold Award in Girl Scouts cannot be ignored. The Eagle rank is a prestigious achievement, often associated with notable figures in society, while the Gold Award does not carry the same weight in public perception.
When was the last time you read about a girl achieving the Gold Award? Meanwhile, stories of boys achieving Eagle Scout rank are common in the news. The Eagle rank is simply more recognized and respected, providing boys with opportunities that girls do not have.
It’s time to challenge this outdated mindset. Women have shattered ceilings in various fields, and it’s perplexing that we still endorse a separation in scouting based on gender. The argument that girls would disrupt boys in camping situations is outdated and irrelevant. This is about equal opportunities for all children to excel in activities they enjoy, whether it be archery, hiking, or campfire storytelling.
My daughter deserves the same recognition and opportunities as her brother. If I need to be the one to advocate for her, I will. As a passionate supporter of her journey, I am ready to help her break down barriers.
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In summary, the Boy Scouts of America must confront its gender biases and allow girls the same opportunities for achievement and recognition that boys receive. It’s time to level the playing field and ensure that every child, regardless of gender, can pursue their passions in scouting.