My family has enthusiastically supported scouting for over three generations. My grandfather became involved with 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, and scouting provided a chance for him to broaden his horizons, travel, and find a lifelong sense of purpose. One of his proudest moments was passing down a neckerchief slider from the 1964 Jamboree to my son, who wore it proudly to his first Cub Scout meeting in the BSA’s centennial year.
My grandfather earned the Eagle Scout rank, and when we went through his belongings after his passing in 2012, we found a treasure trove of mementos from his scouting adventures, all carefully preserved. Being a Boy Scout played a significant role in shaping the man he became, and he cherished his time in the organization.
Like him, my siblings and I were involved in scouting from a young age. I was a Girl Scout while my grandfather served as the Cub Master for my brothers. I fondly remember him leading songs, presiding over ceremonies, and returning home from camping trips covered in mud. Family participation was encouraged, and I still cherish the camaraderie from Blue and Gold dinners and popcorn sales.
When my son reached the age to join Cub Scouts, we enrolled him in our local pack. Attending that first meeting felt like coming home. I witnessed the Cub Master lead the boys in songs, and I beamed with pride as my son achieved rank after rank. I only wish my grandfather could have been there to experience those camping adventures with him.
While I appreciate the opportunities the BSA has provided my son, I’ve recently begun to see their image in a different light. My daughter, too, has been involved in our local scouting community, attending meetings and participating in activities. She has raced a Pinewood Derby car and helped collect food for the annual Scouting for Food drive since she was just four years old.
She is passionate about scouting and loves being part of it. Yet, the harsh reality is that she is excluded from joining simply because she’s a girl.
We enrolled her in Girl Scouts when she began kindergarten, and I can genuinely say that the memories she has created with her troop are irreplaceable. Her leaders have instilled confidence in her, and the friendships she has formed are invaluable, especially as she navigates the complexities of her pre-teen years. However, she will not receive the same recognition as her brother when he reaches the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout.
Achieving Eagle Scout is a significant accomplishment, and it carries considerable prestige. Many influential figures have earned this honor, and when my son mentions it, opportunities open up for him. Our friends who are Eagle Scouts eagerly welcome him into their ranks as he approaches this milestone.
This is a clear reflection of societal patriarchy, and it’s time to dismantle that notion.
While one might argue that the Girl Scouts’ highest honor, the Gold Award, holds equal merit, the reality is that it does not carry the same weight in our society. When was the last time you heard about a girl achieving the Gold Award? Now think about how frequently you read or hear in the news about a boy earning his Eagle rank or completing his Eagle project. Even if the Boy Scouts have higher retention rates, the Eagle rank is still viewed as a more significant achievement.
Boys get to showcase their Eagle rank on resumes, gaining instant recognition as capable and employable individuals. They benefit from the connection of being fellow Eagle Scouts during job interviews.
Hey, BSA, it’s 2023. It’s time to let go of outdated standards.
Women have shattered glass ceilings in countless fields today. They have fought for recognition in STEM and politics, yet we still uphold the notion that boys and girls must be segregated in scouting. Why is that?
Let’s not distract from the core message with discussions about mixed camping arrangements. I’m advocating for equal opportunities and recognition for girls in scouting. Girls can enjoy archery, hiking, and campfire stories just as much as boys do. It’s time for the BSA to step up.
My daughter deserves the chance to earn the Eagle rank, and if that means I have to be the driving force behind her breaking down barriers, then so be it. I’m ready to pave the way for her just as much as any Girl Scout would.
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Summary
The Boy Scouts of America must confront their gender bias and allow girls to earn the same prestigious ranks as boys. While organizations like the Girl Scouts offer valuable experiences, the societal recognition of achievements like Eagle Scout perpetuates inequality. It’s time for change, and girls should have equal opportunities in scouting.