There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the Scouts lately! To provide some personal context: my community has a strong Scouting presence. My daughter thoroughly enjoys being a Brownie, thanks to the dedicated moms who make it an enriching experience. Conversely, my son tried being a Cub Scout but soon lost interest, much to my husband’s chagrin, who fondly recalls his own Boy Scout days. For our son, it just didn’t resonate, and even though most of his peers continued, he chose to step away.
Admittedly, it was a challenging decision for me to allow him to join. Brownies seemed like a straightforward choice, but the Boy Scouts historically lacked inclusivity. They only recently removed their ban on gay Scouts, and their stance still appears conflicted. However, our local troop exemplifies the values of our community, and once I realized my son wouldn’t encounter any anti-gay rhetoric, I decided to set aside my concerns and enroll him.
Recent news stories further illuminate the differing paths of these two organizations. The latest for the Boy Scouts? No more water gun fights. While they can still shoot at targets, they are prohibited from shooting at one another, as kindness is a core value, and such playful actions might not align with that principle.
While this policy has drawn laughter, I understand the intention behind it. However, it seems to overlook the essence of play. I recall a day when my daughter rushed in, eager to change into her swimsuit so her brother could shoot her with a water gun—a game they both found delightful. She was excited to be the target of his friendly fire.
On the other hand, the Girl Scouts are currently facing criticism for permitting transgender girls to join, provided they are recognized by their families and communities as girls. This has sparked protests, notably from groups like the American Family Association, which has raised concerns regarding the acceptance of transgender identities.
This is a complex issue, and while I won’t delve deeply into it here, it reflects the broader cultural shifts we are experiencing. As same-sex marriage gains legal recognition in more states, and public figures like Taylor Swift and Laverne Cox raise awareness about transgender issues, we’re engaging in conversations previously unaddressed, grappling with their implications on our laws and social norms.
From my perspective, both organizations should continue to evolve and prosper. The Girl Scouts appear to be more forward-thinking, while the Boy Scouts seem to lag behind. They still prohibit gay troop leaders (though they are reportedly making progress on that front), and their water gun policy, despite its well-meaning intent, reveals a disconnect with reality. While teaching kindness to boys is vital, there’s nothing unkind about a lighthearted water gun battle.
The Boy Scouts articulated their rationale well when they discussed the inclusion of gay Scouts: “While people have different opinions about this policy, we can all agree that kids are better off when they are in Scouting.” Meanwhile, the Girl Scouts recognize the need to stay relevant. As early as 2009, they focused on reaching urban and minority girls while addressing modern issues like environmentalism and engineering. Eileen Doyle, vice president of program at the Girl Scouts of the USA, stated, “There is consistency in our goals throughout our history, but we can maintain that while being fun, edgy and challenging for modern-day girls.”
Boy Scouts, it’s time to take note.
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In summary, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts currently represent contrasting paths, with the former grappling with modern issues of inclusivity while the latter embraces them. As our society evolves, both organizations must adapt to remain relevant and beneficial for future generations.