For three generations, my family has been devoted to scouting. My grandfather, Jack, became a member of the Boy Scouts of America in 1960, coinciding with the organization’s 50th anniversary. Due to his severe asthma, sports weren’t an option for him, and scouting provided a way to explore the world, travel, and instilled a sense of purpose that remained with him until his passing. One of his most cherished moments was handing down a neckerchief slider he earned at the 1964 Jamboree to my son. This token, carved into the shape of a fist, was proudly worn by my son during his first meeting in the 100th anniversary year of the BSA.
Jack achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and after he passed away in 2012, we discovered a treasure trove of memories meticulously labeled and preserved in his closet. Scouting was interwoven into the fabric of the man he became, and he took great pride in his involvement.
Like my grandfather, my siblings and I were immersed in scouting from a young age. I was a Girl Scout while my grandfather served as the Cub Master for my brothers’ pack. I fondly remember watching him lead songs, conduct rank ceremonies, and return home from camping trips covered in mud. Family participation was encouraged, and I cherish the camaraderie built during annual Blue and Gold dinners and popcorn sales at local stores.
When my son reached the appropriate age, he was excited to join his own Cub Scout pack. The first pack meeting felt like coming home for me. I watched the Cub Master lead the boys in songs and beamed with pride as my son achieved rank after rank. I wish Jack could have shared in those camping experiences with my son; it would have filled him with joy.
Despite my enduring admiration for the BSA and the opportunities it provides, I have recently found myself grappling with its outdated views on gender. My daughter, Jenna, has also grown up surrounded by scouting activities. She’s attended meetings, participated in crafts, and made friends with boys in their blue or tan uniforms. She has raced a Pinewood Derby car and helped collect food for the annual Scouting for Food drive since she was four.
Jenna is passionate about scouting and fully supports its initiatives. Yet, she is barred from joining simply because she is a girl.
We enrolled her in Girl Scouts in kindergarten, and I wouldn’t trade the incredible memories she has made with her troop. Her leaders have empowered her, and the friendships she has formed are invaluable as she navigates her pre-teen years. However, she will not receive the same recognition as her brother when he achieves the prestigious Eagle rank.
The journey to Eagle Scout is no small feat; it is a widely acknowledged honor. Countless politicians, astronauts, and CEOs have reached this rank, and the mere mention of it often opens doors for boys. Our friends who are Eagle Scouts eagerly anticipate my son’s achievement, welcoming him into an exclusive club.
This is where the patriarchy is glaringly apparent, and it’s time to dismantle it.
It’s often suggested that the Girl Scouts’ Gold Award carries equal weight. While it’s true that earning this honor requires significant effort, let’s be real: it doesn’t hold the same societal prestige. When was the last time you heard about a girl achieving the Gold Award? Now think about how frequently you encounter news stories about boys earning their Eagle rank or participating in Eagle projects. Despite claims that Boy Scouts have better retention rates, the truth remains—the Eagle rank is more esteemed.
Only boys can earn this rank, which translates into resumes that highlight their capabilities and employability. Boys walk into job interviews confident in their connection as fellow Eagle Scouts.
Hey, BSA, the 1960s called, and they want their outdated views on gender back.
Today, women have shattered glass ceilings across various fields, and while opportunities have expanded, we still cling to the antiquated notion that scouting must be gender-segregated. What’s the reasoning behind this?
And let’s not entertain the misguided idea that my daughter would somehow disrupt the boys simply by sharing a tent. I’m not advocating for mixed camping arrangements; I’m calling for equal recognition of girls’ achievements in scouting. Girls enjoy archery, hiking, and campfire stories just as much. They deserve the same accolades for their hard work.
It’s high time for the BSA to allow my daughter the chance to earn the Eagle rank, opening doors for her future as well. If it means I have to be the one to advocate for her rights, so be it. I’m a Girl Scout, and I’m ready to pave the way.
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Summary
The Boy Scouts of America must confront its outdated views on gender, allowing girls equal opportunities to achieve recognition and honors, particularly the Eagle rank. As women break barriers in various fields, it’s time for scouting to reflect this progress and embrace inclusivity.