For generations, my family has held a deep respect for scouting. My father became a member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in 1960, coinciding with the organization’s 50th anniversary. Due to his severe asthma, traditional sports were not an option for him, and scouting provided an avenue for adventure and personal growth that he cherished throughout his life. One of his most treasured moments was passing down a neckerchief slider, a memento from the 1964 Boy Scout Jamboree, to my son during his initiation into scouting, which happened to coincide with BSA’s centennial year.
My father proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and when we cleared out his belongings after his passing in 2012, we discovered a trove of meticulously preserved memories from his scouting journey. Being a Boy Scout was integral to his identity, and he took immense pride in his participation.
Like my father, my siblings and I were introduced to scouting early on. I was a Girl Scout, while my father served as the Cub Master for my brothers’ pack. The experiences I witnessed—my father leading songs, overseeing achievement ceremonies, and returning home from camping trips covered in mud—are etched in my memory. The community spirit was palpable during events like the Blue and Gold dinners and popcorn sales.
When my son became old enough, he was eager to join a local Cub Scout pack. Attending his first meeting felt like a homecoming for me. I watched with pride as he advanced through the ranks, wishing my father could be there to share in the joy of camping adventures with him.
However, my admiration for the BSA has recently been marred by a glaring issue. My daughter, who has actively participated in our Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities, is not allowed to join simply because of her gender. She has been engaged in scouting events, racing a Pinewood Derby car and helping with the Scouting for Food drives since the age of four. Her enthusiasm for the BSA is undeniable, yet she remains sidelined.
We enrolled her in Girl Scouts during kindergarten, where she has created cherished memories and friendships. Her troop leaders have fostered her confidence, providing her a supportive environment during her formative years. Yet, despite her accomplishments, she will not receive the same recognition as her brother when he achieves the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
Becoming an Eagle Scout is an impressive accomplishment, recognized across various sectors, from politics to business. The mere mention of being an Eagle Scout opens doors for young men, a privilege that remains unattainable for girls. The societal elevation of the Eagle rank is clear, and it is a glaring example of systemic gender bias within scouting.
Though it can be argued that the Gold Award in Girl Scouts holds equal merit, the reality is that it lacks the same societal recognition as the Eagle rank. When was the last time you heard about a girl earning the Gold Award in the news? Conversely, Eagle Scout achievements are celebrated widely and frequently.
The Boy Scouts of America seems to be stuck in a bygone era, perpetuating outdated notions of gender roles. Women have achieved remarkable heights in various fields, including STEM and politics, yet scouting remains an arena where boys and girls are segregated. This separation is no longer justifiable.
The argument that girls would disrupt scouting activities is unfounded and distracts from the central issue. It is essential to level the playing field and allow girls to excel alongside boys. They too enjoy archery, hiking, and campfire stories and deserve recognition for their dedication and accomplishments. It’s time for the BSA to step up and allow girls the opportunity to earn the Eagle rank, breaking down barriers for future generations.
If it requires me to be the advocate who ensures my daughter can achieve her dreams, I am ready to take action. After all, I’m a firm believer in paving the way for our children.
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Summary:
The author reflects on their family’s long-standing involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, contrasting their positive experiences with the exclusion of girls from achieving the Eagle Scout rank. While acknowledging the achievements available in Girl Scouts, they argue for equality in scouting, advocating for girls to have the same opportunities as boys. The piece emphasizes the need for the BSA to modernize and recognize the contributions of girls in the same way they do for boys.
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