The BSA’s decision to offer a program for older girls comes from input we received from our Scouting families, as well as prospective Scouting families. We understand that families today are busier and more diverse than ever. In fact:

• Most are dual-earners.
• There are more single-parent households than in previous decades.
• Many underserved communities, including fastest-growing Hispanic and Asian communities, prefer to participate in activities as a family.
• And, all families have less free time. More than one-third of parents feel they spend too little free time with their kids, and millennial parents are desperate to spend more time interacting with their kids.

The BSA believes we owe it to families to structure our program offerings in a way that fits into their busy lives to deliver character development and values-based leadership training that Scouting promises.

Since all single-gender troops run the same Scouting program, earn the same merit badges and achieve the same ranks, there should be one program name.

The Scouts BSA program is not co-ed. The leadership of the BSA determined that the best way to welcome girls and serve today’s families was to offer a unique model that builds on the proven benefits of our single-gender program, while also providing character and leadership opportunities for both boys and girls.

All members of Scouts BSA are called Scouts. For example, “I’m in Scouts BSA, so I am a Scout.”

Since February 2019 over 31,000 girls have joined Scouts BSA.

No. Our existing programs are relevant for young men and women. After all, the values of Scouting as outlined in the Scout Law – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent – are relevant and important values for both young men and young women.

All uniforms continue to be reviewed and adjusted to meet participant needs. While the fit and styling may be a bit different, the uniforms remain fundamentally the same.

Yes. All members of Scouts BSA are eligible to earn merit badges.

Yes. Young women have the opportunity to earn the Eagle Scout rank by meeting the same criteria and achievements as young men.

Yes, an adult male can lead an all-girl unit, just as we already have adult females leading all-boy programs. Youth protection requirements still apply to both male and female participants. 

Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader over 21 in every unit that is serving females. A registered female adult leader over 21 must be present for any activity involving female youth. Not withstanding the minimum leader requirements, age- and program- appropriate supervision must always be provided. 

Eligible volunteers need to be: 
1) 21 and over 
2) Registered as a volunteer with the BSA 
3) Have gone through a background check, and 
4) Be up to date on Youth Protection training 

This is a change from our previous policy where one leader could be 21 years of age or older with a second leader who could be 18 years of age or older.