Program for Older Girls Information

Dear Boy Scouts Troop Leaders and Board Members:

As you know, the National Executive Board announced last October that girls could join Cub Scouting starting in the fall of 2018 and the Boy Scout program starting in 2019.  Attached is some additional information as it pertains to the older girls program.  The start date will be February 1, 2019…..just 11 months from now!

Charter partners will have the option of having only an “all boy” troop, only an “all girl” troop, or have 2 linked troops, one for boys and one for girls.  A linked troop can have the same committee, but would need different Scoutmasters.  The 2 troops could have a join opening and closing, but activities should be done separately.  Troops could also do join campouts and other activities together.

Youth protection guidelines are pretty straight forward.  If an overnight with girls, a female leader must be present. 

What does this mean for my troop now?

  • If you and your charter organization wish to start an “all girls” troop starting February 2019, you can start planning now.  This would include identifying a Scoutmaster and getting them trained.  An Outdoor Leader Skills course will take place on June 8-10 at Camp Cedar Point.

  • If you have current Scouting families with girls that will be ages 11-17 next February, that family may want to take advantage of the “Cuyuna Family Experience” June 28-30 this summer.  The cost is $50/family member and will give girls a since of what Camp Cuyuna will be like next summer.  They will have a chance to shoot .22, shotguns, archery, participated in aquatics activities, climb on tower, and more.

  • During school night this fall, know which packs will be accepting girls as part of their programs.  Girls that join and are in the 5th grade will be able to “move up” into a troop in February.

  • If you would like someone to talk to your charter partner about starting an all girls troop with you, please let us know.  The professional staff and membership committee are willing and able to help.

Please see below the attached documents for more information.

Raymond Brauer
Scout Executive