The Reasons Why Girls Choose the Boy Scouts Over Girl Guides
Many countries have long allowed girls to join what was traditionally the 'boys' scouts,' but the United States is lagging behind in making the transition to co-ed scouting programs. This article explores the reasons why girls choose to join the Boy Scouts, particularly Scouts BSA, as well as the differences between Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts.
Why Girls Join Scouts BSA
Scout units like Scouts BSA offer a unique experience for many girls who are disillusioned with traditional girl scout programs. My daughter, for instance, has been a member of Scouts BSA for five years and initially joined because it offered more activities that she found fun. Unlike Girl Guides, which are exclusively for girls, Scouts BSA includes a diverse mix of both boys and girls, allowing her to engage in rugged outdoor activities and challenges typically associated with boy scouts. She particularly enjoys the competitive aspects of the program, particularly during the pre-pubescent stage, as she often outperforms boys in various scouting tasks.
Her troop is about one-third girls, a balance that, according to one troop leader, is important to maintain. The leader noted that if the ratio of girls to boys were higher, the boys might start to slack off and allow the girls to take on more of the leadership roles. This is in line with the core principles of scouting, where all members are expected to learn and lead, ensuring that the program is beneficial for everyone involved.
Benefits of Scouts BSA Membership
Several factors contribute to why parents and girls prefer Scouts BSA over Girl Scouts. For one, if there is a family history with the Boy Scouts of America, it means a lot to allow daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and other younger relatives to share in this common experience. For single parents or those seriously challenged by time and budget constraints, having a single program that all children can participate in reduces stress and strain on the family, allowing everyone to get behind a unified program.
Both Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA include outdoor elements, but Scouts BSA includes outdoor activities in its requirements for advancement. While it is possible to find Girl Scout units that camp, it is almost impossible to find Scouts BSA troops that do not. This makes Scouts BSA a valuable choice for those looking for a program with built-in opportunities for outdoor learning and skill development.
Leadership and Training
Another significant difference between the two programs is how leadership is handled. Girl Scouts is more flexible in its approach to leadership, with adult leaders encouraged to let the youth take the lead. The manner in which this leadership is accomplished is up to the leader's discretion, allowing for a range of democratic and collaborative processes. Scouts BSA, on the other hand, has a highly structured leadership system where the troop elects a Senior Patrol Leader who appoints other positions of authority within the troop. Patrol Leaders then report to the Senior Patrol Leader, and members of the patrols report to their Patrol Leaders. Collectively, these leaders make up the Patrol Leader's Council, which sets the agenda and runs the troop.
In terms of training, both organizations offer it, but the availability and cost differ. Girl Scout training tends to be more expensive and is offered less often, focusing on being an activity gateway. For instance, a girl cannot camp unless she completes the necessary Girl Scout camping training. On the other hand, Scouts BSA places a greater emphasis on including training in its requirements, especially for outdoor activities. Adult leader training in Scouts BSA is also made available for free, either online or in person, with more expensive training available for those who seek it. An example is Woodbadge, a managerial course wrapped in scouting terminology that requires nearly a full week of commitment. This extensive and recognized training is available to as many leaders as possible and extends beyond just its use in Scouting.
Overall, both programs offer valuable experiences for youth. It is important to recognize that nothing is preventing girls from participating in both programs if they choose to do so. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what best meets the needs and interests of the individual girl, and both programs contribute positively to their personal development.