People
Local Boy Scouts chapter has welcomed 525 girls to Cub Scout packs over past year
BSA announced in October 2017 that local Councils could accept girls in 2018. The organization hoped to sign up 300 girls total in 2018 and has exceeded its goal.
Although the BSA has served girls in the Venturing, Sea Scout and Exploring programs for four decades, girls could not previously join Cub Scout Packs for elementary school youth or Boy Scout troops for middle and high school youth.
“We are thrilled to serve the whole family and welcome the first girls into Cub Scouting,” McGovern said. “With all the challenges that youth face in today’s society, Scouting provides valuable character and leadership training, lifelong lessons and outdoor fun. This is an exciting time for Scouting.”
The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America announced in October 2017 that local Councils could accept girls in 2018. The Heart of Virginia Council, which serves 24 counties and four cities across Central Virginia, hoped to sign up 300 girls total in 2018 and has exceeded its goal with a month and a half left in its recruiting efforts.
The older girl’s program for 11-18-year-olds will welcome girls in February 2019. This new program, which follows the Boy Scouting model, features girls in their own Troops and will be named Scouts USA.
