A few months ago we echoed the small, but important, changes that the well-known American organization Boy Scouts is making to integrate girls into their different programs, from childhood to adolescence.
Today we have known that from February next year the program aimed at young people between 11 and 17 years known as "Boy Scouts", will cease to be called that way to become "Scouts BSA"; a name change that implies one more step towards gender equality.
The word "boy" is removed from the "Boy Scouts" program
Late last year, the Boy Scouts announced the incorporation of girls in their ranks, a measure that since January 2018 is being carried out progressively, incorporating girls little by little in the different programs that make up the organization.
The first program to admit girls has been the "Cub Scouts", aimed at children between 7 and 10 years old, and it is estimated that early next year the girls can already be part of the "Boy Scouts" program, aimed at teenagers between 11 and 17 years old.
With the incorporation of girls to this new adolescent program, the organization has proposed a change in its name, so that in February 2019 it will be renamed "Scout BSA", eliminating the word "boy" of the title and therefore, gender differences.
At the moment, the nomenclature changes focus only on the titles of the programs and not on the name of the organization, which continues to be called the "Boy Scouts of America"."As we enter a new era for our organization, we have thought it important that all young people are reflected in the Scout Movement in all possible ways. That is why we have decided to change the name of our Scouting program for young people, and go in the same line as the unique name, and without distinction of gender, used for the "Cub Scouts" program
"Thus, as of February 2019, the name of the oldest youth program will be" BSA Scouts, "and the name of our iconic organization will continue to be" Boy Scouts of America "- said Michael Surbaugh, chief executive of the organization.
Since they began with the integration of girls in their "Cub Scouts" program, the organization has indicated that there are already 3,000 minors who have joined the club, a figure that will intensify this summer with the new recruitment campaign, Scout Me In.
Boy Scouts of America launches historic 'Scout Me In' campaign and unveils the new name for its iconic program for older boys and girls. #ScoutMeIn //t.co/a0qmZz2BXd
- Boy Scouts - BSA (@boyscouts) May 2, 2018
Why girls also want to be part of the "Scout BSA" program
The fact that girls can become part of the "BSA Scouts" program is a very important step for them, since like their male partners, They can opt for the coveted Eagle Scout, the most prestigious and recognized badge of the organization that brings long-term benefits, both in the academic and professional fields.
This advance in the integration of girls into the Boy Scouts has put the Girl Scouts on a war footing, who are already preparing an aggressive campaign to recruit or retain girls within their organization.
Among the initiatives they are preparing is the creation of numerous new badges that girls will be able to earn, developing activities both outdoors and science, engineering, technology and mathematics.
Same opportunities for everyone
These changes that the organization is carrying out represent an important advance for girls, since it offers them the possibility of opt for the same awards as the boys, and participate in the same type of activities as them, regardless of sex.
But nevertheless, the new direction that the Boy Scouts are taking does not seem to make everyone feel good, and many complain about the incorporation of the girls in the organization, when they already have their own club (the Girl Scouts).
There are even those who have dared to say on Twitter that girls will only be an important element of distraction for boys, a comment that has raised harsh criticism:
As an Eagle Scout, I am extremely disappointed in the direction the BSA is moving. The decision to allow girls in was a mistake that not only harms the BSA and its members but also the Girl Scouts.
- Chandler Lassen (@chandler_lassen) May 2, 2018
"As Eagle Scout, I am very disappointed with the direction in which the BSA moves. The decision to allow the entry of girls was a mistake that not only harms the BSA and its members, but also the Girl Scouts."
The organization was founded to prepare young boys for war; creating a young generation of prepared officers and enlisted men to lead their comrades in battle. Allowing girls into Boy Scouts is a distraction for young boys and will become an issue
- Chandler Lassen (@chandler_lassen) May 2, 2018
"The organization was founded to prepare young people for war; creating a young generation of prepared officers and enlisted men to lead their peers in battle. Allowing girls to participate in Boy Scouts is a distraction for young children and will become a problem"
Are girls a distraction to boys in school? Should we have separate schools for boys and girls?
- Kyle Whipple (@K_Whipple) May 2, 2018
"Are girls a distraction for boys in school? Should we have boys separated from girls in schools?"
As a old Ambassador Girl Scout I think your ideas are sexist, archaic and discriminatory, very outdated and no longer functional
- Lori ** RESISTS ** (@ Ladybounty2000) May 2, 2018
"As a Girl Scout ambassador I think her ideas are sexist, archaic and discriminatory, very outdated and no longer functional"
And I'm reminding you the world is evolving. Welcome to the 21st century Scouts! pic.twitter.com/dIhHM0wc8y
- Ryan 🇺🇸 619253808🤙 (@ Jeditanker19K) May 2, 2018
"I remind you that the world is evolving. Welcome to the Scouts of the 21st century!"
And to you, What opinion do you deserve this historical changes?
Via time
In Babies and More For the first time in 100 years, the Boys Scouts of the United States will allow girls to participate in their full program, Gender differences already begin in childhood: boys receive more pay than girls, 100 macho phrases that women listen from girls (and hopefully our daughters don't hear them anymore)
