When Did Girls Join Scouts BSA? A Timeline of Milestones and Achievements

Scouting has always been about adventure, growth, and building lifelong skills. For over a century, these opportunities were mostly limited to boys in the Boy Scouts of America. That changed in recent years when girls officially joined Scouts BSA, opening up new possibilities for everyone who loves the outdoors and wants to make a difference.

In this article, we’ll walk through the key moments that led to girls joining Scouts BSA. You’ll learn how the program evolved, why these changes happened, and what it means for Scouts and families today. Whether you’re a Scout, a parent, or a leader, understanding this timeline will help you appreciate the path that brought us here and the exciting future ahead.

The Early Years and the First Steps Toward Inclusion

Scouting in America began in 1910, with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) focused solely on boys. For decades, girls could participate only through separate organizations like the Girl Scouts of the USA, which started in 1912 and developed its own traditions and grade-level programs. Many families don’t realize that the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts were always separate organizations, with completely different badges, activities, and advancement paths. This separation meant that siblings often had entirely different Scouting experiences, even though both organizations shared similar values of character development and outdoor skills.

The first major shift came in the early 1970s when BSA recognized that older youth were interested in career exploration and adventure activities that could benefit both boys and girls. This recognition led to important changes that would slowly open doors for female participation in BSA programs.

Coed Programs Emerge: 1970s to 1990s

The breakthrough moment arrived in 1971 when BSA introduced the Exploring program, allowing girls to join for the first time. However, this wasn’t a complete integration. Girls could only participate in certain activities focused on career exploration and adventure, and the program was limited to youth aged 14 and older. This marked the first time in BSA history that girls could wear a BSA uniform and participate in official BSA activities.

During the late 1970s, Sea Scouts and the emerging Venturing programs also became coed, offering more options for girls interested in leadership and outdoor skills. These programs provided valuable opportunities for young women to develop the same leadership capabilities and outdoor competencies that had traditionally been available only to boys through BSA.

These programs remained separate from the main Boy Scouts program, which continued to be limited to boys only. The coed programs served as testing grounds for gender integration, proving that boys and girls could work together effectively in Scouting environments while maintaining the organization’s core values.

To better understand the evolution of BSA’s inclusion efforts, this video provides excellent historical context about how these programs developed over time:

This comprehensive overview covers the founding of BSA, the development of Sea Scouts (10:48), and the critical timeline of gender integration including the establishment of all-girl dens in 2017 and Scouts BSA in 2019 (15:48-17:00). The video demonstrates how BSA’s commitment to being “friendly, courteous, and kind to everyone” eventually led to today’s inclusive policies.

These early coed programs proved that BSA’s methods and values could successfully serve both boys and girls. The success of Exploring, Sea Scouts, and Venturing provided the foundation and evidence needed for the organization’s eventual decision to open all programs to girls. Young women in these programs earned the same leadership skills, outdoor competencies, and character development that made BSA programs valuable for boys.

The gradual expansion of coed opportunities also helped BSA leadership understand how to maintain the organization’s core mission while serving a broader population. These programs demonstrated that including girls enriched the Scout experience by bringing diverse perspectives and talents to patrol activities, service projects, and leadership roles.

Opening the Doors: Girls in Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA

By the 2010s, interest grew in making all Scouting programs accessible to both boys and girls. The BSA Board voted unanimously on October 11, 2017, to allow girls into all programs, aligning with the organization’s mission to serve all youth. This historic decision came after extensive research showing that 90 percent of parents not involved with BSA expressed interest in getting their daughters involved in programs like Cub Scouts.

The implementation rolled out in phases to ensure a smooth transition. Girls officially joined Cub Scouts in 2018, starting with the Lion Cub den for the youngest members. This allowed families to test the waters and see how the new structure would work in practice. The following year brought an even bigger change when the Boy Scouts program was renamed Scouts BSA, and girls were welcomed into newly chartered all-girl troops. For the first time in the organization’s history, girls could pursue the Eagle Scout rank.

Why the Change Happened

The decision was made after years of listening to families and understanding their changing needs. Families wanted shared experiences for all their children, especially busy parents juggling multiple activities and schedules. Instead of driving to separate meetings and camps for sons and daughters, families could now participate together in one unified Scouting experience.

BSA aimed to provide leadership and adventure opportunities to everyone, recognizing that the skills Scouts learn are equally valuable regardless of gender. Research consistently showed that parents valued the character development, outdoor skills, and leadership training that Scouting provided. The move reflected changing values and a commitment to inclusivity, but it also made practical sense for modern families.

Many families discovered that having siblings in the same program created natural mentorship opportunities. Older Scouts could guide younger ones through advancement requirements, and parents found it easier to support their children’s Scouting journey when everyone was working toward similar goals. The change allowed families to build stronger connections through shared outdoor adventures and service projects.

The transition required careful planning to maintain the single-gender troop structure that many families preferred. All-girl troops operate with the same advancement requirements and outdoor program as traditional troops, ensuring that the Scouting experience remains consistent. This approach respected families who wanted their children to have both coed activities and single-gender peer groups during their formative years.

Leadership development became a key selling point as parents recognized that girls needed the same confidence-building experiences that had benefited boys for over a century. The patrol method, outdoor adventures, and service projects all translated naturally to mixed-gender participation. BSA’s research showed that leadership skills, outdoor confidence, and community service values were just as important for girls as for boys.

Achievements and Growth Since 2019

Since girls joined Scouts BSA, participation and achievements have grown quickly. By 2024, more than 176,000 girls have joined Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts, representing nearly 16% of total membership across all Scouting America programs. This rapid growth demonstrates the strong demand for co-ed Scouting opportunities that families had been requesting for years.

The most impressive milestone has been in Eagle Scout achievements. More than 6,000 girls have earned the Eagle Scout rank, the highest achievement in Scouting, since the program opened to them in 2019. To put this in perspective, typically only 4-8% of all Scouts earn Eagle Scout in any given year, making these achievements particularly noteworthy. In 2023 alone, 11 of the 259 Eagle Scouts who earned the rank were young women, showing steady progress toward gender balance in this elite achievement.

Girls now participate in every aspect of Scouting, from camping and high-adventure activities to service projects and leadership roles. They attend summer camps, participate in jamborees, and take on the same challenging outdoor adventures that have defined Scouting for over a century. The integration has been smooth, with girl troops following the same advancement requirements and earning the same ranks as their male counterparts.

The stories of these pioneering female Eagle Scouts offer powerful inspiration for current Scouts working toward their own Eagle rank. Their journeys show that success comes from focusing on the steps that create results, whether that means mastering leadership skills, organizing community service projects, or developing outdoor competencies.

This video showcases the journey of one of the first female Eagle Scouts in her region, highlighting the dedication and community support that made her achievement possible. Key moments include her discussion of project requirements (6:43) and how local businesses like 84 Lumber and Ace Hardware supported her Eagle project (7:15). She also addresses the prestige and recognition that comes with earning Eagle Scout compared to other youth awards (10:25).

Impact on Scouting and the Community

Girl troops bring fresh perspectives and energy to Scouting events. Many Scouting leaders report that co-ed activities often feature more collaborative approaches to problem-solving and increased focus on community service projects. The diverse leadership styles that emerge from mixed-gender Scouting environments prepare all youth better for the collaborative workplaces they’ll encounter as adults.

Communities benefit from a wider range of service projects and leadership styles. Female Eagle Scout projects have addressed issues like mental health awareness, food insecurity, and educational support, areas that complement the traditional infrastructure and conservation projects that have long been Eagle Scout staples. This broader scope of community service means more local needs get addressed through Scouting initiatives.

Scouting America continues to adapt, ensuring all youth have access to its programs. The organization has updated training materials, revised policies to be gender-inclusive, and created resources specifically for co-ed troops. This ongoing evolution shows the organization’s commitment to serving all young people who want to develop leadership skills and outdoor competencies through Scouting.

The success of girls in Scouts BSA has strengthened the overall program by attracting families who might not have considered Scouting when it was limited to boys only. Many parents appreciate having one program that can serve all their children, creating stronger family involvement and more sustainable troop membership over time.

Quick Takeaways

• Girls could join some BSA programs starting in the 1970s, but Scouts BSA opened to girls in 2019. The path for female participation in Scouting began decades before the historic 2019 decision. In 1971, the BSA opened its Explorer program (later restructured as Venturing in 1998) to girls, marking the first time young women could officially participate in a BSA program. Sea Scouts also became coeducational during this period, giving young women access to high-adventure maritime activities and leadership opportunities.
• The core Scouts BSA program remained exclusively for boys until February 2019, when the organization made the landmark decision to welcome girls into all levels of traditional Scouting. This change represented the largest expansion of opportunities in BSA history, opening the door for girls to earn merit badges, advance through ranks, and pursue the Eagle Scout award.
• Female membership has grown steadily, with thousands of girls earning the Eagle Scout rank. Since 2019, the numbers tell an impressive story of rapid growth and achievement. More than 176,000 female participants have joined Scouting programs, representing nearly 16% of total membership. Over 6,000 young women have already earned the Eagle Scout rank, a remarkable achievement considering the program has only been open to them for a few years.
• The growth extends beyond just participation numbers. Girls now actively lead patrols, serve as senior patrol leaders, and take on key roles in their troops. Many of the first female Eagle Scouts have become mentors and role models for younger Scouts, creating a positive cycle of leadership and achievement.
• The inclusion of girls has strengthened Scouting and expanded opportunities for all youth. Rather than diminishing the Scouting experience, the addition of girls has brought fresh perspectives and energy to the program. Girl troops contribute unique approaches to service projects, outdoor activities, and community engagement. The separate troop structure (all-girl and all-boy troops) allows both groups to thrive while still participating together in district and council events.
• This expansion has also helped Scouting America adapt to modern families’ needs, where parents often want the same high-quality character development and outdoor education opportunities for all their children. The success of female Scouts has demonstrated that the core values and methods of Scouting work effectively regardless of gender, strengthening the program’s foundation for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did girls first join Scouts BSA?

Girls officially joined Scouts BSA in February 2019, after the program was renamed from Boy Scouts. This marked a historic shift in the organization’s 109-year history. The change came after years of requests from families who wanted their daughters to have the same opportunities as their sons.

Before 2019, girls could participate in other Scouting America programs like Venturing and Sea Scouts, but the core Scouts BSA program remained single-gender. The decision to welcome girls was driven by changing family dynamics and the recognition that leadership skills and outdoor adventures shouldn’t be limited by gender.

Can girls earn the Eagle Scout rank?

Yes, girls have been able to earn the Eagle Scout rank since 2019. More than 6,000 have achieved it as of 2025. The first female Eagle Scouts earned their rank in early 2020, just over a year after girls were first admitted to the program. This rapid achievement demonstrates the dedication and capability of the young women who joined.

The requirements for Eagle Scout remain exactly the same for all Scouts, regardless of gender. Girls must complete the same 21 merit badges, demonstrate leadership in their troop, and complete a service project that benefits their community. The Eagle Scout rank represents the same level of achievement and commitment for every Scout who earns it.

Are boys and girls in the same troops?

Scouts BSA maintains separate all-girl and all-boy troops, but they often participate together in events and activities. This single-gender approach allows the organization to preserve the unique dynamics and benefits that come from same-gender peer groups while still providing opportunities for collaboration.

Many chartered organizations operate “linked troops” where a boy troop and girl troop share resources, meeting spaces, and adult leadership while maintaining separate troop identities. These linked troops frequently plan joint camping trips, service projects, and social events. This structure gives Scouts the best of both worlds: the focused development that comes from single-gender groups and the collaborative experiences of working with diverse teams.

What other programs can girls join in Scouting America?

Girls can join Cub Scouts, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring, in addition to Scouts BSA. Each program offers different opportunities and experiences tailored to various age groups and interests.

Cub Scouts serves younger children and has welcomed girls since 2018. Venturing focuses on high-adventure activities and leadership development for older youth, while Sea Scouts emphasizes nautical skills and maritime adventures. Exploring connects youth with career opportunities through partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

The inclusion of girls across all Scouting America programs has strengthened the organization and expanded opportunities for all youth. Female membership continues to grow steadily, with thousands of girls advancing through the ranks and taking on leadership roles in their units. This growth demonstrates that Scouting’s core values of character development, citizenship training, and physical fitness resonate with young people regardless of gender.

As Scouting America continues to evolve, the organization remains committed to providing high-quality programs that prepare all youth to become responsible, capable leaders in their communities.