Big news from the Boy Scouts of America’s board of directors on the International Day of the Girl: they’ve unanimously agreed to allow girls into the Cub Scout program and let them work for and earn the highest rank, Eagle Scout. The organization says the decision came after years of getting requests from families and girls to join.
The rank of Eagle Scout is a well-respected achievement and can have long-term benefits in school and professionally. And while there is a similar rank in Girl Scouts - the Gold Award - it’s not as widely recognized as being an Eagle Scout.
The Boy Scouts of America say they also want to help busy families consolidate activities for their kids. "Families today are busier and more diverse than ever,” they say in a statement. “Most are dual-earners and there are more single-parent households than ever before, making convenient programs that serve the whole family more appealing."