Early Adoption Program for Girls in Cub Scouts Starts January 15

The National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America recently made a unanimous decision to welcome girls to our iconic programs, based on an understanding that the character and leadership qualities our programs develop are as relevant for girls as they have been for boys.

It is important to note the BSA did not decide to make the Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting programs co-ed; instead, the organization has introduced a unique model that builds on the benefits of a single-gender program while also providing character and leadership opportunities for both boys and girls. Starting in 2018, we invite our chartered partner organizations to choose if they’d like to remain an all-boy pack, establish a new girl pack or establish a family pack that consists of girl dens and boy dens.

The official launch to welcome both boys and girls in Cub Scouting is in the fall, 2018.   However, selected packs in the Samoset Council will be given the opportunity to participate in a soft launch beginning January 15, 2018.   Packs that would like to participate in soft launch must meet the requirements set forth by the Boy Scouts of America. 

The requirements to participate as an early adopter pack are:

1. Pack leaders and Chartering Organization Representative watch this video presentation: click here.  Password is: F@mily4UnitLeaders
2. Chartered partners and pack leaders confirm interest and agree to implement the family pack model as outlined below.  Packs will:
   1. Register a minimum of four girls (K-4) into a new all-girl den of an existing pack,
   2. Use the current Cub Scouting program and resources,
   3. Uphold membership policies,
   4. Provide feedback about their activities and experiences to help improve the formal rollout; this information may also be used in marketing and earned media outreach.
3. The pack confirms all pack volunteer leaders are trained in their positions.
4. The pack agrees to develop a program plan to ensure participants can accomplish all rank requirements by May 31, 2018.
5. Pack leaders and Chartering Organziation Representative will need to have created personal login account to My.Scouting.org.

Once a Pack has completed the five steps above, the Cubmaster or Committee Chair should contact Jeff Ottosen at jeff.ottosen@samoset.org so the pack's settings in My.Scouting.org can be updated.

Thank you for your commitment to our movement and all you do for Scouting.