The historic decision was driven by years of requests (Picture: AP)

In short: No.

The Girl Scouts has no plans to start accepting boys in the wake of news that the Boy Scouts will start welcoming girls into the organization.

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The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced the move this week.

It’s an historic decision driven by years of requests from families and girls. But the Girl Scouts actually tried to fight it (unsuccessfully).


Officials said in a statement: ‘Girl Scouts is, and will remain, the scouting program that truly benefits US girls by providing a safe space for them to learn and lead.’

Boy Scouts listen as Donald Trump speaks during the National Boy Scout Jamboree at Summit Bechtel National Scout Reserve in Glen Jean, West Virginia (Picture: Getty Images)

Starting in the 2018 program year, families can choose to sign up their sons and daughters for Cub Scouts.



Existing packs may choose to establish a new girl pack, establish a pack that consists of girl dens and boy dens or remain an all-boy pack.

Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s chief scout executive, said: ‘This decision is true to the BSA’s mission and core values outlined in the Scout Oath and Law. The values of Scouting – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example – are important for both young men and women.

‘We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children. We strive to bring what our organization does best – developing character and leadership for young people – to as many families and youth as possible as we help shape the next generation of leaders.’

A program for older girls will be announced next year.

Randall Stephenson, BSA’s national board chairman, added: ‘The BSA’s record of producing leaders with high character and integrity is amazing.

‘I’ve seen nothing that develops leadership skills and discipline like this organization. It is time to make these outstanding leadership development programs available to girls.’