Girls Invited to Big Island’s Cub Scout Packs in August

PC: Aloha Council, Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America officially welcomes girls into its iconic Cub Scout program in August 2018.

This historic and much-anticipated change was based on overwhelming feedback from existing and prospective scouting families who wanted a robust program that the entire family could enjoy.

Girls will participate in girl “dens” and boys will participate in boy “dens,” meaning that the benefits of a single-gender program will remain the same. Together, these dens forms will form a “pack” that will serve the entire family.

“Families have been asking that girls be allowed to join Cub Scouts for years” said Big Island District Director LeeLen Park. “Girls have actually been participating in Cub Scout activities and service projects with their brothers or cousins for a long time. They did the work, but never had chance to earn merit badges or advancements like the boys. Our national organization found that 90% of Scouting families were interested in having the daughters join a program like Cub Scouts.”

Hawai‘i’s original youth development and leadership initiative currently serves more than 5,000 boys from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Cub Scouts is one of the four program offerings by Boy Scouts of America, alongside Scouts BSA (the program formerly known as Boy Scouts), Exploring and Venturing. This year-round program, delivered through chartered partners such as schools or churches, offers fun opportunities for learning and exploration, including STEM activities, hiking, water sports, camping, and community service.

“One of the most attractive aspects of scouting is that in many respects, it’s a one-stop shop,” said Scouting Hawai‘i CEO Jeff Sulzbach. “Families today are busier than ever, juggling multiple activities for kids and managing busy work schedules. The Cub Scout program offers outdoor adventures while also teaching life skills like first aid and emergency preparedness.”

Cub Scout recruitment begins with the school year; however, children are welcome to enroll at any time.

In February 2019, girls will also be welcome into the signature program of Boy Scouts of America, Scouts BSA, which targets children ages 11 through 17. This means that for the first time, girls will be able to earn the rank of Eagle Scout—a distinction previously reserved for boys only.

For more information or to find a Cub Scout pack near you, visit www.ScoutingHawaii.org.