LANSING, Mich. — It's been a year since the Boy Scouts of America became a unisex organization, a decision that was followed by controversy.
A wave was made across the country Friday as thousands of girls were registered to the Boy Scouts of America.
“I think it's about equality”, said Katie Polzine, a parent to an incoming scout.
“We really just got to start leveling the playing field and showing our girls that we're no different than a boy and that we can do the exact same thing and we can be on the exact same level as them.”
Sixteen Mid-Michigan girls signed up to the Chief Okemos District from Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties.
“I like being a part of Boys Scouts”, said Samantha Derosia, who signed up with troop 901 in Grand Ledge.
“To me it's better than Girl Scouts. There's more adventure to it. We go camping a lot and I like camping because it's fun.”
Three scout troops were introduced where bright-eyed girls beamed with dreams of reaching the Eagle Scout rank, building life-long skills and friends.
“So only four percent of scouts ever reach the rank of Eagle Scout”, said Corrie Groth, a field director for the Michigan Crossroads Council.
“It's a pretty big deal there's a lot of businesses who will put Eagle Scouts at the top of the pile of the resumes, a lot of college scholarships available.”
In the midst of the historic movement of inclusion, many wondered, how will this affect the Girl Scouts’ enrollment?
“We've known this was coming for a long time”, said Chief Communications Officer Kristin Schrader from Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan.
“Boy Scouts were calling to say we're going to change their name and they were going to start admitting girls and we're just staying focused on doing what we do which is delivering great programming for girls and staying focused on really providing a girl-led experience by girls, for girls, and really led by girls.”
The Boy Scouts of America expects to register 43 girl troops in Michigan this month.
