The Scouting Program first allowed females into their Career Exploring Program in 1969. Fifty years later, in 2019, females were allowed into the Scouting Program itself, after much encouraging feedback from Scouting Program leaders around the country.
All Scouting America Units in Vermilion County accept female members; including Pack 221 in Catlin (Cubmaster Ryan Allison); and Troop 399 in Danville (Scoutmaster Brad Fleehrty).
Jared White, CEO for the Prairielands Council in Champaign, Illinois; says that today 156 of 169, that’s 92% of Scouting Program chapters worldwide, allow female membership; with the United States being one of the most recent to make the change. “It is important to note,” White added, “that during the WWII and Korean War days of the 40s and 50s, many den mothers made themselves available to lead Scouting troops while fathers were fighting overseas. If not for that, the Scouting Program would not have survived.”
Meanwhile, realtor StevenBroadway is looking to start a new all female Scouting BSA Troop in Vermilion County. As he told CIMG prior to Tuesday evening’s Danville City Council meeting; he has a meeting place arranged. But he needs those interested to get the paperwork in, and hopefully get things going by mid-August. Just call 386-868-9587; or e-mail to troop1022danville@gmail.com.
