Are there any fully co-ed Scout troops in America?

Question

Almost every Irish troop is co-ed. I'm curious really - everyone talks about Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in American TV, but we don't have that here. Also, what's this whole Eagle Scout thing?

Answer 1

Hello Karynn:

The Boy Scouts of America is roughly based on the British model, but with some intrinsic differences. From what I've observed, Ireland has two or more Scouting groups that use the Boy Scout name. Each of these groups has a meeting hall that was either provided by the township, or by a civic organization for all the youth interested in Scouting to use.

In the early days of Boy Scouting in the United States, in order to get the program up and running on a low budget, the decision was made to have a separate organization sponsor a troop, and they would provide the meeting place. This could be a church, synagogue, or civic group such as Optimists, Veterans, or a school group. The decision was made that only boys 12 to 18 years of age would be allowed to participate in the program.

There are youth groups in the USofA that do offer co-ed programs, only they are not members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Campfire, Rainbow, Adventure Scouts and others exist.

The Boy Scouts of America has a youth program for 14 to 21 year olds called Venturing and Sea Scouts. This program is co-ed, but crews can be all male, all female, or co-ed, based on the desires of the members. While there are many good arguments for and against co-ed groups, the BSA and GSUSA have decided to remain single-s*x membership.

The Eagle Scout is a rank award. A boy must complete five levels of rank achievement, earn 21 merit badges, demonstrate leadership, and plan, execute and complete a service project to earn the award. The minimum time is 24 months and the award must be earned prior to the 18th birthday. The Girl Scouts have the Gold award which is similar in scope.

Keep on Scoutin'

Answer 2

An eagle scout is nationally recognized as the top of his troop. They get all the merit badges and do all of the community service etc... Jump through hoops more or less. It looks really good on a resume. I wish with all my heart that the scouts were co-ed. I would have stuck with it longer!

Answer 3

While Ranger Crews for older youth can be co-ed, the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are not. The Girl Scouts is a separate organization (full name- Girl Scouts USA) and is also not co-ed.

Eagle is the US equivalent to Queen's Scout.

Edit: Huh. I did not realize that the Irish do not follow the British ranks, like the Canadians do. In that case, it would be similar to Chief Scout.