IRVING, Texas (CLARKSVILLENOW) – In a news release Wednesday, Boy Scouts of America announced that the organization will welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout.

The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls, according to the release.

“The organization evaluated the results of numerous research efforts, gaining input from current members and leaders, as well as parents and girls who’ve never been involved in Scouting – to understand how to offer families an important additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children,” the release said.

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.

Cub Scout dens will be single-gender — all boys or all girls. Using the same curriculum as the Boy Scouts program, the organization will also deliver a program for older girls, which will be announced in 2018 and projected to be available in 2019, that will enable them to earn the Eagle Scout rank. This unique approach allows the organization to maintain the integrity of the single gender model while also meeting the needs of today’s families.

This decision expands the programs that the Boy Scouts of America offers for both boys and girls. Although known for its iconic programs for boys, the BSA has offered co-ed programs since 1971 through Exploring and the Venturing program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2018. The STEM Scout pilot program is also available for both boys and girls.

The Middle Tennessee Council of Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee issued the following statement regarding the announcement:

“Recently the national media reported that the Girl Scouts of America and the Boy Scouts of America had a ‘strained’ relationship due to the Boy Scouts of America opening membership to girls of all ages.

That is certainly not the case in Middle Tennessee. The relationship between the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee and the Middle Tennessee Council Boy Scouts spans years of shared respect and working together, and we will continue to engage in meaningful discussions about how to best serve youth throughout Middle Tennessee communities.

Youth leadership development has been the hallmark of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee and the Middle Tennessee Council Boy Scouts. Both agencies will continue their successful mission in these areas, as they both have for more than 100 years.”

“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,” said Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive. “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.”

For more information about the expanded opportunities for family Scouting, visit the family Scouting page.