Inclusion at a Cost
Mike Schmidt
“A Scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances,” is a quote by Robert Baden-Powell, founding father of Boy Scouts. Recently Boy Scouts of America announced its inclusion of transgender kids into its ranks.
From the Boy Scouts of America’s website, they announced the change in policy on Jan. 30, 2017. “Starting today, we will accept and register youth in the Cub and Boy Scout programs based on the gender identity indicated on the application. Our organization’s local councils will help find units that can provide for the best interest of the child.” The statement read.
This is a change from a 100-year-old policy where they only went by the gender listed on the child’s birth certificate. With this change the Boys Scouts will now accept the gender written on the child’s application.
The Girls Scouts have the following statement listed on their website:
“Girl Scouts is proud to be the premiere leadership organization for girls in the country. Placement of transgender youth is handled on a case-by-case basis, with the welfare and best interests of the child and the members of the troop/group in question a top priority. That said, if the child is recognized by the family and school/community as a girl and lives culturally as a girl, then Girl Scouts is an organization that can serve her in a setting that is both emotionally and physically safe.”
Robert Francis, an Eagle Scout (the highest level one can achieve in Boy Scouts) himself had this to say, “I’ve been proud of the BSA for being more inclusive as of late, as I’m sure they have not been easy decisions given their membership.
But being from a rural place, I would not be surprised if some — rural or urban — might be less comfortable with this, so I am would understand if the BSA offered training or technical assistance for those unsure what this might mean in practice.”
Having been involved with Boy and Girl Scouts for the last 10 years, I know it is difficult for some troops/packs to find meeting places due to the national organizations progressive stance on the LBGTQ community. Most scouting troops in rural areas rely on relationships with local churches for places to hold their meetings. Some troops have been asked to leave or simply to meet elsewhere due to recent policy changes.
Often times it is the adults who have the issue with gender. Kids simply see another kid unless they are told otherwise. I interviewed Tatyanna Schmidt a current Senior Level Girl Scout with the Titusville Girl Scouts. Schmidt said “I think my troop would be accepting of the girl, however some might be uncomfortable changing in front of them or even spending the night like in a camp situation.”
Camping which is the corner stone of both organizations presents a problem logistically. In all of the bylaws there must be a same sex chaperone with either the boys or girls. Also, boys cannot sleep within 75 feet of girls or in the same building. So the strain of finding leaders becomes even harder. Especially when volunteer numbers are down nationwide.
If it were up to me I would combine both Boy and Girl Scouts and simply call it Scouts. Since both believe in developing leaders and self confidence in children. Both organizations give the individual a sense of self-awareness with in their own community and take great strides to improve that community.
While inclusion is a great thing and creates opportunities for everyone I wonder if this will cost these great organizations more than they bargained for. While a Scout may smile a whistle through any situation I am reminded of an old saying, “Smile through the rain because at least your teeth will get cleaned.” In my opinion there may be more rain in the forecast for both organizations.
