I, too, have seen and heard of the successful integration of girls in Cubs. Not a Cub leader myself, I can't speak to the problems or non-problems that causes.
Of course, lost in all of this is that BSA explicitly called for separate Troops and quarters on trips in that 10-14 bracket. It's not full integration like the "OMG, THE BSA WANTS THEM SLEEPING IN THE SAME TENT" ignoramus class often pontificating on this topic. Naturally, wariness is prudent since we can see the camel's nose. On that front, I *do* believe the 10-14 age bracket is where lots of physical things happen, and keeping the boys and girls separate can make a lot of sense. But let's cross that bridge when it's built.
Agreed, with apologies to Churchill, BSA remains the worst program for the formation of young men, except for all the others.
I’m an Assistant Mate in a Ship. 14 to 21 is even more challenging, BUT it’s a massive opportunity.
They are getting together anyway. We don’t supply either means or motive for them getting together sexually, but the idea of like-minded teenagers going on an adventure they could never afford on their own is undeniably appealing.
We have kids ending up dating. The 10 to 14 year olds? No problems whatsoever. None. There just isn’t an opportunity for anything to happen if you do it right.
And why not address the notion of ADULT LEADERS getting together? I’m currently single, divorced involuntarily, and am dating the mother of two kids in my unit, who is herself a Girl Scout Leader.
Yep, the Scoutmaster is dating the Girl Scout Leader. Makes sense, though. Scout oath and law, doesn’t have to be explained. Self-reliant, check. Kids-first, check. Character is key, check. Invigorated by giving back to kids in one of the most meaningful ways available, check. Blowback for weekends spent on Scout events, zero.
She’s Obedient, Cheerful, and Kind, unless I don’t want her to be.
Seriously, BSA is insane not to steer into the social aspect of meeting like minded-single people in the program. So short-sighted. Society is handing you a giant lemon: single parent families. Make lemonade out of it and win on every level.
But it’s the camel’s toes that the boys will want to see.