welcoming girls

Welcoming Girls Into Scouting

Thousands of girls have joined the Scouting program, with even more poised to join the Scouts BSA program beginning February 1st, 2019. As the excitement continues to build, it’s important for leaders and Scouting families to know how best to welcome girls into their Scouting family.

The Scouting program has always been a partnership with the community. As our Scouting family continues to grow, it is important to remember that at all levels, from our members and volunteers to our professional staff, we take the brand and trademark rights of all organization seriously and have worked proactively to differentiate our unique program offerings. To help units recruit and welcome new families during this transition stage, the BSA has released specific guidelines. These guidelines apply to conversations, social posts and recruiting materials for councils and units.

Tips for Scout Leaders About Welcoming Girls

Now is the time to start planning ahead. Below are some tips on how to prepare for full family Scouting:

  • Talk to your chartered organization about starting Scouts BSA troops for girls.
  • Have your unit leaders take the new trainings available in January, 2019.
  • Recruit new volunteers and leaders.
  • Outline a plan with your Scouting committee and families.
  • Talk to your District Executive about adding a “Coming Soon” unit pin to BeAScout.org.
  • Contact the Service Center at 804.204.2640 or your District Executive for recruitment materials.

BSA Guidelines

Do … reiterate that as our organization welcomes families, boys and girls to our programs, the name of our organization remains the same. We are the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Our mission — preparing young people for life — hasn’t changed and is found in all our programs:

    • Cub Scouts
    • Boy Scouts (becoming Scouts BSA on Feb. 1, 2019)
    • Venturing
    • Sea Scouts
    • STEM Scouts
    • Exploring
    • Learning for Life

Do … use only official Boy Scouts of America (BSA) materials, contact the Council Service Center or your District Executive to have recruitment materials made for your unit. It is important that units avoid using the following wording “we’re starting a girl Scouts BSA troop.” Instead, you’re asked to use the downloadable email templates, flyers, postcards, posters, social media images, troop cards, videos, web banners and more available on the BSA Brand Center or those made by your local Council Service Center.

Don’t … use names, programs, marks, logos or images of the GSUSA or combine them with those of the BSA.

Don’t … use the word “girl” in front of “Scout.” Don’t say, for example “girl Scouts BSA troop” or “girl Scouts.” This includes in flyers, conversation, social media, etc.

Do … say things like:

    • Join Troop 123 for girls.
    • Our church has a boy troop and is forming a girl troop.
    • Join the BSA. Find a troop for girls near you at BeAScout.org.

Do … remember that the BSA and GSUSA are separate organizations. The BSA is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. GSUSA is a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. If those around you say or suggest otherwise, politely correct them.

Don’t … disparage other youth-serving organizations in any way. We want all youth-serving organizations to succeed in their efforts to help make the world a better place.

Do … refer ALL media inquiries (TV, radio, newspapers, online) to the BSA PR team by email at pr@scouting.org.

Do … refer all questions about GSUSA programs to the local GSUSA council or GirlScouts.org.

Do … review the Scouts BSA Brand Guidance Training available on the Family Scouting page under “Scouts BSA Program Resources.” You’ll learn about the best terminology and practices as you prepare to launch Scouts BSA troops in February.

While our goal is to encourage youth to join our program, we must always be clear in our communications about the program they are joining.
We are The Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA are different organizations. We support in a positive manner all other youth organizations at all times.

The BSA applauds all organization that work to serve our youth. We encourage parents to enroll their youth in a character development program that meets their needs. This is an exciting time for the BSA, we look forward to serving even more boys and girls and their families!