KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Four girls just became some of the first in the country to join Cub Scouts and they’re right here in the Kansas City area.
Their names are Ruthie, Anna, Madelyn and Serenity.
The original plan was to roll this out in the Fall, but the local council had Boy Scout packs telling them they were ready to invite girls to join. They started allowing registration for Cub Scouts Jan. 15. They say this is in response to parents asking for a way for all family members to be involved as schedules get busier and busier.
Cub Scouts is the first tier of the Boy Scouts. Any child in Kindergarten through 5th grade can join.
Ruthie is seven years old and in second grade. Her dad, Joe Davis, is an Eagle Scout and has been involved in Scouting for years. His dad and brothers took part, as well as his son.
“I wanted to join because most of my family is in it,” said Ruthie.
Girls in the program will be doing everything other Cub Scouts do. They’ll learn to do everything from shoot bows and arrows to turning a block of wood into a race car.
Ruthie said she wants to get her Eagle Scout.
For now, the two options for girls in the Boy Scouts is Venturing and now Cub Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America plans to start allowing girls to join Boy Scouts, too, but not until 2019.
The Boy Scout’s Heart of America website explains the three tiers of Scouting as this:
Cub Scouts – for boys and girls ages 1st - 5th grades
From the thrill of shooting an arrow to learning how to transform a block of wood into a race car, Cub Scouts is one thrill after another. With a program expertly tailored to match each age in a young boy and girl's life, Cub Scouts learn that even when fun isn’t easy, it’s always an adventure.
Boy Scouts – for boys ages 11-17
With more than 130 Merit Badges — from Archery and Art to Welding and Wilderness Survival—Scouting is the ultimate form of learning by doing. Add in outdoor adventures, hiking and camping, and Scouting gives boys all the experience they need to succeed in life.
Venturing – for young men and women ages 14-20
Venturing gives young men and women access to a range of programs and empowers them to create their own experiences. It brings Scouting values to life through both high adventure outdoor activities and challenging real-world project.
Ruthie’s dad is excited to have his daughter in a cub scouts uniform.
“I’m on cloud nine. Seeing my little girl in her blue uniform is pretty special,” he said.
The first meeting for the newly-created, all-girl Cub Scout den will be held next Tuesday, Jan. 30 in the Liberty area.
For more information, call the Boy Scout office at 816-942-9333 or visit their website.
