Troop 260 has a long history with female leaders, adult volunteers and family members as an integral part of our adventures, and are excited that there is now a chance for female youth to formally participate and be recognised for the experience and skills they gain.
Female youth join our established Serpent’s Patrol. We operate and act as though 260 and 2260 were a single unit – Troop 260 – sharing the same program, committee and charter organisation.
Our Troop has long believed that scouting should be open to all. We have a proud history of including families for decades in our activities. We took a stand in 1992 about supporting gay scouts, and are happy to echo that drive for equality and inclusivity again. We are convinced that the fully gender-integrated approach of programs like Venturing, Sea Scouts, and STEM Scouts will eventually come to Scouts BSA.
At the same time, we do not wish to jeopardize the ability of our female (and female identifying) youth to advance in ranks and earn merit badges. Registering these Scouts Troop 2260 allows them to have a compliant achievement record in Scouts BSA that will take them through to Eagle Scout.
The policy position that we adopted early in 2018 has guided us well, and we will continue to ensure it is aligned with National policy, especially Youth Protection best practices, the values and goals of our Troop, and common sense.