Technically, Scouts BSA launch day isn’t an official U.S. holiday. But don’t tell that to Lena Towne.
The eighth-grader from Georgia, like countless girls in communities across the country, is celebrating today like it’s her birthday.
Last night, Lena’s mom, Kim, starting sewing patches onto Lena’s new Scouts BSA uniform shirt. While she did that, Lena started flipping through her Scouts BSA Handbook “and one of the two dozen merit badge pamphlets that she picked up,” Kim says.
Lena has wanted to join the BSA for as long as she can remember. She volunteered at her brother’s Eagle Scout service project, heard stories from her 73-year-old grandfather’s Eagle Scout journey and proudly wore a T-shirt that says “Sister of an Eagle Scout.”
Today, her wait is over. Because today — Feb. 1, 2019 — she’s a chartering youth member of Troop 5109 of Sugar Hill, Ga.
“I want to be part of making history!” Lena says.
And she has done just that. She’s one of the first members of Scouts BSA, the older youth program previously known as Boy Scouts.
Troop 5109 has already planned outings for the rest of the year. They’ll go caving, climbing and send at least 13 girls to an Atlanta Area Council summer camp.
Joining Lena on this journey is Audrey Kenney, who says she’s “excited about all of the merit badges that I’ll get to work on.”
“My brother will be old enough to be a Scout soon after I can join, so we will be able to work towards becoming Eagle Scouts at the same time,” she says.
Let’s welcome Lena, Audrey and all the other groundbreaking Scouts who are embarking on the Scouts BSA adventure.
How are you celebrating Scouts BSA launch day? Read these nine ideas, and then share your own in the comments.
1. Join the Scouts BSA launch party
You are cordially invited to our Scouts BSA launch party! We’ll give away Scouts BSA gear, meet some new Scouts BSA members and play some awesome games.
Tune in at 1 p.m. Central today (Feb. 1) on the Boys’ Life Facebook page.
You’ll need to watch live to be eligible to win any prizes. But if you miss the live show, we’ll post the full video to the BL Facebook page for later viewing.
2. Spread the word on social media
Encourage others to say #ScoutMeIn!
The BSA has put together some ready-made social media posts you can share on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
3. Find Scouts BSA photos, videos, flyers, posters and more
Recruit young people to your Scouts BSA troop for boys or girls with these free, high-quality digital resources.
You’ll find email templates, flyers, logos, photos, postcards, posters, social media images, troop cards, videos and web banners.
4. Check out the official Scouts BSA requirements
All the requirements for Scouts BSA have been collected on this page.
The latest requirements for every rank — from Scout to Eagle Scout — are collected there. These are official from Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec. 31, 2019.
5. Get your Scouts BSA uniforms and handbooks
Now that Scouts BSA is officially here, get the official gear.
Find the latest details about Scouts BSA uniforms and publications in this post.
6. Encourage Venturers and Sea Scouts to join Scouts BSA
Members of Venturing or Sea Scouting can join a Scouts BSA troop without paying a second membership fee.
Learn how members of these older youth programs can get even more out of their Scouting experience.
7. Learn about Scouts BSA and the Order of the Arrow
OA elections are now open to Scouts BSA members, Venturers and Sea Scouts.
That means young men and young women are eligible for election into Scouting’s honor society.
8. Understand the differences between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA
The differences between a Cub Scout pack and a Scouts BSA troop include things like parental involvement, unit structure, advancement and more.
Get up to speed with this handy, comprehensive post.
9. Talk the Scouts BSA talk
As you talk about Scouts BSA in the coming days, weeks and months, be sure you’re using the right words.
This post, filled with helpful guidelines, is all you need.
And if you’re wanting to read more about the rationale for the decision, read this excellent article from our Chief Scout Executive.
There’s only one thing left to say… Scout Me In!
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