Cub Scout Pack 114 welcomes female Cub Scouts this month as they launch a new era of Family Scouting in Bonners Ferry. Thanks to its current den leader training and its longstanding charter partnership with Trinity Lutheran Church, Pack 114 is ready to begin before Boy Scouts of America’s official roll-out in September!

Through its early adopter initiative, Boy Scouts of America chose packs whose leadership, chartered partners, and local councils demonstrated readiness for a ‘soft launch’ of the program. While Boy Scouts of America officially launches the girls’ program in the fall for the 2018-2019 school year, the ‘soft launch’ provides opportunities for leaders and girls (ages 6-9) to have a taste of what Cub Scouts has to offer.

“Idaho has a long tradition of powerful, independent women, and Pack 114 feels honored to welcome girls into its ranks,” says Den Leader Si Thompson. “As the oldest pack in the West, we’re proud to share Scouting’s traditions with Idaho’s future women.” He notes such prominent women as Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, politicians, artists, and community leaders. Idaho even boasts the only state seal designed by a woman, artist Emma Edwards Green, whose emblem portrays women with equal footing to men, depicting themes of equality, liberty, and justice.

The soft launch of the program will initially require some extra effort from its earliest female participants. The boys had a head start on completing requirements, but with motivation, strong family support, and den leadership, they will advance by graduation on May 31.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the girls earn their badges before the boys know what hit ‘em,” Si chuckled.

It should be noted that Boy Scouts of America is not launching a co-ed program, but a hybrid program. BSA sees great value in maintaining single-gender dens; thus, boys and girls will have separate dens with trained female den leaders guiding their female Scouts. The program will give Scout sisters (who have been excluded up until now) an opportunity to explore the same lessons in Pack 114 events as their brothers. They will learn leadership, outdoor skills, community service, duty to God, and appreciation of our flag and country.

Pack 114 also wants to make clear that in no way do they seek to compete or solicit membership from Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Both programs offer excellent opportunities/mentorship with diverse approaches for attaining their goals. Boys Scouts of America simply intends to extend options for membership to encourage a whole-family approach and to limit exclusionary practices.

As early as Jan. 15, first through fourth grade girls may enroll in Cub Scouts. Enrollment forms will be available at the Jan. 16 den meeting, which takes place at 6 p.m. in the basement of the Trinity Lutheran Church, 6784 Cody St., Bonners Ferry.

For more information, please direct questions to the following: cubscouts114@gmail.com or www.beascout.org.