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Boy Scouts to Welcome Girls

A LONG TRADITION The Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910. JAKE MAY—THE FLINT JOURNAL-MLIVE.COM/AP

The Boy Scouts of America announced on October 11 that it will admit girls. Starting next year, girls in grades 1 to 5 will be able to join Cub Scout dens. The dens will be separated by gender. Each Cub Scout pack will be able to decide whether to include girl dens. The organization will also offer a program in 2019 for older girls. They will be able to to earn the highest rank, Eagle Scout.

The Boy Scouts made this change in response to requests from families. “We believe it is critical to evolve how [we] meet the needs of families,” said Michael Surbaugh. He is the chief scout executive. “We strive to bring what our organization does best—developing character and leadership for young people­­—to as many families and youth as possible.”