San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Boy Scouts’ new program open to girls gives preview
Rappelling, archery among activities at council’s Fun Day
With her feet planted firmly on the side of a 35-foot-high climbing tower, Laura Vinka began her descent toward the ground, tethered by safety lines and faith.
The fifth-grader had practiced at a 4-foot-high station, deep in the scrub brush of McGimsey Scout Park. Climbing instructors had taught her how to keep her body in an “L” position as she walked down the wooden wall.
And they helped build up her confidence.
“I remembered all of the rules,” Laura, 11, said after she reached the ground. “I slipped a little bit, but I kept on going.”
In February, Laura became the Boy Scouts of America Alamo Area Council’s first girl Cub Scout when she joined Pack 380.
The rappel challenge was one of several activities Satur- day at Scouts BSA Girls Fun Day, sponsored by the council. The daylong event was a preview for girls who will join the new Scouts BSA program Feb. 1.
“The Boy Scouts of America is the premier leadership development program for boys and girls wanting an outdoor adventure,” said Angel Martinez, spokesman for the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council.
Council spokesman Angel Martinez said 753 girls joined local Cub Scout packs this year.
Scout executive/CEO Michael De Los Santos stood among the scout leaders cheering for Laura and other young girls who took part in activities that included archery, camping and fishing. He said the new program strengthens families.
“Scouting is a family-oriented program,” he said, “Strong families, strong America.”
He said the goal of the program is to encourage families to explore nature with their children.
“Whatever it takes for us to get our kids outdoors,” he said, “Whether it’s the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, YMCA or the Boys and Girls Club, the youth agencies in this community need to work together to better serve these kids and get them outside.”
Michalea Oakes, 17, was recently chosen as one of nine Scouts to represent more than 2 million youths of Boy Scouts of America at the Report to the Nation presentation in Washington in 2019.
She comes from a long line of Boy Scouts, and that history has prompted her to pursue becoming a fifth-generation Eagle Scout.
“I’ve had the opportunity to watch my grandfather, brother and uncle develop into these amazing leaders that I look up to and admire,” she said. “I want to experience everything they’ve experienced, and I want to be just like them.”
Critics have taken issue with the renaming of the program and its terminology. On Nov. 6, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America that alleged that the program would erode its core brand identity.
Stephanie Finleon Cortez, spokeswoman for the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, said it’s important for the councils to cooperate with each other, but the Girl Scouts do not intend to enroll boys.
“We want to limit any confusion that Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are the same organization,” Finleon Cortez said. “We have a shared history, but we have operated for 100 percent separately for 106 years since Girl Scouts was founded. Our focus has been on girls, and we are the experts on girls, their growth and their leadership development. That’s what we do and what we’re best at.”
Sean Basinger, cubmaster of Pack 471, was angry when he heard about the Boy Scouts’ decision. He couldn’t understand why boys should have to share their experience.
His son Jonathan, an Eagle Scout, didn’t have a problem with the change. He suggested that his father ask his sister, Emma.
Basinger asked her if she’d like to continue with the Girl Scouts or join the Boy Scouts with other girls. She said whichever program allowed her to spend more time with him.
Her answer caused him to rethink his position. Emma is planning to cross over to a Scouts BSA all-girl troop.
“I went from being very much against it,” Basinger said, “to being very much for it.”
“Scouting is a familyoriented program. Strong families, strong America.” Michael De Los Santos, Scout executive/CEO