Boys and Girls Dens in Cub Scouting

Cub Scouts has made a big change. Starting June 1, 2023, some dens can now have boys and girls together in dens. This change applies to Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos. Fifth-grade Arrow of Light Scouts will still have separate dens for boys and girls.

Before this change, packs that served both boys and girls had to keep their dens separate. A pack could have both, but each den had to be just boys or just girls. Now, packs have more options. They can still have separate dens if they want, but they can also form mixed-gender dens for younger ranks.

This change helps family packs. Many families have both boys and girls in Cub Scouts. Running separate dens could be difficult, especially if there were only a few kids in each group. Mixed-gender dens allow more kids to be in the same den, making meetings easier to plan and run.

The goal of Cub Scouts is to help kids learn, grow, and have fun. The activities and lessons stay the same. Boys and girls will still learn outdoor skills, do service projects, and earn their ranks together. Leaders will make sure all Scouts feel included and supported.

Some families may wonder why Arrow of Light Scouts still have separate dens. This is to help them get ready for Scouts BSA. Scouts BSA troops are still divided by gender. Keeping fifth-grade dens separate helps prepare them for that next step.

This change gives packs more flexibility. Each pack can decide what works best for their Scouts. Some will keep separate dens, while others will form mixed-gender dens. The most important thing is making sure all Cub Scouts have a great experience.

Family Packs: A Place for Everyone

Cub Scouts has always focused on fun, learning, and adventure. For many years, only boys could join. Families with daughters had to look for other activities.

In 2018, Cub Scouts opened to girls. This allowed families to be part of Scouting together. Packs could choose to welcome both boys and girls as a “family pack.” Each den still had to be either all boys or all girls.

This setup helped many families. Parents with sons and daughters could bring them to the same meetings. Siblings could do the same activities and earn the same awards.

However, some packs had trouble with separate dens. Some had too few girls to form a den. Others had very small dens with just two or three Scouts. Leaders found it hard to plan activities with such small groups.

To help with this, a new rule started on June 1, 2023. Now, family packs can have mixed-gender dens for younger Scouts. Boys and girls in kindergarten through fourth grade can now be in the same den.

This change makes it easier for small packs to run strong programs. It allows more Scouts to have full and active dens. It also gives leaders more flexibility.

Fifth-grade dens are still separate for boys and girls. This helps them prepare for joining Scouts BSA, where troops are still divided by gender.

Family packs now have more options. They can choose what works best for their Scouts. The goal is to help all children enjoy the fun of Cub Scouting.

Mixed-Gender Dens: How It Works

Starting June 1, 2023, family packs can form mixed-gender dens for younger Cub Scouts. This means boys and girls in kindergarten through fourth grade can be in the same den.

This applies to Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos. These Scouts can now meet, learn, and advance together in the same group. Packs can still choose to have separate dens if they prefer.

Arrow of Light Scouts must stay in separate dens for boys and girls. This rule helps them get ready for Scouts BSA, where troops are still divided by gender.

As Arrow of Light Scouts move into Scouts BSA, they need to understand how troops work. Keeping fifth-grade dens separate helps make the transition smoother. It also lets them bond with others who will join their troop.

This change makes Cub Scouting more flexible for families. Packs with fewer Scouts can now form stronger dens. Boys and girls can have more fun and learn together in their early years of Scouting.

Each pack can decide what works best for them. Some may choose mixed-gender dens for all younger ranks. Others may keep separate dens. The goal is to give every Scout a great experience.

Why Mixed-Gender Dens Help Packs

Mixed-gender dens give family packs more options. Packs can now organize dens in a way that works best for them. They do not have to separate boys and girls in younger ranks.

This helps smaller packs the most. Some packs struggled to have enough Scouts for separate dens. Now, boys and girls can be in the same den, making it easier to plan activities.

Larger dens provide more chances for teamwork. Scouts learn by working together. They practice helping each other and solving problems as a group.

Leadership opportunities also improve. Denner roles and other responsibilities can be shared among more Scouts. Boys and girls can take turns leading activities and helping the den.

For leaders, this change makes planning easier. Instead of running two small dens, leaders can focus on one strong den. Meetings, outings, and advancements become simpler to manage.

This also helps families with multiple Scouts. Parents no longer have to juggle different den schedules for boys and girls. Siblings can be in the same den, making participation easier.

Packs still have choices. They can decide what works best for them. The goal is to make Cub Scouting fun and engaging for every Scout.

Making Mixed-Gender Dens Work

Leaders play an important role in creating a great experience for all Scouts. A mixed-gender den works best when everyone feels welcome and included.

Good planning is key. Leaders should make sure activities are fun and engaging for all Scouts. Boys and girls should have equal chances to lead and participate.

Clear expectations help. Leaders can set simple rules so everyone knows how to work together. This helps create a positive and respectful den.

Communication with parents is important. Leaders should explain how mixed-gender dens work and answer any questions. Families should feel comfortable with the program.

Dens should follow the Cub Scout program as written. Advancement, activities, and requirements stay the same. Boys and girls should have the same opportunities to learn and grow.

Following youth protection rules is important. Two-deep leadership must always be in place. If possible, having both male and female leaders is a good idea.

Leaders should make sure all Scouts feel valued. Some children are shy, while others like to take charge. A good den leader encourages teamwork and respect.

Mixed-gender dens can help Scouts learn important skills. They practice working together and respecting different ideas. These lessons will help them in Scouts BSA and beyond.

Getting Ready for Scouts BSA

Fifth-grade Arrow of Light Scouts stay in separate dens for boys and girls. This helps them get ready for Scouts BSA. In Scouts BSA, troops are still divided by gender.

By keeping dens separate, Arrow of Light Scouts learn how their future troops will work. They build strong connections with other Scouts who will join the same troop.

Leaders can help Arrow of Light Scouts by teaching them about the patrol method. This is how Scouts BSA troops are organized. It gives Scouts more responsibility and leadership.

Camping and outdoor skills become more important in Arrow of Light Scouts. Leaders should plan activities that help them prepare. Boys and girls should practice skills they will need in their future troops.

Visiting Scouts BSA troops can also help. Arrow of Light Scouts should meet troop leaders and learn what to expect. They can ask questions and see how meetings and campouts work.

Leaders should guide Arrow of Light Scouts as they choose a troop. Some will join linked troops, where a boy troop and a girl troop work together. Others will join separate troops.

The goal is to make the transition smooth. Arrow of Light Scouts should feel ready and excited for Scouts BSA. Leaders and parents can support them by answering questions and encouraging them.

Boys and girls who complete Arrow of Light Scouts will be ready for their next adventure. Scouts BSA will bring new challenges, but they will have the skills to succeed.

Welcome to Cub Scouts

Frequently Asked Questions Mixed-Gender Dens in Cub Scouts

What changed on June 1, 2023?

Family packs can now form mixed-gender dens for Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos. Arrow of Light Scouts must still be in separate dens for boys and girls.

Do all packs have to have mixed-gender dens?

No. Packs can choose what works best for them. They can have mixed-gender dens, separate dens, or a mix of both.

Why do Arrow of Light Scouts stay in separate dens?

Scouts BSA troops are still divided by gender. Keeping fifth-grade dens separate helps Arrow of Light Scouts get ready for that structure.

Can a pack have some mixed-gender dens and some separate dens?

Yes. A pack can decide how to organize its dens based on its size and needs.

Does this change affect Scouts BSA troops?

No. Scouts BSA troops are still separate for boys and girls. This rule only applies to Cub Scout family packs.

How does this help small packs?

Some packs do not have enough boys or girls to form separate dens. Mixed-gender dens help keep groups strong and active.

Will mixed-gender dens follow the same program?

Yes. All Cub Scouts follow the same handbook, earn the same ranks, and do the same activities.

Can girls still be in an all-girl den if they prefer?

Yes. If a pack has enough girls, they can still have their own dens.

How should leaders handle mixed-gender dens?

Leaders should make sure all Scouts feel included. They should plan activities that work well for the whole den.

Does this change how advancement works?

No. All Scouts still complete the same requirements and earn the same badges.

Scouting Together: A New Way Forward

Cub Scouting is always changing to help more families enjoy the program. Mixed-gender dens give family packs more choices. Boys and girls in younger ranks can now learn and grow together.

This change helps small packs stay strong. It gives Scouts a chance to work together in a fun and active way. Families can spend less time managing separate schedules.

Arrow of Light Scouts will still have separate dens. This helps them get ready for Scouts BSA, where troops are divided by gender. It makes their transition smoother.

Each pack can decide what works best. Some will have mixed-gender dens. Others will keep separate dens. The goal is to give every Scout a great experience.

No matter how a pack is set up, the focus is the same. Cub Scouting is about fun, learning, and adventure. Every Scout should feel welcome and ready for the next step.

Posted on

January 31, 2023

Comments

32 responses to “Boys and Girls Dens in Cub Scouting: A New Way to Help Packs for 2023”

SANDRA

September 19, 2018

Tha program requires separate dens for girls and boys. Contact your District Executive for further clarification if needed. We are open to girls, but we didn’t have enough interest to form dens so we are postponing the program for now.

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J-lo

September 19, 2018

I have the opposite view of the person who sent the question. We had 1 girl sign up at our recruitment event. Bear level. My husband was already prepared to be the Bear den level (he’s also soon-to-be-former Cubmaster) and we have 3 returning boys for the Bear den, no new recruits. Our pack leadership talked it over and we agreed I would be the girl den leader but we would in practice do many things together. But before even attending a meeting, the girl quit. So we never got to see how it would work. Yes, the dens are supposed to be single-gender, and that may work fine in a bigger city, but in our small town/rural area, it’s not practical. You can’t have a den with one girl! In my opinion, mixed or separate gender should be up to the unit, but I really think mixed will work better. If we’re going to include girls, include them fully!

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becky

September 19, 2018

Our pack welcomes siblings at all events and my daughter is often more excited than my son. Sadly, we have not started any girl dens because lack of volunteers- I already lead the Webelos and am committee chair, can’t take on another role in the pack.
So my daughter has been signed up for girl scouts and I have to try so hard not to compare the programs! Being so deep in our pack, it really is a challenge to not criticize “another way”.

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Casper L

September 19, 2018

This should really be a non-issue. These boys and girls spend time together in school doing things together. If they go to church they do things with the opposite sex. At least in our pack, they only do two campouts a year and they are family campouts where the cub sleeps with their own family. I think too many people have to much time on their hands to start worrying about this situation. Combine the dens so that you do not need extra leaders on top of the leaders you need now cuz you can not get people to volunteer. Also, there are already girls in scouts in the venturing and the sea scouts. Where is your turmoil about that? It has been just fine for years and years. Keep two-deep leadership in place. Or hey a better idea…instead of letting scouts be a babysitter for the little girl have the parent be made to stay at the den meeting so nothing improper will go on with the den leader or other scouts. Seriously, once again to many people with time on their hands.

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1. SANDRA
  
  September 19, 2018
  
  It’s not about improper things happening. The decision to have separate dens was based on the fact that girls and boys mature at different rates and to give boys and girls their own space in which to learn and grow. Having done a pilot program researching the effects of single gender classrooms, I agree with approach.
  
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  1. Casper L
    
    September 19, 2018
    
    Well, that strategy does not work in every situation. It needs to be revised to allow smaller packs to do them combined. It is hard enough to find volunteers to lead these dens. I want girls involved I think they are making it too hard to accomplish this overall. I will say though there is the talk of the issue of improper things being possible. Especially when they cross over.
    
    Reply
    1. Julinda
      
      September 20, 2018
      
      Casper I agree! And our troop currently only has a few boys so we don’t know what we will do if we get girls.
      
      Reply
      1. SANDRA
        
        September 20, 2018
        
        Are you talking about a troop (grade 6 and up) or a pack? Troops are not coed. Charter organizations have to form a new troop if they want to accept girls.
      2. Julinda
        
        September 20, 2018
        
        Agree, Sandra, that a troop is to be single gender. I guess my concern is that if girls want to be in a troop, in our rural area where we only have a few boys who want to be in it, there will not be enough girls or leaders to have a troop for them. And I believe that, as is happening with the Cub Scout packs, pressure will be put on the existing boys’ troop to come up with the leadership for the girls. Apparently the girls’ troop can even have the same number as the boys. AND actually I believe the troops should be coed but I don’t think that will fly under the current rules.
    2. Mark Montoya
      
      February 8, 2020
      
      I agree that the pack should be allowed to have mixed gender dens.
      My concern is the double standard on leadership. An all male den can have only female leaders which is probably a mother of one of the boys however a female den can mot have only male leaders even if they are the fathers of one of the girls.
      
      Reply
    3. Kim Johnson
      
      June 19, 2020
      
      When my son started as a Tiger, we were told to have a Tiger den one of the parents of the Tiger age was going to have to step up and be a leader. Why would this work out different for the leaders of the girl’s den? Have the girls’ parents step up to be leaders.
      
      Or if they don’t want to, reach out to your council and see if there are other packs with girl dens already established that they can join.
      
      Reply
SANDRA

September 19, 2018

When they cross over to a troop, it will be an all girl troop. Read the BSA information about the Scout Me In program and you will see that troops are single gender and female troops must have at least one female adult leader.

Venture crews and Explorer posts may be co-ed, but there are plenty that choose to be single gender.

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Greg

September 20, 2018

As Committee Chair for our Cub Scout Pack I have received similar questions on both sides of this issue. We have determined that Dens will remain separate. If girls would like to join our Pack (we welcome them!) and someone will need to step up to be the girl’s Den leader – no leader, no den. The girls can promote their den to their friends and the Den will grow organically.

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Jason

September 20, 2018

Stand your ground at your comfort level. I’m grateful for your courage to realize that boys and girls benefit from having their own safe space to develop. I also just want to say how sorry I am that the Scouting organization has failed you. This frustration and controversy is caused my “mans” chaotic hubris; lacking in Godly wisdom and relying on cultural bents instead of time-tested and divine design. The Girl Scout organization should have been helped and fortified instead of given up on. It’s only a matter of time before a boy demands to join the Girl Scouts and what can we say to him? Why not?
Who of you who supports the current gender mixed policy can say “no?” You cannot.

I ask you to consider protesting the madness of the BSA leadership. Our children deserve better. Thank you for your bravery; stand your ground.

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1. Julinda
  
  September 21, 2018
  
  Jason, I assume you know Girl Scouts is an entirely separate organization from Boy Scouts. They can decide to accept boys or not, just as the BSA decided to accept girls. If boys want to join Girl Scouts, they can take that up with the organization. And if the powers that be of Girl Scouts want to make that change, they are free to do so.
  
  Also, I am almost 100% sure single gender scouting was not created by nor mandated by “divine design.” Boy Scouts and other scouting programs were created for social purposes and it is logical that they would change over time.
  
  Personally I would have preferred Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to remain single gender, but the leadership has decided otherwise so it up to my family to decide whether we want to stay with it or not. (We do. We’ve been involved for about 13 years, as parents and then leaders, and we think it’s a great program.)
  
  Reply
  1. David
    
    September 15, 2023
    
    The Girl Scouts of America is a feminist organization and will certainly not be letting in boys short of losing a major lawsuit.
    
    Reply
Deborah Slager

October 13, 2018

Do not take on more responsibility than you are comfortable with. Some packs are requiring a girl’s mother sign up for her den. Yes, the girls deserve the same great program our sons have but not at their expense. Those families that want their daughters in have to provide the trained leadership to make it happen. Until there are more girls and female leaders signing up you can combine all the girls into one den (regardless of their grade) and have them all meet in one room with the required female leader and one other registered & trained YPT person and parents to run their respective learning experience. Group their outdoor requirements, cooking requirements, etc into a group program.

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Celeste

January 11, 2019

Cub Scouts has been around for more than 100 years. No one can expect to flip a switch and have a high functioning girl program overnight. It will take patience.

I suggest the current stewards of Cub Scout Packs realize they are managing change at a unique moment in the BSA’s history and should honor the requirements for single gender dens (and not make up their own rules).

If there are a just a handful of girls at different levels, they should be combined into a single den with handbooks for their level/grade. The den will need an experienced den leader to deliver meetings and activities that will suit each girl for their particular rank advancement.

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Michael Woolery

January 23, 2019

For our Pack, it really is a matter of getting parents to volunteer to be den leaders.Our dens, either boy or girl, tend to be anywhere from 2 to 8 scouts, but typically about 4 or 5, which is actually a good size if you have good attendance rates. But as we were early adopters last year and going into this year, the biggest issue has been getting den leaders. Many of the girls joining were from families of boys already in the Pack, so just because we increased the number of scouts we didn’t necessarily increase the number of families from which to pull leaders. So, what ends up happening is our Bear boy den leader on Tuesday night is also the Bear girl den leader on Wednesday night and running a program twice, with small numbers both nights. But, having the dens meet on one night with one leader keeps the volunteer work manageable.

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David

June 28, 2019

How can you have an all-girl Den of 1 (for example) and expect to represent the best of Scouting? Is a girl AOL Den of 1 (something our Pack is facing) supposed to meet separately than the boy AOL Den of say 5? Double the same work? Is that really an enjoyable experience for the girl regarding Scouting, being alone during her path to AOL?

If there are enough girls to form a girl-only Den within the Pack and there is leadership to support it, then by all means, go that route. But as Cub Scouts is family-based (we have sisters of Cub Scouts at Den Meetings and Pack events already), why make a big deal about it as long as 2-deep leadership including 1 female is utilized?

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Kate Paille

October 3, 2019

Okay so we are new to scouting .. like brand new… like new scout smell new. Scouting was NOT on my radar. I have all girls. I was NOT interested in signing the kids up for scouts of anything. I didn’t even know much beyond buying stuff from friends’ kids; cookies popcorn, wreaths, magazines, mulch … whatever. So this year we were recruited at a back to school function . A person showed my kids the amazing things scouts do . My kids who love all things outdoors and have been begging us to go tent camping instead of rustic-cabin camping begged me to say yes. I did.
We went to the initial sign-up meetings. We bought uniforms. (We wear our uniforms and frankly I have to admit with more care to detail and presentation than most of the boys their same ages.) We bought books. We’ve sold popcorn. We’ve manned popcorn booths and asked numerous people, ” Would you like to help support me and my friends in Cub Scouts today? ” We’ve practiced oaths and signs and etc over breakfast. We’ve attended pack meetings and Den meetings. We have attended family campouts and extra den activities. We know many of the scouts and some of their families. These are people we know from school our neighborhood our other extra curricular activities.
My girls play with these boys every single day. Half the parents are surprised to find the out the “boys” they thought their sons were playing with at school…. the “boys” they heard their sons talking about just happen to be my girls… who just happen have names that could be either a boy’s or girl’s. Most of the other scout families we have met are fine with us. There were some eyebrows at first. There are still a few who I think don’t really want us there. Whatever. We are not leaving at his point because I have invested too much money on camping gear and scouting stuff to let the annoyance of others turn us away.
My girls are having fun. I am there at every meeting/ event etc. I have never left my kids any place. I don’t even use babysitters because I am a parent first and foremost. I HAVE no plans to use scouts as a babysitter as someone above mentioned. Most of the time it is just me and my girls. My husband has a job that requires him to be gone 2 – 3 weeks a month. I am capable. This is my normal. I am sorry we don’t have a Dad to volunteer to help with the dens but I am around to do what I can while managing my other kids who are NOT in that particular day’s den meeting or event
What is NOT normal is being invited to participate in something only to discover that people are not REALLY sure what to do with us or if they even want us there. The most obvious push back I feel is from the Den mothers. There are moms in leadership positions and spouses of men in leadership positions who do not hide well the fact that they are annoyed by us being there. To them I would like to say….. don’t invite someone over to your home for dinner and then complain when they sit at your table to eat. If scouting wants to attract girls… go for it . 100% go for it. Don’t invite little girls to be a part of this organization with promises of fun and fellowship and then give them the cold shoulder. They are in fact little kids. Boys or girls they are children. They are not pawns for politics.
If your pack intends to attract little girls be sure BEFORE they show up to your meetings. Be sure EVERYONE is saying the EXACT SAME THING TO THE PARENTS OF THOSE LITTLE GIRLS. Do NOT let a few people say that, “Oh with only a few girl,s we will just include them in all the boy den activities” and then have a den mom who is irritated with us for being there. We did NOT come looking for scouts. They came look for us. Just think about how you would feel if you were in my shoes.

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1. Chuck Pool
  
  July 9, 2020
  
  As a scouter, a committee member for cub and boy scouts, and a cub den leader (LIons now! wooohoo!), I must say I don’t understand where people get off viewing scouts as anything but youthful adventure seekers learning how to play safe, survive safe, follow our civic and community codes, and respect each other. Parents who raise eyebrows should (and probably don’t) think about those things. Lord Baden Powell did, and we have Scouts now because of him.
  
  I wish I had more parents like you in our pack. People who show up wanting to see their children have great experiences and wanting to help other children have the same. All parents on the same page with safety as the number one criteria – not just safety from abuse, but the teaching of safety as a condition for any endeavor.
  
  I stereotype those eyebrow folks as ‘sorority girls’ or ‘frat boys’ who are more impressed with looks than with character. I know that is unkind – I was in a fraternity and I have always been character driven. Function over form. Utility over novelty. But I stereotype and ignore their behaviors that don’t contribute to the full scouting picture. Sometimes when presenting awards, I highlight the remarkable camaraderie and selfless giving of the scouts – knowing full well the parents who should listen closely are spacing out and ignoring the words. But the kids who model adults in the community – maybe they will see the dichotomy and choose the more compassionate path.
  
  Thank you for giving your girls the full measure of the outdoors and supporting scouting.
  
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Mick

October 9, 2019

Its ridiculous to have only one aspect of scouting as a gender separation. They should all meet together and the program should be coed as the venturing crews, sea scouts, and all other scouting programs in other countries.

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lizz

February 28, 2020

Really why are we so focused on seperating them boys with boys and girls with girls instead of having everyone interacting together with adults supervising one another….. why do we as human beings gotta complicate things let them participate together also i feel that before you can transition to a BSA troop u should be required to earn the webelos and arrow of light badges before moving forward and that they shouldnt move on until they are ready …… scouts with special needs well what about learning or social anxiety….

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1. Chuck Pool
  
  July 9, 2020
  
  Lizz – I agree with you, and I also agree with those who say scouting should not have the taint of sexual abuse or any form of abuse in their ranks. Unfortunately my first experience at a scout camp – a welcome weekend or cuboree – was a chance encounter with a child sitting on a rock crying to his father. Not yet a middle schooler, he was wailing that “they won’t let me camp right next to them, they said I wasn’t a good Bear and I should just go home.”
  
  I stopped, I didn’t approach, I listened to the father try to explain that feelings get hurt and words get said but that they were still friends at school and on the playground even if they are fighting today.
  
  I lead two lion dens – ridiculous, but I do. We meet in two separate rooms that have a connecting door. We have two separate den numbers, I am the old, tried, and true den leader so I am the leader of both dens although I manage to have parents step up to lead. Our girls are thin, truly not enough for a full den per rank. We have a very active girl scout troop system, but the GSA is less outdoorsy now than they were in the 1970’s when my sisters were scouts. All I try to do is provide the scouts the same opportunities for fun – safely – within the pack and follow the rules national has set for us to follow.
  
  Two deep leadership, at least one adult of the scout’s gender in any of the outings, no outings without the parent(s) or at least 4 adults so that if an emergency occurs, two or more adults can manage the remaining scouts while the emergency is managed.
  
  The girls seem more enthused for a lot of the cub scout program – maybe because they are trailblazing. Maybe because they are standing toe to toe with the boys in a way their sister’s hadn’t. I know my sisters were impressed when I told her we invited the GSA troops to our pinewood derby car building workshops and our pinewood derby. My 66 year old sister just gushed with how she so wanted to race a pinewood derby car when my older brother was in the pack. Now that we are a coed pack – we still invite the GSA troops in our community to the derby – and we run the pack winners against the GSA troop winners for our big community trophy.
  
  There is a difference between boys and girls, and there are differences between all the members of each gender! But in scouting, they all are treated the same way in our pack. We do follow the gender guidelines national has set up. My dens meet individually, but we do combine for activities with full parent participation – at the Lion stage that is easy – by Bear or Webelos, the boys get mouthy and the girls push back – and body weights are well matched enough that we only have to stop it when it gets hurtful. I will not allow the cubs to hurt each other physically or with words. But that is me as a den leader and pack member. Boys scouts is a little different – but like others have said, by the Venture age (14+), personal and sexual identity have begun to settle, the awkward phase is apparent to others – but the scout has gone through their hormone changes and are ‘settling’ into their adult bodies as awkward as that is. We just have to keep them focused on the tenets of scouting and off of the tenets of the ‘adult world’ so to speak.
  
  Twenty years from now National may have a different take on den make-up. Until then we just have to raise our cubs the way we raise our families – when in public (or in the pack) we do things by the public standard, when at home we just watch for bad behavior and make sure everyone is safe, studying, and playing.
  
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Lori

June 19, 2020

I don’t see it as providing a boy program or girl program.. it’s just a Cub Scout program.

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Chuck

October 7, 2021

Small dens are not cost effective. That means large dens are subsidizing the smaller den.

If the two females don’t go on the trip, then the girls can’t go. 2 deep.

If boys and girls are segmented. Then what prevents from dens from being segmented by other factors, race, religion or parents income. As a den leader, I only want to work with the Catholic boys, because my son knows from school. The protestant or other boys can go elsewhere.

If allowing girls to join cub scouts is a way to expand the BSA applicant base, then maybe it has turned it back on its mission of being inclusive.

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Jason Simone

December 28, 2021

Girls are welcome to join cub scouting and they should be offered all the same opportunities to participate as boys are. Our pack holds all activities as co-ed activities, regardless of if they are at the pack-level or the den-level. The argument that girls and boys mature differently is silly and it’s being repeatedly used here as a fresh new excuse to keep girls out of the program. If kids sometimes need different challenges, it doesn’t mean they need different programs. It’s not like they are working on different ranks. If they are expected to succeed together in a classroom, then they can all succeed together in a den activity.

A den with girls in it needs a female den leader present. That is a requirement that makes sense. It is how we operate and it is probably why this den leader is being pressured to accept girls. I’m sorry, but I don’t have any empathy for accommodating this den leader’s comfort level with gender segregation for kids who are in elementary school. I hope someone in this pack is willing to do what is right for the girl scouters.

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Nikki

April 13, 2022

Our pack is small. We have 5 scouts, 1 of whom is female and they are all different levels. Not only would our pack have been forced to fold during the pandemic without her membership. It would have been super lame for all the scouts if we separated into individual den meetings. It would also require 7 meetings a week on my part instead of 1.

I’m all about getting YOUTH out scouting. One of my absolute favorite things (and the only reason we joined BSA) is because BSA changed their views to target all youth, not just boys.

I don’t understand how the OP thinks teaching a girl is somehow different than teaching boys. They were pretty hung up on thinking a female would alter the lesson plans. Our girl does the exact same requirements as the boys, same activities, same uniform. Just clarifying that females do not require different activities to earn their requirements.

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James

October 19, 2022

I had a son go through Cubs and Boy Scouts before the rebranding and admittance of girls. I had a younger son start Cub Scouts under the new model as Lion. His Pack had mixed Dens when I joined. He is now a Wolf and has gone on many adventures with the girls in his Den. We have grown to 12 youth in his Den, 2 girls the rest boys and a few girl siblings join us on all of our trips. It has been a wonderful experience. I think at this age that while yes, boys and girls develop at different rates, it is not so dramatic a difference to separate them. My dilemma is that I did not know we were doing it “wrong” until now and now I am the Committee Chair. I have decided, I am not going to upset the apple cart.

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David

September 15, 2023

I find it offensive and shameful that boys are being denied their own spaces in society. Isn’t it interesting that the Girl Scouts are not admitting boys? Clearly they think it’s important to exclude boys, to keep boys from interfering with a time and space that is meant to be only for girls. Why can’t we ever show boys the same respect? Are there now two spaces in society — mixed-sex and female-only? I really cannot stand this society.

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David Virgil Casson

September 15, 2023

But you’re not suggesting we combine the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, are you. No. Only boys should be denied single sex spaces in which to learn and grow, not girls.

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