Why Troops in Dan Beard Council are Single-Gender (with a Modern Twist)
If you’ve heard Dan Beard Council Scouts BSA (ages 11 – 17 years old) operates as single-gender troops, you’re right—but there’s more to the story. Let’s explore how this structure works to help all youth take part in the most well-rounded youth development program, and who wouldn’t want that, while still serving today’s youth in the best possible way.
Single-Gender Troops + Linked, Coordinated Structure
Scouts BSA troops remain single-gender — either all boys or all girls — to ensure developmental programming and leadership opportunities are tailored appropriately. However, for convenience and shared support, boys’ and girls’ troops can be linked under the same chartering organization. These “linked troops” can meet at the same time and place, share a troop committee, and even coordinate some activities as appropriate, e.g., community service projects — while keeping each troop fully independent with its own leadership, finances, and youth-led decision-making, as well as separate programming for the most part. See organization chart here.
Why Maintain Single-Gender Troops?
Research shows that most boys and girls often mature at different developmental rates — particularly in adolescence. Girls tend to begin puberty earlier, and related brain maturation processes can happen faster than in boys. Generally, boys also need more and different physical outlets. While this doesn’t apply in the same way to every child, designing programs with these differences in mind can help ensure Scouts are supported in ways that make sense for their emotional and physical growth.
Single Gender Linked Troops are Effective, Inclusive and Family Friendly
This balance — single-gender troops with linked support — ensures that Scouts get the right kind of environment for personal growth, while still ensuring inclusivity, and allowing families flexibility. It’s about giving every Scout the best conditions to thrive — whether it’s allowing for co-learning and separate dens in Cub Scouts, or receiving gender-appropriate mentorship and leadership paths, while coming together for community service projects in Scouts BSA. It’s also about making scouting an all-family affair in a practical, time-efficient way, while also allowing kids to participate in other activities as well.
