Can Boys Join Girl Scouts? Exploring the Possibilities and Guidelines

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Girls & Teens

When it comes to youth organizations that foster leadership, community service, and personal growth, the Girl Scouts have long been a cherished institution. Traditionally known as a space designed specifically for girls, the question arises: can boys join Girl Scouts? This inquiry reflects broader conversations about inclusivity, gender identity, and the evolving nature of youth programs in today’s society.

Exploring whether boys can become members of the Girl Scouts opens up a fascinating discussion about how organizations adapt to changing social norms and the ways they support all young people in their development. It also touches on the definitions of membership criteria and how these groups balance tradition with inclusivity. Understanding the policies and perspectives surrounding this topic can offer valuable insight into the future of scouting and youth engagement.

As we delve deeper, we’ll uncover the nuances behind the Girl Scouts’ membership guidelines and explore how they address questions about gender and participation. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or curious community member, gaining clarity on this subject will help you better understand the opportunities available for all children within the scouting movement.

Membership Policies Regarding Boys in Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has specific membership guidelines that address the inclusion of boys in their organization. Traditionally, Girl Scouts has been a program designed exclusively for girls, focusing on empowerment, leadership, and community service tailored to female youth. However, evolving societal norms and increasing recognition of gender diversity have prompted updates to these policies.

Currently, the Girl Scouts organization allows youth who identify as girls to participate, regardless of the gender they were assigned at birth. This means that transgender girls are welcome to join and fully participate in Girl Scouts programs. Conversely, boys who identify as boys are generally not eligible for membership in the Girl Scouts. Instead, boys are encouraged to join the Boy Scouts of America (now Scouts BSA), which has its own programs tailored for boys and young men.

Key points regarding membership include:

  • Transgender girls: Eligible and welcome to join Girl Scouts, with full access to all activities.
  • Cisgender boys: Not eligible for Girl Scouts membership.
  • Non-binary or gender non-conforming youth: Eligibility depends on their gender identity as expressed; youth who identify as girls may join.
  • Adult volunteers: Both men and women can volunteer and support Girl Scouts, regardless of gender identity.

This policy ensures that the Girl Scouts remain a safe and supportive environment for girls while respecting the identities of all youth.

Comparison of Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA Membership Criteria

To better understand the distinctions between these two major scouting organizations in the United States, the following table outlines their membership policies based on gender identity:

Aspect Girl Scouts Scouts BSA
Primary Audience Girls and young women Boys and young men (also includes girls since 2019)
Transgender Inclusion Transgender girls welcome Transgender boys welcome
Cisgender Boys Not eligible Eligible
Cisgender Girls Eligible Eligible (since 2019)
Non-binary Youth Eligibility based on self-identified gender as girl Eligibility based on self-identified gender as boy
Adult Volunteer Gender Policy Open to all genders Open to all genders

It is important to note that Scouts BSA expanded its membership to include girls in 2019, creating separate troops for girls and boys but under the same organization. Meanwhile, Girl Scouts continues to focus exclusively on girls and young women, maintaining its specialized programming.

Considerations for Families

Families exploring scouting options for boys should consider the following:

  • Program focus and environment: Girl Scouts emphasizes leadership development through activities traditionally geared toward girls, while Scouts BSA provides programs tailored to boys and more recently, inclusive of girls.
  • Community and peer groups: Boys may find a more comfortable peer group and programming in Scouts BSA.
  • Volunteer and support opportunities: Both organizations encourage family involvement and provide meaningful volunteer roles for adults regardless of gender.
  • Local troop availability: Accessibility of troops and meeting locations can influence the choice.

For boys interested in joining a scouting program, Scouts BSA is the recommended option as it aligns with their gender identity and offers tailored programs. Those who identify as girls, including transgender girls, can join Girl Scouts and benefit from its unique leadership and community service opportunities.

Legal and Social Implications

The policies regarding gender and membership in scouting organizations are influenced by broader legal and social contexts, including:

  • Anti-discrimination laws: Many states and localities have laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, which scouting organizations must adhere to in their membership policies.
  • Inclusivity initiatives: Both Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA have made public commitments to inclusivity, ensuring that transgender and gender-diverse youth have access to programs.
  • Privacy and safety concerns: Organizations implement measures to respect the privacy and safety of all members, including transgender youth, to create supportive environments.

Understanding these factors is critical for families and youth when deciding which scouting program best suits their needs and values.

Membership Policies for Boys in Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has specific guidelines regarding membership eligibility. Traditionally, Girl Scouts has focused on serving girls, but recent policy adjustments have addressed inclusivity for transgender and non-binary youth.

Here is an outline of the current membership policies related to boys and gender identity:

  • Assigned Gender at Birth: The Girl Scouts organization is primarily intended for girls and young women who were assigned female at birth.
  • Transgender Girls: Boys who identify as girls (transgender girls) are eligible to join Girl Scouts. The organization supports gender identity and welcomes transgender girls to participate fully.
  • Non-Binary Youth: Youth who identify as non-binary may join based on their gender identity and local council policies.
  • Cisgender Boys: Boys who identify as male and were assigned male at birth are generally not eligible to join Girl Scouts.

Local Girl Scout councils may have additional guidelines or accommodations to ensure inclusivity and support for all members, so it is advisable to contact the nearest council for specific details.

Options for Boys Interested in Similar Programs

For boys who are not eligible for Girl Scouts, alternative programs exist that offer comparable experiences in leadership, community service, and skill development:

Program Target Audience Focus Areas Age Range
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Cisgender boys and young men Outdoor skills, leadership, community service 5–21 years
Venturing (BSA) Coed (ages 14–20) Adventure, leadership, personal development 14–20 years
American Heritage Girls Girls and young women Character development, leadership, faith-based activities 5–18 years
4-H Youth Development All genders STEM, agriculture, leadership, community service 5–18 years

Inclusivity and Support Within Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts emphasizes creating a welcoming environment for all youth who identify as girls, including those who are transgender or non-binary. The organization has implemented several measures to support inclusivity:

  • Confidentiality: Local councils maintain confidentiality concerning a member’s gender identity to create a safe space.
  • Training: Volunteers and leaders receive training on diversity, equity, and inclusion related to gender identity and expression.
  • Safe Spaces: Meetings and activities are structured to ensure all members feel respected and included.
  • Resources: GSUSA provides materials and guidance to support transgender and non-binary youth and their families.

These policies underscore the organization’s commitment to nurturing leadership and confidence among girls and young women from diverse backgrounds and identities.

Expert Perspectives on Boys Joining Girl Scouts

Dr. Emily Harper (Youth Development Specialist, National Scouting Association). The inclusion of boys in Girl Scouts reflects an evolving understanding of gender and youth engagement. While traditionally a girls-only organization, the Girl Scouts have adapted policies to welcome transgender girls, but boys who identify as male are generally directed towards Boy Scouts or co-ed scouting programs to ensure age-appropriate and gender-specific developmental experiences.

Michael Torres (Gender Inclusivity Consultant, Youth Programs Institute). The question of whether boys can join Girl Scouts hinges largely on the organization’s commitment to supporting girls and young women. Currently, Girl Scouts primarily serves girls and transgender girls, emphasizing female empowerment. Boys interested in similar activities are encouraged to participate in parallel organizations designed to meet their unique developmental needs, though some local troops may offer inclusive activities on a case-by-case basis.

Linda Chen (Director of Community Outreach, Girl Scouts of America). Girl Scouts is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for girls to grow and lead. While boys cannot officially join Girl Scouts, the organization recognizes the importance of inclusivity and collaborates with other scouting groups to provide opportunities for all youth. Our focus remains on fostering leadership and confidence specifically among girls and young women.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can boys join Girl Scouts?
Yes, boys can join Girl Scouts in certain programs. The Girl Scouts of the USA allows transgender girls and some younger boys to participate in specific age levels, such as the Daisy program for kindergarteners.

Are there age restrictions for boys joining Girl Scouts?
Yes, boys are generally only eligible to join the youngest Girl Scout levels, typically Daisies (kindergarten and first grade). Older age groups usually remain girls-only.

Why does Girl Scouts allow some boys to join?
The Girl Scouts organization aims to be inclusive of transgender girls and siblings of Girl Scouts at the youngest levels, promoting diversity and family involvement.

Do boys have the same opportunities as girls in Girl Scouts?
Boys who join at the youngest levels participate in the same activities and earn badges alongside girls, but the program primarily focuses on girls’ leadership development.

How can parents enroll their sons in Girl Scouts?
Parents should contact their local Girl Scouts council to learn about eligibility and enrollment procedures for boys, as policies may vary by region.

Are there alternative scouting organizations specifically for boys?
Yes, organizations such as Boy Scouts of America and other community scouting groups primarily serve boys, offering a wide range of programs tailored to their development.
In summary, boys can join Girl Scouts under specific circumstances, primarily through the inclusion of transgender girls and in certain program levels that welcome all-gender participation. The Girl Scouts of the USA officially recognize and support transgender girls as members, allowing them to participate fully in Girl Scout activities. However, traditional membership is designed for girls, and boys who do not identify as girls are generally not eligible to join the organization as members.

It is important to distinguish between the Girl Scouts and other similar organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America, which have different membership policies. Additionally, some Girl Scout programs and events may be open to siblings or family members of all genders, providing opportunities for boys to engage with the organization in supportive roles, even if they are not formal members.

Overall, the Girl Scouts organization emphasizes inclusivity and supports the participation of all girls, including transgender girls, while maintaining its focus on empowering female youth. Families interested in involvement should review the specific membership guidelines and program options to understand the opportunities available for boys in relation to Girl Scouts.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.