On February first, the Boys Scouts of America officially welcomed young women into their program now called Scouts BSA.
The girls of Troop 1 in Meridian will make their debut at Saturday's annual pancake breakfast at the Meridian United Methodist Church.
"My brothers, they're in scouts and I have three younger brothers and so I've watched them go through scouts and I'm like, I don't get to do this and I'm your older sister and now it's like i finally get to do it and I'm super excited," said Grace Christensen, Girl Troop 1.
American Legion Post Number 113 now has two troops, one for boys and one for girls.
For the young women's scoutmaster, it's a dream come true.
"This is very exciting for me. when i was growing up, I watched my brother. I went to all of his troop meetings and got to see all of the wonderful opportunities and the experiences that he got to have and i always wanted. I was jealous. I have two boys and they both got into scouts and one is an eagle and one is a life scout now. watching them learn their leadership skills and their outdoor skills that they get. it's about time time that we allow our young women to have the same experiences and opportunities that our young men have," said Dana Higby, scoutmaster, Girl Troop 1.
The two groups have the same Troop Number 1 with girls and one with boys now the young women will do all the same activities. The girls and boys camp separately and have separate youth leaders but do the same activities together.
"Ever since i was really little, everyone has been involved in boy scouts and i got to see them go camping and backpacking and skiing and all this fun stuff with boy scouts and I wanted to be part of it so here i am," said Rachel Barrish, Girl Troop 1.
For the young women, the possibilities are endless.
"I'm really looking forward to working with my fellow scouts BSA troop members to learn with them along the way to figure out how we fit into the scouting equation and to go on camp outs and have fun with them," said Grace Friend.
The troop is looking for more young women to become members.
If you would like more information, head to Girl Troop
The pancake breakfast includes eggs, sausage, and hash browns. Meridian United Methodist Church is hosting. The event runs from 8 to 11 a.m. and you can buy tickets for five dollars at the door.
