Boy Scouts VS Girl Scouts: What’s The Difference?

Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Chase Reiner

Boy Scouts is a single-gender program that is open to boys ages 11-17. Girl Scouts is a girl-only organization that offers programs for girls of all ages, from kindergarten through high school. The Girl Scouts program focuses on developing girls’ leadership skills, confidence, and self-esteem.

Key Differences Between Boy Scouts And Girl Scouts

Aspect	Boy Scouts	Girl Scouts
Gender Inclusion	Co-ed (Accepts boys and girls)	Primarily girls-only
Founding Year	1910	1912
Parent Organization	Boy Scouts of America (BSA)	Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)
Uniform	Distinctive Boy Scout uniform	Distinctive Girl Scout uniform
Oath/Promise	Scout Oath	Girl Scout Promise
Motto	“Be Prepared”	“Be Prepared”
Emblem	Fleur-de-lis	Trefoil
Program Levels	Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA	Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors
Outdoor Activities	Emphasis on camping, hiking, survival skills	Outdoor and adventure activities, but with a broader focus
Leadership Structure	Led by youth with adult guidance	Led by girls, guided by adults
Badge/Earning System	Merit Badges	Badges and patches
Major Awards	Eagle Scout (highest rank)	Gold Award (highest achievement)
International Presence	World Scouting Association	World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
Emphasis on camping, hiking, and survival skills	Over 2.1 million members (USA)	Over 1.7 million members (USA)

What Are Boy Scouts?

A boy scout is a young man aged 11 to 17 who voluntarily participates in the scouting program. They are considered young men because of their age, not because they have acquired any adult status. The youngest members of Boy Scouts will be Cub Scouts (ages 11-13) or Webelos scouts (ages 12-18).

What Are Girl Scouts?

The girl’s equivalent organization goes from Brownies to Cadettes and Juniors. These levels correspond with grades K-12 for girls – no middle school level. Girls can also join Daisy Scouts up to 18 years old, but there are no formal high adventure activities associated with this group because it falls outside of the traditional “girl” range.

Are Girl Scouts Part Of The Boy Scouts?

– Girl Scouts and the Boy Scout program are completely separate organizations with no formal ties to one another.

– In Girl Scouts, all girls in a troop must be of similar age – Girls can join Daisy Scouts up to 18 years old though there are no high adventure activities because it falls outside of the traditional “girl range.”

– The youngest members of Boy Scouts will be Cub Scouts (ages 11-13) or Webelos Scouts (ages 12-18).

What About Senior Scouting?

– Adults who want to volunteer their time for scouting without participating actively as youth may do so through Venturing crew programs. Crews are open to adults from 18 on up (although most participants are 20+),.

Why Are Boy And Girl Scouts Separate?

– The Girl Scouts’ strategy is to focus on the needs of girls and their opportunities for achievement.

– Boy Scouting was started in 1910 by British General Baden Powell, who wanted “to make boys as hardy, self-reliant, and resourceful.”

– Boys are encouraged to have a higher level of physical fitness than girls with activities like hiking or biking. In contrast, the Girl Scout program emphasizes health and well-being through exercise rather than competition-based sports.

Are there any real differences between these two? 

It depends on what you find important! There’s no denying that each organization has its strengths – just know what your family values before making a decision about which one is better suited for your individual child.

Did Boy Scouts And Girl Scouts Merge Ever?

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) have never merged. They are two separate organizations with different histories, missions, and programs.

In 2019, the BSA began allowing girls to join its ranks, but the two organizations remain independent. The GSUSA has said that it has no plans to merge with the BSA.

There are a few reasons why the two organizations have not merged. First, they have different missions. The BSA’s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over a lifetime in achieving their full potential. The GSUSA’s mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Second, the two organizations have different programs. The BSA program is focused on outdoor skills, leadership, and citizenship. The GSUSA program is focused on developing girls’ leadership skills, confidence, and self-esteem.

Finally, the two organizations have different constituencies. The BSA is primarily supported by male donors and volunteers. The GSUSA is primarily supported by female donors and volunteers.

Can An Atheist Be A Boy Scout?

The fact is that the Boy Scouts of America is a very religious organization and membership requires an adherence to their oaths that’s incompatible with atheism, so they won’t allow it.

The Girl Scout program emphasizes health and well-being through exercise rather than competition-based sports.

In contrast, the Boy Scouts encourage boys to have higher levels of physical fitness by participating in activities like hiking or biking. It depends on what you find important! There’s no denying that each organization has its strengths – just know what your family values before making a decision about which one is better suited for your individual child.” No,” these two organizations are only similar in their names.”It doesn’t matter if someone practices Christianity or Islam as long as they’re following Christian/Islamic laws!”

Why Do Girl Scouts Want To Join Boy Scouts?

The Girl Scouts want to be a part of the Boy Scout’s camping activities and other events.

Boy Scouts VS Girl Scouts Funding

boy scouts vs girl scouts funding are not at all an issue, so many people and companies contribute to the Boy Scouts as well.

Boy Scouts VS Girl Scouts Ranks And Badges

The ranks in both organizations are different which is one of the major differences that separate them from each other.

Boy Scout Badges: Tenderfoot badge, Second Class Badge, First Class Badge; Eagle Scout Rank Merit Pin; World Citizenship Award Bronze Medal; Certificate of Achievement-Eagle HONOR Recipient. 

There’s no equivalent rank system on this side – one has to be called up from local ranks like Cadette Leader.

Girl Scout Patches

girl scout patches are not only used for recognition purposes but they’re also a way for girls to earn badges that can be placed on their uniforms or sashes. The boy scout patch is worn on shoulder loops and has fewer requirements than Girl Scouting does; this means it’s easier for boys to get theirs! Both groups have round-shaped emblems.”All leaders go through extensive background checks!” There are no known studies showing an increased risk with adults who were ever involved with.

Boy Scouts VS Girl Scouts Lawsuit

There has been a lawsuit filed against the Boy Scouts for violating California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act of 1959. The plaintiffs are three unnamed former Girl Scout leaders who say they were dismissed from their positions because they became pregnant while in charge and one woman, Hollie McNish, who said she was demoted after becoming pregnant with her first child.

Girl Scouts VS Boy Scouts Scholarships

Both organizations provide different types of scholarship opportunities to women that may not be available elsewhere, but each organization provides different amounts. For example, “The Girl Scouts offers two levels: Cadette Scholarships (for girls in grades six through nine), which award up to $750 over four years per girl) and Senior Scholarships, which offer more than the USA Ultimate scholarship amount.” (HRC).

The Girl Scouts Leadership Awards are the highest awards a girl can receive through Girl Scouting. The award is presented to girls who “demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, provide service and support for others over an extended period of time, serve as active models at her troop or in her community” (Girl Scout Website).

Girl Scout Gold Award VS Boy Scout Eagle –

Girl Scout Gold Award: The Girl Scouting highest award. “The gold award is the ultimate recognition of a girl’s commitment to her ideals, and is presented only at the National level.”

Boy Scout Eagle Rank Merit Pin: A merit badge that marks the completion of requirements for earning the rank in Boy Scouts. In order to be eligible, it must be earned before age 18.

girl scout leadership awards vs boy scout eagle merit pin –

Leadership Awards are the highest awards a girl can receive through Girl Scouting. The award is presented to girls who “demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, provide service and support for others over an extended period of time, serve as active models at her troop or in her community” (Girl Scout Website).

n conclusion, the differences between Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are that girls are required to earn the highest award in order to complete their requirements. Girls also have a higher rank than boys do, which is why they present it at the National level instead of only through the local council. Furthermore, the merit badge for Boy Scout Eagle Rank Merit Pin can be earned before 18 years old while Leadership Awards cannot be awarded until after 12th grade.

This blog post compares boy scouts vs girl scouts. It mentions how leadership awards can’t be given out until an individual completes high school but there’s no minimum age requirement for becoming a Boy Scout (and earning badges) if you meet all other criteria. 

What Does Each Group Offer?

Girl Scouting offers more opportunities over time that help a girl understand herself, her community, and the world. Girl Scouts has been doing this since 1912 when it was founded by Juliette Low to “help girls do things for themselves.” Boys can be a part of Boy Scouting, which offers leadership opportunities through merit badges. 

References:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/recruitment-war-raises-questions-about-what-it-means-to-be-a-girl-or-a-boy/2018/12/08/c3cac538-f700-11e8-8d64-4e79db33382f_story.html
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/nov/23/girl-scouts-boy-scouts-differences