My personal experiences with scouting have been minimal but what little I have seen first hand and up close is complemented by a lot of good things I have seen from a distance. Some of the most genuine, trustworthy, and kind people I have ever met have been involved in the scouting program.

The Boy Scouts of America recently announced that their organization will now allow female members. While many females have been active in Boy Scout programs for years their actions, activities, and accolades will now be recognized the same as their male counterparts.

I think the decision to allow a female to attempt to earn the honor of Eagle Scout is a great idea. American women have proven time and time again they are just as if not sometimes more capable in comparison to their male counterparts.

From a logistics point of view, the fact that boys and girls can now be a part of the same organization makes it easier for parents, especially single parents, to get kids to and from meetings without running all over town.

I realize there are those who support a more traditional structure for scouting. I can appreciate that. However, just because we've always done something one way doesn't mean there isn't a better way. I believe teaching kids, all kids, they are valuable and capable of exceeding their own expectations with honor should not be defined by gender.

I think it should be defined by heart, hard work, and the desire to achieve. To me, those are the qualities of a fine human being, not a fine boy or fine girl, but a fine person. The kind of person who will be able to lead our world into an ever-changing future.

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