March is Women's History month. Women have been present in scouting from the early days of scouting. The ability for females to fully participate in scouting as a scout and as a leader owes a debt of gratitude to trailblazing female volunteers and scouts.
It's important to highlight these trailblazing females who have broken down barriers that impeded participation. These brave volunteers and scouts have made it possible for for all youth and adults to fully participate in the program and leadership opportunities Scouting America has to offer.
In the 1930's when the Cub Scout Program was formed women served as Den Mothers in partnership with Den Chiefs. In 1967 titles were changed, women and men were able to serve as Den Leaders. For the next 20 years Den Leader would be the only leadership position females could hold.
1973-1975 Catherine Pollard served as unofficial Scoutmaster for Troop 13 in Milford Connecticut. Her role as Scoutmaster wasn't formalized until February of 1988
Mary Portis in 1990 became the first female scout executive in the history of Scouting America. When submitting her application she submitted it as M. Portis to avoid any bias due to her being a female applicant.
Ellie Morrison in 2018 became the first female national commissioner. During her time as commissioner included February 1, 2019 when females were official welcomed as scouts into Scouts BSA program.
Ella Holdcroft, Eagle Scout, February 8, 2021. Ella is one of nearly 1,000 scouts in the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts. Scouts in the inaugural class of Eagle Scouts made the rank of Eagle between October 1, 2020- February 8, 2021.
May 29, 2024 Ella Holdcroft, Alice Petrakis, Isley Todd, Braya Okujic, Evelyn Okujic are the first 5 members of Troop 1396 G. Allegra Weaver, Charlotte Riechers, Anabelle, Kohler, Elle Brooks, Sophia Boyer, Olivia Mitchell, Natalie Jakubowicz, and Danielle Taisiemski joined along with their fellow scouts in member ship of 1396 G. These scouts have started to blaze the path for future female scouts of Troop 1396. These scouts are founding members of 1396 G.
Keep bravely blazing the trail ahead.
A scout is brave.