In February 2019, the Boy Scouts of America made the controversial decision to change their name to “Scouts BSA,” in an attempt to gender-neutralize their organization after announcing that girls will now be allowed to join troops.

Troop 2019 is the first all-female troop to be formed in the Rochester area. Based out of Fairport, New York, the girls have been faced with positive and negative feedback from both Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops since their establishment in 2019.

“On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law…” recite the girls of BSA Troop 2019 during a recruitment meeting on October 24, 2019. In February, the Boy Scouts of America organization was renamed ‘Scou

“On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law…” recite the girls of BSA Troop 2019 during a recruitment meeting on October 24, 2019. In February, the Boy Scouts of America organization was renamed ‘Scouts BSA’, and began allowing girls into the program. Female troops run exactly the same as male troops, with slight differences in adult leadership.

The uniforms worn by girls who are members of Scouts BSA are very similar to the original uniforms worn by the boys; skirts instead of pants are an option for female scouts, and many girls choose to ‘stylize’ their neckerchiefs in their own way.

The uniforms worn by girls who are members of Scouts BSA are very similar to the original uniforms worn by the boys; skirts instead of pants are an option for female scouts, and many girls choose to ‘stylize’ their neckerchiefs in their own way.

Scouts play a game of 'ninja' as an activity during the meeting.

Scouts play a game of 'ninja' as an activity during the meeting.

A scout demonstrates to other members how to tie a number of knots to keep pieces of wood together.

A scout demonstrates to other members how to tie a number of knots to keep pieces of wood together.

Trisch Tavolette, assistant leader for Troop 2019, writes on a sign to be put in front of the church the troop operates out of, to let others know they are open to new members. A former Girl Scout, Tavolette recognized the importance in encouraging y

Trisch Tavolette, assistant leader for Troop 2019, writes on a sign to be put in front of the church the troop operates out of, to let others know they are open to new members. A former Girl Scout, Tavolette recognized the importance in encouraging young girls to follow their passions and stepped up to assist in leading the troop.

The Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls.

The Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls.

Tavolette goes through the evening itinerary with active BSA Scout Haley.

Tavolette goes through the evening itinerary with active BSA Scout Haley.

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Scouts demonstrate the proper set-up of camping equipment and explain the rules of safe camping to prospective troop members while sitting inside of a tent.

Scouts demonstrate the proper set-up of camping equipment and explain the rules of safe camping to prospective troop members while sitting inside of a tent.

The Scout salute is used to get the attention of those in the troop, to bring back focus when making an announcement during a BSA meeting. At the Sept. 2019 meeting of Troop BSA in Fairport, N.Y., a scoutmaster speaks to the girls prior to lighting a

The Scout salute is used to get the attention of those in the troop, to bring back focus when making an announcement during a BSA meeting. At the Sept. 2019 meeting of Troop BSA in Fairport, N.Y., a scoutmaster speaks to the girls prior to lighting a small charcoal fire to cook a dessert in a homemade dutch oven.