Girls Scouts of WNY rolls out new adventurous programs to empower girls

It's a decision that has people talking - but not everyone's happy about it. After 107 years, the historic Boys Scouts of America is opening its doors and programs to girls at all levels.

Starting this year, younger girls will be allowed to join Club Scouts and older girls will have the opportunity to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

After existing as separate organizations with different missions for years, BSA says, their decision to do be more inclusive comes after several requests from families to make the organization more appealing - to everyone.

But, what does this mean for the future of Girls Scouts?

Girl Scouts USA released a public statement after the BSA's announcement last October, saying in part, "only Girl Scouts has the expertise to give girls and young women the tools they need for success."

In an effort to provide girls with more tools and keep numbers and enrollment growing, Girl Scouts of Western New York is launching a new series of adventurous programs for girls to empower them and remind them that they can do anything boys can do  - right where they are.

Christina Garcia Glover is a troop leader and said, "anything boy scouts has, girls scouts have too."

Funding by the United Way and specialty Girl Scout programs, has made it possible for new activities, like girlbotics, climbing, and white water rafting - to name a few. 

8-year-old Phoebe Glover says, "it's time for something new, people get tired of doing the same things over and over again."

Allison Wilcox, Executive Director of Girls Scouts of Western New York emphasized the importance of providing and protecting a single-sex environment.

"Giving girls of all ages a one-of-a-kind experience tailored specifically to girls - giving them the space and place to develop their voices and confidence apart from boys is part of our mission."

For more on Girl Scouts of Western New York's 2018 summer camps visit their website.