My son is being coming an Eagle Scout this year. Summer camp is really helpful to get caught up on badges. I find that interest and effort goes in cycles, sometimes it's there and sometimes it's not. I am really happy he stuck with it and so is he. It shows that somethings are worth sticking with. He has learned alot from going through the process.

Anonymous wrote:Just build a bench in a park. That's what every single kid did in our area.

I have told my son he's not allowed to build a bench. Good for kids that do it I guess, but I know he can do something with more impact.

Anonymous wrote:Since scout america welcomes girls, how do girls manage their menstrual cycles on hiking/camping trips or rafting or other high adventure trips? Do girls tend to find a troop that is managed by woman leader or mainly/all girls or join girl scout instead?

Our troop add a girl unit last year and it's been amazing. We do meetings at the same time, but the boys and girls separate for some of the activities. There are female leaders with the girl troop and for camping they have a separate space in the same area.

Just build a bench in a park. That's what every single kid did in our area.

Anonymous wrote:Since scout america welcomes girls, how do girls manage their menstrual cycles on hiking/camping trips or rafting or other high adventure trips? Do girls tend to find a troop that is managed by woman leader or mainly/all girls or join girl scout instead?

Troops, the Scouting America groups for ages 11-18, are mainly gender segregated. There are a few co-ed Troops that are a part of a trial run but for the most part there are boy and girl troops. Girl troops must have at lest one adult, trained female with them at all times. Normally girl troops have several female scoutmasters/assistant scoutmasters as well as males.

I was a Girl Scout in the 80’s and camped with the Girl Scouts. You handle your period like you always do. It didn’t really change. I carried tampons and pads with me when backpacking, just incase. Tampons are actually handy in case of an injury with heavy bleeding, they are commonly recommended as a first aid tool. You bring a bag to put used menstrual products and toilet paper, because leave no trace principals say that you carry out that stuff. They make special bags for holding toilet paper and menstrual stuff to prevent them from smelling and leaking. It is part of enjoying the great outdoors as a woman.

I have backpacked while having my period. It was fine. It might not be ideal but it happens. If you are properly prepared it is not a big deal.

I suspect that there will be a co-ed option in the not too distant future but that the choice to join an all girl or all boy troop will remain. I know a lot of Cub Scout Packs, grades K-5, are co-ed but that there are all boy and all girl Packs. One of the things I enjoy about Scouting America is that units are more long term, with changing membership over the years. It is easier to find a troop or pack that fits your child’s needs or personality.