Re: 2Gs
Rodger Morris (rodger@FISHNET.NET)
Tue, 29 Aug 1995 08:38:09 GMT
Paul H. Brown wrote:
...
>Other reasons given for not wanting girls in BSA are the issues of sexual
>experimentation on overnight outings and boys learning better without
>girls around. Does anyone have any data concerning either of these
>issues? How do the other scouting associations deal with the issue of
>sexual experimentation in mixed gender groups? Is this a real problem,
>or just our over active adult imaginations?
This question came up in 1985 at the Iberia-Morocco District International
Camporee in Rabat, Morocco, in a discussion between Spanish and American
Scouters. The Spanish, who have had co-ed Scouting since about 1976,
said that this had not really been a problwm. They also said that since
the boys and girls had been involved in co-ed Scouting since about age 7,
that they usually went outside Scouting to find a boyfriend or girlfriend.
In those relatively rare cases where two Scouts did become romantically
involved, usually all that was necessary was to remind them of Scouting
ideals and suggest that they act like Scouts whilst they were doing
Scouting activities.
I have seen similar statements from Aussies and kiwis on the Fidonet in
re co-ed Scouting, so the Spanish experience appears to be similar to
that in cultures more similar to that in the USA.
>BSA now has women as adult leaders. I suspect it is just a matter of
>time before it invites girls to join the program, too. Shortly
>thereafter, GSUSA will fold (for lack of interest).
I disagree. This does not correspond with the experience worldwide between
the Scouts and the Guides. In New Zealand and Australia, for example,
the Scouts are co-ed and the Guides are flourishing. Canada has had the
same experience thus far in the roughly four years since Scouts Canada
went co-ed. As Norman Macleod has stated, Scouting seems to draw girls
who are not greatly interested in being Guides.
Having said that, I must also state that in Spain and Mexico, the number
girls in Scouting is much higher than the number of girls in Guiding.
Parents I have spoken with in both countries have quite often said that:
1) They want their daughters to have the same opprtunities as their sons.
2) They want to support one program, not two programs, so as not to have
to duplicate effort.
Yours in Scouting,
Rodger
Rodger Morris <rodger@fishnet.net>
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 852, Camarillo, CA
Ventura County Council, Boy Scouts of America
National Woodbadge 416-18, Philmont, 1973
"I used to be a Beaver..."
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
