Choctaw Area Council of Boy Scouts establishes first all-girl troop

Published 1:45 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Dressed in a khaki shirt and green pants, Kahlan Henderson recites the Boy Scout oath.

Although the 13-year old is nervous, she’s also excited, as she’s been waiting for this moment for a while. 

“I think it’s very unique because it gives girls the opportunities to show themselves,” she said.

Henderson is one of many girls attending a meeting for the establishment of the first all-girls troop with Scouts BSA Monday at Midway Baptist Church in Nellieburg. The girls met  their troop leaders and learned what to expect in joining the Scouts BSA.

Last year, Boy Scouts of America changed its name to Scouts BSA, when girls were allowed to join. With Scouts BSA, boys and girls will be in separate troops, based on gender.

With the change, girls will be offered the same activities as boys, which includes camping, rank advancement and the opportunity to become an Eagle Scout. 

It took a while to establish a girl troop because the local chapter didn’t want to rush the process, according to Ken Kercheval, CEO of the Choctaw Area Council of Boy Scouts. Kercheval said they wanted to make sure the leaders were trained and had sponsorships before girls could start.

“It has been a three-month process for us to get to this point,” Kercheval said.

To find female troop leaders, Kercheval reached out to those who were leaders with the Boy Scouts. 

Donna Henderson was one of those troop leaders. She said she’s excited that her granddaughter, Kahlan, will finally be part of something that has been a big part of her life.  

“She has been going to Boy Scout camp with me since she was six months old,” Donna Henderson said. “She’s enjoyed being out at camp because she likes to all the things outdoors.” 

Kahlan Henderson said she’s looking forward to activites such as camping, swimming and learning to starting a fire. She’s most excited to learn more about cooking, because she wants to be a chef when she grows up.

“I want to learn that in case I need it when I am by myself,” she said.

Another potential Scouts BSA member is 12-year old Olivia Watson. Watson was a Webelo with the Cub Scouts and has been waiting to join the Scouts BSA since February. She said she hopes to learn more about nature and swimming.

Amy Yates, another troop leader, welcomes the change. She said the Girl Scouts didn’t seem to offer a true camping experience, and looks forward to leading an all-girl troop.

“It’s about time the girls are in scouting because it gives them the same opportunity,” she said.

Looking ahead, Kahlan Henderson said she plans to urge her friends to join the troop. 

“I think I really enjoy this because I like to see the smiles on people’s faces,” she said. “That just encourages more people to join.”