Shared from the 7/28/2019 Houston Chronicle eEdition

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No girls allowed? Not anymore with Boy Scout program

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Sophia Hung, 13, serves as the first senior patrol leader of Boy Scouts of America Scout Troop 54.

The day I’d been waiting for had finally arrived. Having joined the Boy Scouts of America, I was ready to head out on my first weeklong campout, a program for National Youth Leadership Training at Bovay Scout Ranch.

Dressed in my Class A uniform, I loaded my backpack and camping gear into the trunk of my dad’s car. On the long drive to Navasota, I had mixed emotions — one of excitement that Iget to be a part of this great opportunity, and the other of fear that the boys would not be welcoming.

Before I continue with my story, I would like to tell you a little about myself. Growing up, I often heard my grandmother telling my brothers and me how proud she was of my three uncles’ Eagle Scout achievements. She told us about all the benefits and recognition that go along with that honor.

I, too, became interested in earning this highest honor — I didn’t know that it was offered only to boys. When I realized that, I was envious of my brothers.

For years now, I have seen my two older brothers head out to their Scouting activities. They often included me, and I have learned a lot through helping them. I have watched them advance all the way up to Eagle Scout.

I never expected that one day I would be able to join them.

When BSA opened the Scouting program up to girls in February, I was really excited. But part of me wasn’t so sure about joining.

At school, I would hear boys making snarky remarks about how weird it is for girls to be joining Boy Scouts. Most boys I know, my brothers included, didn’t like the idea of girls joining BSA. They thought it would ruin the whole experience for boys.

I could understand how they felt. However, I felt that girls should be allowed to learn and achieve those same skills that are offered to boys. Iwas curious and wanted to check it out.

My worries went away after I attended the first meeting of Troop 54. I learned that it would be an all-girls troop with co-ed activities.

This gave me reassurance that the girls can have aBSA experience without taking away from the boys’ experience.

My first New Scout Campout helped open my eyes to why I would really love Scouting. I love waking up to the smell of fresh morning dew. Nothing is more satisfying than hearing the sausage and eggs sizzle on the pan as we prepare our first meal of the day.

As we learned first aid, emergency preparedness, wildlife and knot-tying skills, the friendship in my patrol grew. We helped each other work toward our rank advancement and merit badges. After a long day, we ended with a nice meal prepared by our grub masters as we gathered around the campfire to listen to each patrol’s funny skits. We shared laughs and felt a sense of comfort.

At NYLT, I was welcomed by many friendly staffers. I knew this was going to be a long, challenging week in the 100-degree weather. I also felt that I had to prove myself to be just as capable as the boys. This helped me focus; I was determined to work through the heat.

I wasn’t sure how the boys felt when we arrived, but when we saw them exchanging glances, we knew they were somewhat bothered by our presence. But as the week progressed, we worked together in our patrols to get tasks done. We broke through our barriers and became friends.

The experience taught me to be more assertive as a leader through effective communication. By the end of the week, I had made new friends, and I felt empowered to work toward my goal of becoming an Eagle Scout.

The Scouting program will teach me important skills that will stay with me throughout my life. Serving as the first senior patrol leader for Troop 54, I look forward to leading my troop at the upcoming campout in Colorado with skills I learned at NYLT.

Now that BSA has opened its doors, many girls like myself will be able to make an impact on the Scouting program and our communities.

Sophia Hung, 13, an eighth-grade student at River Oaks Baptist School, is a member of BSA Scout Troop 54.

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