By Jonathan Jaffrey
Special to The Tribune
One year ago, Troop 55 was launched to serve area girls (ages 10 to 18), providing them the same opportunity as boys who have benefited from scouting since 1910. The newly launched Troop meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at Polytechnic School, and welcomes any girl (from any school) interested in learning more about Scouts at their weekly meetings.
During this first year, Troop 55 Scouts have earned hundreds of merit badges that include first aid, kayaking, geology, Indian lore, sailing and many more. For those Scouts wanting to achieve Eagle rank, a minimum of 21 merit badges along with service and leadership requirements must be met. The troop has held campouts in Death Valley, Channel Islands, Crystal Cove Beach, as well as backpacking in both our local mountains and the Yosemite area among other great trips. Scouts have also participated in BSA adventure camps such as Seabase in the Florida Keys, Scoutings World Jamboree, and later this year will be backpacking at the Philmont Scout Ranch.
In 2018, The Boy Scouts of America changed its name to Scouts BSA, a symbolic change that accompanied efforts to make the organization more inclusive for girls. The change officially took effect in 2019, when girls were first permitted in Scouts BSA troops.
According to Karen Sessions, Troop 55 Scoutmaster, Scouts BSA allows for mixed units at the Cub Scout level. Although they are placed in separate dens, they are all part of one unit, known as a pack.
Things work differently on a Troop level, where the girl units are kept separate from the boys.
Sessions said that boys and girls follow the same Scouts BSA program. However, keeping them separate allows for their Unit to be unique and personalized.
The all-girls troops have the opportunity to channel that uniqueness because the girls elect one of their peers to lead the group, known as the Senior Patrol Leader.
“One of the main purposes of scouting is for youth members to learn and practice leadership skills,” Sessions said. “The leader of any troop is the Senior Patrol Leader, though scouting offers leadership opportunities for all scouts.” Sessions noted the importance of the BSA outdoor program in developing these leadership skills. She notes the camping, outdoor experience and skills-based curriculum as a unique opportunity for girls.
While Troop 55 may be relatively new, interest in the scouting opportunity for girls is very much alive in the San Gabriel Valley. According to Sessions, there are currently 16 girls in Troop 55 and counting.
Sessions invites interested San Gabriel Valley girls to join the troop. For more information, email Troop55PasadenaCA@gmail.com or attend Troop 55s open house March 18 at 7:15 p.m. in the Polytechnic School Scout Room.
“Scouting will teach you skills that will enable you to accomplish any goal you set for yourself,” Sessions said. “Most important, it will make connections and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Editor’s note: Author Jonathan Jaffrey’s daughter is a Star Scout in Troop 55. He is also the father of an Eagle Scout.
