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I was a Life Scout and, unfortunately, just wasn't dedicated enough at the end to get to Eagle only getting about half of it done...
I have to say, at first, I was blown aback by the idea. It genuinely gave me a "What?" moment. Having seen Girl Scouts first hand though, I think that's a useless organization that literally teaches nothing but how to sell cookies and use a bedazzler, despite the fact that it should be more like Boy Scouts. I think you don't see the push and the drive in Girl Scouts to advance and remain in scouts for very long like you see in Boy Scouts.
I'm fine with girls being allowed in Boy Scouts, even changing the name to just "Scouts" if necessary. I believe that what is learned in Boy Scouts has life-long value and I wish more kids would be involved. I think decreasing numbers is a reason for this, but it shouldn't be.
There is so much it teaches youth beyond camping: citizenship and ethics, leadership, first-aid, swimming, navigation, canoeing, cooking, use of tools, fitness, nature identification (trees, birds, plants, etc), use of arms/archery, fishing, music, art, respect for country and religion, and so much more. Girl Scouts are supposed to be able to learn much of the same, but I seldom see it.
I think scouts are better prepared to be adults and can be self-servicing.
My take is merge the organizations and create one "Scouts," but I do not support segregation of sexes. Obviously you wouldn't have boys and girls sharing a tent or a bathroom area, but there is literally no other reason to segregate. Both sexes should be exposed to the same teaching available. They should feel a sense of community and should all be taught to be strong individuals in a dual-sex real-life environment.
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