Livermore Troop Leads The Way To Welcome Girls To Scouts BSA

February 1st marks a new era for Boy Scouts when girls can officially begin to form girl Troops. The traditional ‘Boy Scouts’ program name will be retired in favor of Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts of America) and paves the way for inclusiveness of both boys and girls in its program.

BSA Troop 999 will be the first Livermore Troop to open its doors to form a girl Troop.

“I’m excited for this new change. Scouting offers an array of education and experiences to develop character and leadership skills which equally apply to both boys and girls,” shares LeAnn Van Essen, who will serve as the first BSA Troop 999 Scoutmaster for girls. “My daughter loves the outdoors and anything high adventure. She has been an honorary Scout alongside her older brother since she was 4 and now has the opportunity to earn her own ranks and badges through these experiences.”

On Wednesday, January 30th, BSA Troop 999 will hold an informational meeting for parents and prospective scouts interested in forming a girl Troop. To create an official girl Troop, a minimum of five girls ages 11-to-18-years-old are needed.

“If you have questions about how we’re doing it, what activities we are planning or how the program will work overall for boys and girls, please come to our meeting, and ask questions,” invites Brian Van Essen, BSA Troop 999 Assistant Scoutmaster.

Girls will be expected to fulfill the same responsibilities as the boys and have the opportunity to participate in white river rafting, hiking, skiing, camping and more. The girls’ Troop will also participate in BSA Troop 999’s successful annual Christmas tree lot fundraiser and travel to meet its sister Troop in Japan.

For those interested in learning more about joining BSA Troop 999 for girls, join BSA Troop 999 leadership on Wednesday, January 30th at 7:00pm, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1020 Mocho St, Livermore. For more information, please email recruiting@troop999.trooptrack.email

Troop 999 was established more than fifty-five years ago and is chartered by Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livermore. BSA Troop 999 Scouts have the opportunity to grow into capable young adults by focusing on the Aims of Scouting— character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness—in all activities. Known for its successful Christmas tree lot in Livermore, BSA Troop 999 Scouts enjoy high adventure including hikes on Mount Fuji with their Japanese sister Troop. BSA Troop 999 meets every Monday evening at 7pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livermore while school is in session. For more information about BSA Troop 999, visit https://troop999.trooptrack.co...