Last year, Boy Scouts of America welcomed girls ages 5-10 to join the Cub Scouts. As of this month, girls ages 11-18 are also welcome.

Scouts BSA is a program under the Boy Scouts of America for 11 to 18 year olds. Until this month, it was a program available only to boys, now, girls will be able to participate.

Art Hawkins, Scout Executive/ Executive Director of the Evangeline Council, Boy Scouts of America tells News 10 Scouts BSA is a program which can benefit both boys and girls equally.

“That’s what scouting is all about. It’s getting these life lessons and skills that they might not otherwise get like changing a tire, basic first aid, advanced first aid, wilderness survival, emergency prep.”

He says since they welcomed the younger girls to the Cub Scouts, their region saw a lot of them join and he tells us he expects the same for the older age group.

“We’ve already received phone calls today and we’ll continue to receive more phone calls as the days and weeks go on, as people find out about this opportunity.”

Hawkins says any girl or boy interested in joining can contact the Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America at (337) 235-8551.