By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – New Scouting adventures are coming to the Northborough area as the first female-only Boy Scouts of America (BSA) troop becomes official in February 2019.
BSA made a historic decision a year ago to allow girls in Cub Scouts and to give them the opportunity to rise through the ranks and earn the top honor of Eagle Scout, which has been reserved for boys only in the past.
Shannon McDonald and Naoko Conway will be the two pioneer leaders of the girls’ troop with the support of Northborough BSA Troop 1. The new troop is open to surrounding communities.
McDonald and Conway are not new to Scouts. Both have sons in Troop 1 and have been active volunteers. Both have also been Girl Scout leaders for their daughters – McDonald for eight years and Conway for six.
McDonald’s seventh-grade daughter Taegan and Conway’s fifth-grade daughter Niko are excited to be a part of this inaugural troop and plan on keeping dual membership in both Scouting programs.
Taegan and Niko have always participated in their older brothers’ Scouting activities and trips when they could.
“Taegan loves the troop and what they do,” said McDonald. “I am supporting her decision to make it happen. She’s physically able to do it.”
Conway agrees that her focus is on supporting her daughter and helping to bring this opportunity to reality.
McDonald said that the girls’ troop will meet at the same time for weekly meetings, but their troop is a separate troop altogether.
Some events will be done in conjunction with the boys’ troop, such as working on merit badges, participating in community services projects, or taking a hiking trip. The two troops will share equipment as well, but the girls’ troop will be run as a distinct troop of its own. When activities are combined, such as camping, separate campsites and accommodations are a requirement.
“The adults and boys of Troop 1 have been very accepting of the change and support the inclusion of girls,” said McDonald
She has been busy with taking the required leadership training, which is different than what Girl Scouts requires of their leaders.
“There is a learning curve,” said Conway. “The requirements for the [Boy] Scouts are different. I am a little nervous as it is a big commitment, but I am excited, too.”
Currently, there are two female Cub Scout dens in Northborough, which were formed a year ago. These girls will eventually cross over to the new troop.
Any girl in Northborough or surrounding towns who is interested in joining the new troop can email [email protected]. An informational meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the Robert E. Melican Middle School, 145 Lincoln St., Northborough, at 6 p.m.
