Since the beginning of their time, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have given members drastically different experiences. 

The Boy Scouts program’s main focus is survival skills and relying on physical ability to get through life. On the other hand, Girl Scouts’ mission is to “make the world a better place” and to create kind and confident girls. 

As a way of creating “confident” girls,  Girl Scouts have been trying to incorporate more Science, Technology, Engineering, Math  (STEM) related programs to make the gap between the two scouts groups smaller. For example, some troops might participate in a cheek cell swab as one of their meeting activities. 

STEM programs have always been a part of boy scouts, especially during summer camps. 

“You participate in environmental science classes [during the camp], we had to do a project on it because it’s an Eagle scout requirement,” said Boy Scout Nick Gaumer. 

Gaumer has been in Boy Scouts for eight years. He is one of many boys of his age group working towards the highest rank of Scouts, an Eagle Scout. 

“You have to learn a wide variety of skills, take on multiple different leadership positions, and you have to prove to the leaders that you’re a person of good morals,” said current Eagle Scout Andrew Hetzer when asked to describe what it takes to reach his rank. 

Other requirements to become an Eagle Scout are: to earn merit badges in 12 core subjects, to have gone through all of the previous six ranks, to plan and organize a service project, and many other things to prove that you are capable. 

Girl Scouts is relatively different when it comes to moving up. Girl Scouts are grouped by six age groups, the highest being an Ambassador. 

Instead of earning ranks, Girl Scouts have three awards they are able to earn: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. These awards are given to girls who are actively participating in community-benefiting projects and able to exhibit leadership skills.

Another key difference between the two Scouts groups is the activities that they participate in. 

After having spoken with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, it was made apparent that Girl Scouts, overall, participate in more charity work than Boy Scouts do. 

Veteran Girl Scout Molly Smith said, “There was a good portion of the year spent doing charity work […] Usually we bagged food for the less fortunate or worked at different small markets.”

A lesser known activity that some Boy Scouts participate in is called Order of The Arrow. 

Order of The Arrow is a prestigious event that few Boy Scouts are selected to participate in. The event is a day-long campout that follows a specific set of rules. 

“When I went to it, I had my tarp and a few supplies, that was all I had. We slept outside and we couldn’t talk during it. When we woke up, we had a small cup of Cheerios and spent the majority of the day cleaning up,” said Hetzer.

As Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts were both founded in the early 20 century, they both still continue to follow old-fashioned gender norms. 

As a way of creating “confident” girls,  Girl Scouts have been trying to incorporate more Science, Technology, Engineering, Math  (STEM) related programs to make the gap between the two scouts groups mission focuses smaller. For example, some troops might participate in a cheek cell swab as one of their meeting activities. 

STEM programs have always been a part of boy scouts, especially during summer camps. 

When asking Smith about her thoughts on the differences between Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, she stated, “Boy Scouts have always been marketed with fishing, hunting, and ‘real life skills.’ While Girl Scouts were mainly about cleanliness, politeness, and fun. It’s almost like they uphold gender norms.” 

While Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have numerous differences, they are similar in multiple ways as well. One thing that is similar is how they conduct their ceremonies. 

Both Scouts groups start each ceremony with a posting of the colors–a standard flag procedure of posting the American Flag in it’s respected holder–and is followed by leaders distributing awards.  Both ceremonies also hold a dinner for the parents and Scout members to enjoy afterwards. 

A ritual that sets the two ceremonies apart is what Boy Scouts must do after awards. After they receive their awards, they must give their father a hug and their mother a kiss. 

While both of these groups have their sets of similarities and differences, members of both Scouts groups encourage new members to join. 

“I think it’s a great way to improve leadership skills, work ethic, and make new friends. It’s also a good way to experience new things.” says Gaumer when being asked if he recommends Scouts to young boys who are interested. 

However, the Scouts agree that it depends on what age that you are joining at. 

“For younger kids, it’s a great way to make new friends. If you’re older and you haven’t already joined, getting a job would be more beneficial” said Hetzer.