Scouting has long been a cornerstone of youth development, fostering not just camping and outdoors-related skills, but also character, including the qualities of leadership and civic-mindedness. While often historically associated with boys, women have been — and continue to be — indispensable to the success of Scouting America programs. Their diverse contributions, historically and in the present, are a testament to their unwavering dedication. In short, women in Scouting deserve immense celebration.

Women’s Indispensable Contributions to Scouting

Leadership Roles

From the earliest days, women played crucial — albeit often unheralded — roles as volunteers within Scouting. To begin with, every Scouting mom has put valuable time and effort into supporting her child and their troop. With the advent of the Cub Scouts program in 1930, women stepped into the vital position of Den Mother, the first example of a female Scout leader and of women in leadership roles in the organization as a whole. This title evolved into the more inclusive Den Leaders by 1967, and it was open to both men and women. 

Beyond these foundational roles, women have consistently pushed boundaries, pioneering positive changes in high-ranking positions and shaping the very fabric of the organization. Just a few examples of Scouting’s most notable women in leadership include:

• Catherine Pollard. Pollard blazed a trail as the first female Scoutmaster in the 1970s, challenging traditional gender norms.
• Ann W. Nally. An accomplished author, Nally made history as the first woman to join the National Court of Honor in 1984, leaving an indelible mark on awards and programming. 
• Mary Portis. Portis became the first female Scout executive in 1990.
• Ellie Morrison. In 2018, Morrison was named the first female National Commissioner and served as the 11th National Commissioner of all time.

Throughout Scouting history, the leadership women have shown in big and small ways has propelled their steady progress into top roles within the organization.

Other Contributions

Yet women’s contributions to Scouting and youth development extend far beyond leadership titles. Women have been instrumental in program development. One case in point is the way they have enriched Scouting activities to encompass a broader range of interests, including STEM, outdoor adventures, and comprehensive leadership training. Their efforts in community engagement have been pivotal, strengthening the bonds between Scouting and local communities and amplifying the organization’s reach and positive influence.

It was Sydney Ireland’s advocacy, for example, that directly led to girls being admitted into various Scouting programs — including the esteemed Eagle Scout rank, shattering gender barriers and redefining what is possible within Scouting. Today, anyone with a daughter in the organization can become a proud Eagle Scout mom. And it was Jennifer Tyrrell’s courageous stand against discrimination that sparked a crucial dialogue that ultimately led to policy changes in 2015, making Scouting a more inclusive environment for all members.

Countless ”Scout Mothers” provide unwavering support to Scouting today. They are actively involved in encouraging individual Scouts and troops, organizing events, offering guidance, and cultivating a nurturing environment where young people can thrive. Their dedication ensures that the core values of responsibility, compassion, and teamwork are instilled in young people, shaping future leaders and safeguarding the enduring principles of Scouting for generations to come. 

This commitment to inclusivity, significantly propelled by the historical and ongoing contributions of women, guarantees that all young individuals can access the transformative power of Scouting, acquiring invaluable skills, building confidence, and fostering a strong sense of community.

Cultivating the Women Leaders of Tomorrow: How Scouting America Empowers Girls

Scouting America is deeply committed to developing the women Scouts of tomorrow by actively integrating girls into its programs and championing their holistic development, molding them into capable, resilient, and civic-minded adults. 

Since 1969, the inclusion of girls in programs such as Venturing, Sea Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Scouts BSA has led to a consistent increase in female membership, with over 176,000 girls and young women participating as of May 2024. A remarkable milestone is that over 6,000 girls have already achieved the prestigious Eagle Scout rank, demonstrating exceptional leadership, commitment, and mastery of Scouting principles.

The framework of Scouting America’s programs provides a unique and powerful platform for girls to grow into confident leaders. These programs are designed to instill essential skills, foster resilience, and encourage active community participation. Girls in Scouting engage in a myriad of activities that promote problem-solving, teamwork, and self-reliance, ranging from outdoor adventures and environmental stewardship to STEM education and community service projects. 

Through these experiences, they learn to navigate challenges, adapt to new situations, and develop a strong sense of personal responsibility. Scouting fosters an environment where girls can test their limits, discover their strengths, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning and service.

Scouting America also emphasizes character development, instilling values such as integrity, respect, and compassion. Girls are encouraged to take on leadership roles within their units, guiding their peers and contributing to decision-making processes. 

This hands-on leadership experience is crucial for building self-confidence and the ability to inspire and manage others effectively. The program’s focus on civic engagement also ensures that young women understand their role in the broader community and are empowered to make a positive difference. By participating in service projects and learning about local governance, they develop a strong sense of civic duty and become advocates for causes they believe in. 

Scouting America’s commitment to providing an inclusive environment where girls can learn, lead, and thrive is truly shaping the next generation of female leaders who are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the future and contribute meaningfully to society.

How Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council Is Recognizing Women This Fall

To further honor the profound contributions of women to the Scouting movement, Scouting America hosts special events designed to celebrate their impact. One such distinguished occasion is the Laurel Highlands Council HER Taste of Scouting Event on September 24, 2025. This event serves as a vital platform where women celebrate fellow leaders, volunteers, and parents who dedicate their time and effort to support Scouts and Scouting programs.

The occasion also serves as one of the best kinds of women’s networking events. It exists to help women connect, network, and strengthen their bonds within the Scouting community and beyond. It is an evening dedicated to celebrating the shared commitment to youth development that defines the invaluable role of women in Scouting. 

Celebrate Women Who Support Our Youth at HER Taste of Scouting

Join Laurel Highlands Council’s Women’s Committee on September 24, 2025, for our annual HER Taste of Scouting! This event celebrates the significant impact of women’s leadership in shaping the future of our communities. While our focus is on highlighting the achievements and contributions of women, this event is a testament to all who support the development of our youth. Plan to join us for a lovely afternoon at Camp Guyasuta.

This event is led by women in Scouting for all women. Guests are in for a delightful reception featuring Scouting-themed activities, a complimentary guided camp tour, the chance to establish new lasting connections with other women in our region, and so much more. Register now!

Women have played key roles in our Council throughout its history, and we thank them for their service. We also encourage our female Scouts to follow in their footsteps and challenge themselves to become strong leaders. If you live in the western parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, or West Virginia, enrolling your daughter in Scouting America, Laurel Highlands Council, is an excellent way for them to get all the benefits of becoming a Scout.

Contact us to learn which of our programs is right for your daughter, and join now!