As its national organization embarks on the fourth year of a fully inclusive program, the Great Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America, aims to show girls from across the area that they can find a home in Scouting.

Since February 2019, the Boy Scouts of America has welcomed young women to join its Cub Scout (ages 5 to 10) and Scouts, BSA (ages 11 to 17) program.

Over the past three years, the Great Trail Council staff and volunteers have helped form 25 girl troops with more than 125 girls across its service area, which encompasses Mahoning, Medina, northern Wayne, Portage, Summit and Trumbull counties. The female Scouting movement continues to grow locally, despite barriers built by the current pandemic. To date, 15 young women have earned the rank of Eagle Scout with more than 1,000 nationwide earning the Eagle Rank.

The local council is passionate about educating young women and their families on the benefits of the Scouting program, its officials said.

To expand its reach, the Great Trail Council has organized its second female-focused event, known as Her Next Adventure, that focuses solely on recruiting girls to the world of Scouting.

On May 21, girls in grades 4 to 10 are invited to visit Camp Manatoc, 1075 Truxell Road in Peninsula — one of Great Trail Council’s three camps — for the day to experience the Scouts, BSA program. Girls who register for the event will participate in activities focused on STEM, archery, climbing, metal working, leather working and dutch-oven cooking. Lunch is included and there is a $25 fee to cover program costs.

This camp experience will be led by current female Scouts. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with other female Scouts and their families to learn about their time in the program and how it has impacted their lives. Parents or guardians are welcome and are free including lunch and are encouraged to attend. Day of event check-in starts at 9 a.m. and the event will kick off at 10 a.m. and last until 5 pm.

For more information on the event, contact Olivia Pilon at Olivia.Pilon@Scouting.org or visit https://scoutingevent.com/433-HerNextAdventure to register by May 16.

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