Beginning this year, the Boy Scouts of America are allowing females to join the organization. I am fully in support of this decision.

I remember when I was younger, I would always hear about the adventurous and fun activities and camping trips the Boy Scouts would go on. I was so envious because I knew that, as a girl, I would never have the same opportunities that the boys around me had.

So I joined Girl Scouts, which pushed hyper-feminine ideals and activities on me, not many of which I particularly enjoyed.

The fact that young girls now have this opportunity that I was never given is so exciting to me and for future generations. Allowing both girls and boys to join is a move that is helping the Boy Scouts get with the times and break down gender barriers.

They previously have decided to allow openly gay and transgender males to join the organization, yet again showing their effort to be inclusive.

Critics have expressed concerns regarding allowing boys and girls to camp in adjacent cabins.

Apparently, it is simply too dangerous to combine because “boys will be boys”, meaning they lack any self-control, and girls are vulnerable prey for all. Realistically, boys and girls live together every day. They often go to school together, see each other in public, and can be friends and family. Using this as a reason why girls cannot join is simply bizarre.

Boy Scouts teach children lessons of honor and respect, which I expect would translate into how they treat members of the opposite sex.

Every individual, no matter their identity, is equally deserving of the education and honor that the Boy Scouts provide. Allowing children, despite their gender, to become a member of this highly respected organization, learn life lessons and to be exposed to new experiences is crucial.