I just read through this entire thing. I dont usually reply to any of these forums. But I think this one has hit a nerve. I must say, there appears to be a lot of people that just don't get it. We are now in the 21st century. Let's start leading and embracing change. Or you'll just get left behind. Especially when these youth we serve get older and start taking care of us, you dont want them to wonder why we didn't do everything we could. Remember, we are not doing this for ourselves; we are doing this for the youth. Regardless of gender.
I also wanted to comment on the amount of inconsistencies and lack of knowledge on some. I recommend that you do your homework before posting on any forum. Here are just to examples that stand out on this thread;
Example one referencing a comment about Wood Badge; Wood Badge has been open to registered adults. You can register as an adult when you are 18. Therefore Wood Badge has been open to anyone 18 and older. It is just recently, 2010, that it has changed to allow anyone 18 or older, regardless of their registered position. Adult or youth.
Example two about young ladies in Venturing uniforms; first off, Venturing has no set uniform. The Crew decides what their uniform will be. So, technically, having the camp require them to wear the spruce uniform is not valid. And, yes they can wear the tan uniform, if they are 18+ and a registered adult outside of Venturing. So, therefore it is false to say that young ladies can only wear a Venturing uniform. (if your talking about the spruce one)
I know Im going to get blasted, but as I said this thread had hit a nerve.