KarenZ

I see a lot of women' success in outdoor sports. Some of those role models are influencing girls to run, bike, swim, etc. in greater numbers. I personally am not an athlete, but I am inspired by those women to try new things that may not have been "for women" before. That has got to be encouraging women to hike, climb, kayak, ski, etc. which all can be part of scouting. The difference I see from the 80's to now in feminism is that Strong Women are very successful. Lindsey Vonn, Danica Patrick, Venus Williams are great examples of that trend. Back when I was a teen, I was told that a woman could succeed in anything, but I wasn't seeing it. Now, everyone can see and believe. I'd be curious to hear from leaders in Colorado. I have a 23 year old friend there who said that she was active compared to peers in the south, but now in Colorado she's nearly a couch-potato because all her peers are so active (hiking, biking, and everything else). Therefore, outdoor activities must be common not just because of the weather, but also the culture of fitness and taking advantage of the outdoors. KarenZ

I am in the Atlanta Area Council. It's been my impression that Cub and Boy Scout enrollment has been higher than in some other parts of the country for years. I know that Atlanta has a population boom, as we see it in all our schools. So, it's logical that there is growth in Scouting as well. Oh, and we are in the Bible Belt. Many churches have strong youth programs, and Scouting is one of their programs. True, not all units will sponsor Girls in Scouting Troops (Scouts, BSA), because of that same Bible Belt influence. The growth in Cubs may not translate to the Scouts, BSA program. Wish me luck, as I'll be SM of a new troop. So, I don't think the Southern Region is doing anything particularly different for girls. Its likely about population. Oh, I meet plenty of parents here that will only camp in mild weather, Spring & Fall,...and plenty of mothers who won't camp at all. It's not just girls who are reluctant to camp in a tent. I think there's a grammatical error is the post from qwaze in "all you all". "y'all" would be correctly used there.