By Quinn O’Hara

The Boy Scouts of America first began to let girls join their ranks five years ago. Since then, several girls have joined the Clay Center Cub Scouts, which is open to kids in kindergarten through 5th Grade.

Once they advance past 5th grade, the Scouts can then choose to advance by participating in a Troop in middle school and high school. However, prior to February of this year, Clay Center lacked a girl’s troop, leaving those wishing to advance without the ability to do so.

That’s when two girls and several adult leaders began the paperwork to start Clay Center’s first Scouts BSA Girls Troop, said Scoutmaster Jeanna Fancella. A sign-up night held that same month garnered the troop 6 additional members. Meetings then began in March and attendance at council activities started soon after.

The group, whose official title is Scouts BSA Troop 254g, has since grown to 9 members. Together, Troop 254g has attended Konzavous in March near Wakefield, the Kansas State University Merit Badge Conference in April, and a Cub Scout family day campout in May. Troop 254g most recently traveled to Kirwin, Kansas, for their first Scouts BSA Resident Camp.

Fancella said the new girls-only troop has created a significant opportunity for young girls in and around Clay Center.

Fancella said Troop 254g is always looking for new members. Those interested in joining are asked to get in contact with her or one of the other scout leaders.