The program consists of all-boy and all-girl troops using the same curriculum, earning the same merit badges and achieving the same ranks that have been in place for decades.
Scoutmaster Linda Porras-Pirtle oversees Troop 1277, which began recruiting female members in January and will continue doing so until it has at least five members—the minimum required before a charter is authorized, she said. She said this is only the fourth all-girl troop in the Cy-Fair area.
“I am very excited about this opportunity for girls to learn the same leadership skills that boys have had available to them for over 100 years,” she said. “The BSA program is a great way to teach youth how to be good citizens and stewards of our environment.”
Program objectives include character development, citizenship training and personal fitness. Girls can earn any of the 135 badges available, including archery, crime prevention, life saving, personal management and wilderness survival. They can also take part in monthly camping events and other activities, Porras-Pirtle said.
Troop 1277 meetings are currently held on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 10135 West Road, Houston. Families who are interested can attend one of these meetings and submit an application as well as annual dues.
www.txtroop1277.com
