More Than Cookies and Camping

Scouting, in its many forms, has a long-standing presence in Oklahoma. In fact, the first Boy Scout troop in the country – Troop #1 – was organized in Pawhuska in 1909. Since then, tens of thousands of children across the state have joined Scouting America and the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. 

Although they may be known for cookie-selling and camping, these youth programs accomplish much more. Studies show that kids involved in Scouting programs are more likely to exhibit leadership qualities, form healthy relationships and feel more confident than their non-Scouting counterparts.  

Some people may be natural-born leaders. But for most, leadership skills are developed over time. Kids in Scouting America and the Girl Scouts get the advantage of learning about leadership and team work early in their lives – and in a supportive environment. 

All troops are also self-governed. 

“It’s a different learning model,” says Bill Hensley, Scoutmaster of Troop 15 at the Last Frontier Council in Oklahoma City. “Most of the leadership and teaching is done by older Boy Scouts. The adults are there to keep things safe.” 

The Scouts ultimately decide which activities to organize and which badges to earn. 

Similarly, Girl Scouts are girl-led, giving young women the opportunity to see themselves as true leaders. 

“I love helping empower girls,” says Melissa Bogle, interim CEO at Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma (GSEOK). “I have had some amazing women in my life that helped pave the way for me and my career, and I feel a huge responsibility to do that for the next generations.”  

GSEOK takes this goal a step further with its STEM initiative, which aims to prepare young women for careers in underrepresented fields. Girls can experiment with robotics and join competitive Lego Leagues at the STEM Lab in Tulsa’s Hardesty Leadership Center. 

“They do everything from building machines to coding… and compete at different events across the country,” says Joey White, GSEOK’s chief mission officer. 

Beyond learning practical skills, both organizations place an emphasis on community service. Scouting America and the Girl Scouts organize annual programs that help address food insecurity, clean up neighborhoods and provide support to seniors and veterans. 

As a part of the Scouting for Food annual program, the Last Frontier Council collected 65,000 pounds of food to donate to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in 2021. The council continues to collect thousands of pounds of food year after year. 

The Scouts also perform smaller acts of service, such as mowing lawns for their neighbors or cooking breakfast for local churches. 

“What really makes me proud is that I’ve never once had one of the boys complain about doing something for other people,” says Hensley.

This year, Scouting America has introduced a new program, Scouting for Clean Waterways, which will encourage Scouts to preserve local water sources and promote sustainability in their communities. 

“We’re not just picking up trash, we’re learning about how it affects our drinking water… and how we can prevent it in the future,” says Maryann Edgington, Deputy Scout Executive and COO at the Indian Nations Council in Tulsa. 

Troops with GSEOK are also focused on giving back. The Girl Scouts cook meals at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tulsa, craft Christmas cards to send to senior centers and hand out thank you notes on Veterans Day. 

Another important program that GSEOK offers is Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, which enables Girl Scouts to visit their incarcerated parents safely. Over 116 girls have enrolled in the program. 

“In the 22 years that the program has been going on, none of the girls who have been in the program have been incarcerated themselves,” says White. “It’s a really effective program.” 

Civic responsibility is integral to earning the highest distinctions – the Eagle Scout Award and Gold Award – with Scouting America and the Girl Scouts, respectively. 

Both awards require the youth to obtain leadership positions in their troops and propose a community service project of their own. If their proposal is approved, they must lead the project, collaborating with their peers, community organizers and institutions.

To earn the Eagle Scout Award, one Scout constructed picnic tables for Sister BJ’s Food Pantry in Oklahoma City and another built flag poles and installed signage at Veterans Park in Owasso. 

Hensley says that learning to serve others is one of the most important parts of joining the Scouts. 

“We wrap that fundamentally into our program,” he explains. “It’s just as much a part of learning to grow as learning how to tie a knot or build a fire.” 

The Girl Scouts with GSEOK have spearheaded several projects. One Scout collaborated with her school to develop a comprehensive safety plan, which included conducting regular emergency drills and creating a training manual for students and faculty. 

Another Scout developed a Greenwood Rising patch program, which encourages girls to learn about the Historic Greenwood District in Tulsa and cultivate a deeper understanding of racial injustices. 

“Being able to see the girls grow, gain confidence and give back to their communities is wonderful,” says White. “It’s very rewarding.”