Petition Aims To Let Girl Scouts Fly

An Ambassador Scout has launched a campaign to persuade the Girl Scouts of America to change their no-fly policy.

Friday, March 24, 2023 at 02:26 PM ET

Verified

The Girl Scout aviation badges are more academic, requiring the scout to do research, but no flying. [Credit: Meg Godlewski]

Key Takeaways:

Girl Scout Autumn Pepper Rhodes is campaigning to change a policy that prevents Girl Scouts from flying in small aircraft for aviation badges, a core difference from Boy Scout programs.
As her "Girls Who Soar" Gold Award project, Rhodes proposes an "Aviation Exploration badge" requiring a short flight in a small aircraft, supported by specific safety protocols and guardian waivers, to encourage girls in aviation.
Rhodes advocates for reviving a modernized version of the historic "Wing Scout Program" from the 1940s-1960s, which previously allowed Girl Scouts to learn about aviation and even earn pilot certificates.

See a mistake? Contact us.

One of the messages that Girl Scouts of America tries to impart is that gender does not have to be a barrier. Girl Scouts, just like Boy Scouts, have the opportunity to learn wilderness skills, perform community service and learn about science and technology.

There is, however, one thing Boy Scouts are allowed to do that Girl Scouts are not: fly in small aircraft as part of an aviation badge.