Five girls join Boy Scout Troop 62

Goshen has taken to heart the decision at the national level of the male-only Boy Scouts of America to include girls from 11 to 17 years old.

So far, five girls have joined Troop 62, a long-established Boy Scout troop, currently chartered by Goshen Rotary.

Why would girls want to join a troop of Boy Scouts?

It was an easy decision, said McKenzie Richner, 15, and she jumped at the chance.

When the powers-that-be at the national level opened the door to girls, she said, she “was excited for the new opportunities, especially the wide variety of outdoor adventures.”

Richner, a three-sport athlete, immersed herself in the Scouting life during the summer, attending the Boy Scout day camp. By excelling at a variety of new tasks, she received an invitation to return next year as a camp counselor.

What do the boys think about girls joining their organization?

“It’s a good idea,” said Kevin Grunenberg, a Goshen High School senior, who has been in Scouting since the Tiger Scout level in first grade. The newest Scouts, he said, have been a welcome addition to Troop 62.

Grunenberg has known for some time that earning the rank of Eagle Scout was his ultimate goal as a member of Troop 62.

When asked about working toward becoming an Eagle Scout, Richner replied, “Of course. After all, girls can do anything boys can do!”

Those wishing to learn more about Scouting opportunities may visit BeAScout.org or stop in at a meeting.

Troop 62 meets promptly at 7:15 p.m. every Monday at C.J. Hooker Middle School Cafeteria. Attendees are encouraged to drive to the back of school and enter through the back of cafeteria.

For more information, leave a message at 845-544-4331, and one of the troop leaders will return the call.