Wesley Chapel Girl
Joins the Boy Scouts
Ever since 10 year
old Lexi Zink can remember, she’s wanted
to become an Eagle Scout. In 2018, for the
program of the Boy Scouts of America
opened its doors to young women as well
as young men, all of whom now have the
chance to earn Scouting’s highest rank of
girl to become a member of newly created
Scout Troop #34, and is now on her way to achieving her dream of becoming an Eagle Scout.
As part of this transition, the organization also changed its name to an all-inclusive version - Scouts BSA.
Brandi Zink, Lexi’s Mom, said the change to allow girls was very controversial and a few parents in the area went
so far as to remove their sons from the organization. Brandi even received some push back from friends and other
parents who questioned why she was allowing her daughter to join the organization. She answered the critics,
“It’s 100% her decision and it’s her true passion, so I support her. She’s fearless and grew up with her brothers
in the Boy Scouts and participated in many Scouting activities with our two sons. This program is teaching her
invaluable leadership skills.” She noted, “It’s strange, the boys never treat her any differently, only the adults do.”
Brandi explained, “In fact, one of the reasons Lexi became disenchanted with the Girl Scouts after two years,
was that they didn’t allow the whole family to participate in camping trips or activities with the troop.” The Boy
Scouts encourage families and all siblings to join in the fun, so Lexi always took part in competitions alongside
her brothers, including building and racing a derby car in the Pinewood Derby. Her mother noted, “Lexi has
always been more into outdoorsy activities such as camping and hiking but that wasn’t as prevalent in the Girl
Scout programs.”
Brandi explained that there’s a lot of
confusion in the community about how the
girls participate with the boys. “Most
people don’t understand that the boys
and the girls are in separate troops but
they are partnered with a boys’ troop
as a ‘sister’ troop. The all-girl troop
is headed by a female leader and the
all-boy troop is led by a male. Brandi
continued, “On a camping trip, during
the day boys and girls participate in
all activities together as a group.
However in the evening, the
troops split off and set up
camp in completely separate
areas of the campground.” She hopes once parents have a better
understanding of how the program really works, more girls will
be encouraged to join.
Lexi’s new Scout Troop #34 is paired with Scout Troop
#33, a well-established group with over 300 members that is
chartered and sponsored by Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic
Church in Land O’Lakes. Lexi’s pack is a start-up with 12
girls so far, and they are looking to expand membership
and secure local sponsors. Both troops meet every Tuesday
evening at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church
located at 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O' Lakes.
_____________________________________________________
For more information on joining Scout Troop #34, or to become a
troop sponsor, please email Brandi Zink at bsascoutzink@gmail.com.
Rose and Terry Clark
VOLUME VI • ISSUE IV Wesley Chapel Magazine 15
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