Livermore Girls Invited to Join BSA Scouts Program

Seven months ago marked a new era for Boy Scouts. Girls officially began to join the program and formed girl Troops. The traditional ‘Boy Scouts’ program name was retired and the organization is now called Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts of America). These changes have paved the way for inclusiveness of both boys and girls in the long-standing scouting program.

BSA Troop 999 was the first Livermore Troop to open its doors to form a girls’ Troop. It remains the only Troop for girls in the city.

“After announcing BSA Troop 999 was forming a Troop for girls, trail blazing girls stepped forward to make it official. With five scouts currently in our program and a foundation now laid, we have room to expand and want more interested girls in our Troop,” shares LeAnn Van Essen, who serves as the first BSA Troop 999 Scoutmaster for girls.

On Sunday, October 13th, BSA Troop 999 for girls will hold an informational BBQ for prospective scouts and parents interested in joining their Troop. Girls in BSA Troop 999 will be preparing BBQ chicken, burgers and hot dogs, as they demonstrate their BBQ and grilling skills.

Prospective scouts ages 11-to-18-years-old are eligible for BSA Troop 999 girls’ membership.

“We welcome prospective scouts and parents to our BBQ, and want to answer questions about how our girl Troop works. Please come to our meeting and ask about our activities, and how the program works overall for boys and girls,” invites Brian Van Essen, BSA Troop 999 Assistant Scoutmaster.

Girls fulfill the same responsibilities as the boys and have the opportunity to earn ranks and merit badges plus participate in white river rafting, hiking, skiing, camping and more. The girls’ Troop will also participate in BSA Troop 999’s successful annual Christmas tree lot fundraiser and travel to meet its sister Troop in Japan. Summer camp is already being planned for 2020, too.

For those interested in learning more about joining BSA Troop 999 for girls, join their scouts and leadership on Sunday, October 13th at 1:30pm, Independence Park, 2493 Regent Rd, Livermore. For more information, please email recruiting@troop999.trooptrack.email

Troop 999 was established more than fifty-five years ago and is chartered by Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livermore. BSA Troop 999 Scouts have the opportunity to grow into capable young adults by focusing on the Aims of Scouting— character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness—in all activities. Known for its successful Christmas tree lot in Livermore, BSA Troop 999 Scouts enjoy high adventure including hikes on Mount Fuji with their Japanese sister Troop. BSA Troop 999 meets every Monday evening at 7pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livermore while school is in session. For more information about BSA Troop 999, visit https://troop999.trooptrack.com/share/pages/26099