Young Woman Who Fought For Right To Be Eagle Scout Sees Dream Realized

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — A young woman who has fought tirelessly for more than nine years for the right for young girls to join the Boy Scouts of America will see her dream realized Saturday as she officially earns the Eagle Scout rank at a her Court of Honor Saturday.

Sydney Ireland, now 21, is a trailblazer and pioneer who made history — the first female in Scouting history to successfully complete all requirements to earn the Eagle rank, Boy Scout's highest honor. She was overjoyed in 2017 when, after her years of advocacy, the Boy Scouts of America's board of directors unanimously approved a measure that welcomed girls into the Cub Scout program — pledging to deliver a scouting program for older girls that would enable them to earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout.

And later, in 2019, the Boy Scouts of America agreed to allow girls to join as members, changing its name to Scouts BSA.

Ireland, who lives part of the year in Bridgehampton, will attend her Court of Honor at Avenue Church in New York City as a member Manhattan Council Troop 414; Ireland finalized her Eagle project, Connect a Vet with a Pet, on Veteran’s Day, 2018.

Her efforts to level the playing field for young women have been recognized globally.

Since the changes went into effect, BSA saw a surge in official pre-COVID memberships of young women and girls, with more than 150,000 new female members joining Cub Scout Packs, ages 5 to 10, and Scouts BSA Troops, ages 11 to 18.

Ireland faced roadblocks on her journey. She was told, after completing all of her work to become an Eagle Scout, that none of her efforts would count and she'd have to redo all the work, since she wasn't an official member when she began her Eagle Scout project.

Undaunted, she forged ahead, and, as a student at Amherst College, she had her official BSA Board of Review on Oct. 1, 2020.

Her dream of becoming an Eagle Scout was born when she was only a little girl, attending her brother Bryan's Cub Scout meetings.

“I am so immensely grateful for the support of so many who believed in me and in the Boy Scouts of America’s ability to adapt and I cannot wait for what the future holds for the Scouting movement,” Ireland said.

“Sydney Ireland is a role model for anyone fighting for equal rights for women and girls, thanks to her work in getting the Boy Scouts to start allowing girls to join its ranks. Sydney helped take down a century-old barrier to equality and is now the first woman to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout,” said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.

Others lauded her courage.

“As we reflect on the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we are reminded that pushing boundaries and following one’s dreams, is the truest of American values,” said Sonia Ossorio, president of the National Organization for Women, New York. “As a trailblazer, Sydney exemplifies the best in young leadership today.”

Ireland's father Gary, who has fought alongside her, told Patch that the day is incredibly meaningful. "I’m so proud of Sydney, and grateful she will be awarded the Eagle Rank after 17 years," he said. "Scouting is the best leadership program for our youth and we hope to make it available to all children and families."

And, Ireland told Patch: "I am so excited to be recognized as an Eagle Scout, and for young women all across the country to have full access to this important organization. This is a long time coming; I am so grateful for this opportunity and to be part of the first class of female Eagle Scouts."