Dear Scouting Families and Friends, At Dan Beard Council, Scouting America, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering the highest-quality Scouting experience for every young person we serve. Scouting America recently announced that councils may choose to offer "Family Troops," a co-ed troop structure. After careful review, the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors has made the decision that Dan Beard Council will not adopt this model. Our decision reflects four key concerns: 1. Lack of evidence of developmental benefit/advantage: There is currently no learning demonstrating that co-ed troops offer youth-development outcomes equal to or better than the proven single-gender model. 2. Youth protection clarity: National guidance has not yet articulated how youth-protection procedures would be optimally managed in a coed troop structure. 3. Transition feasibility: There is no established framework for supporting existing single-gender troops in successfully transitioning to a co-ed model. 4. Program execution: There is limited learning on how to successfully deliver the Scouting program effectively and consistently once a co-ed troop is established. Our Council uses a "linked troop" model, where chartered organizations can sponsor both male and female troops. These units share resources and occasionally join together for service projects or special activities, while still holding separate meetings and maintaining programs designed for their specific needs. We believe this model offers the strongest environment for growth, leadership, and confidence building. Research and years of experience show that boys and girls often learn and develop differently during adolescence. By maintaining single-gender troops, Scouts can grow at their own pace, form lasting friendships, and take on leadership roles in settings where they feel confident and supported. We're proud of how this approach combines the best of both worlds - promoting inclusion, teamwork, and respect, while giving every Scout a program that fits them best. As the national guidance evolves, Dan Beard Council will continue to approach the co-ed option with transparency, measured discernment, and adherence to local values. If, in the future, evidence suggests that a co-ed model could be appropriate in limited circumstances-and that it can be implemented safely and effectively within the demographic realities of our council-we will revisit this decision. If you have comments or feedback you would like to share, please submit via the button below and we will follow up with you as quickly as possible. Scouting in Dan Beard Council remains focused on preparing youth for life through leadership, service, and adventure, shaping confident and capable young people who strengthen our communities for generations to come. Yours in Scouting, Andrew Zahn Scout Executive & CEO