Family Troops
Scouting America troops across the nation participated in a family troop pilot (called a combined troop during the pilot) between September 2024 and July 2025. Over 700 pilot troops participated to determine the feasibility of a mixed gender troop that is welcoming for all. Each pilot (combined) Boy Troop and Girl Troop operated as one troop, under one Scoutmaster and one SPL. Patrols were either mixed or single gender.
In early November, Scouting America’s National Executive Board approved this overwhelmingly popular 3rd troop model, now referred to as the Family Troop. While the option to apply opened on December 15, 2025, GGAC is going to wait until the new year before accepting 'Intent to Convert' forms - our Registrar is currently fully engaged with annual renewals as well as processing the paperwork for the pilot units.
Family Troop Decision Guide
Scouts BSA offers chartered organizations three models when organizing a troop:
♦ Girl troops, serving eligible female Scouts
♦ Boy troops, serving eligible male Scouts
♦ Family troops, called combined troops during the pilot phase, serving any eligible Scout.
If you are considering the family troop option, this guide is designed to help you facilitate important discussions on this topic with your chartering organization(s), Scouts, their families, and your troop adult volunteers. Read more . . .
Family Troop Best Practices
Scouting America troops across the nation participated in a family troop pilot (called a combined troop during the pilot) between September 2024 and July 2025. This guide is a summary of family troop best practices discovered during the pilot as reported by participating troops from across the nation. Read more . . .