A special Boy Scout troop in North Texas helps girls from other countries. BSA Troop 1899 makes a big difference. These girls want to earn the top rank of Eagle Scout. They cannot do this in their home countries. Troop 1899 helps them achieve this amazing goal.
This troop works like a “host” family for international Scouts. They welcome girls who visit or live in the U.S. for a while. These girls come from faraway places. The troop gives them a chance to earn the coveted Eagle Scout badge. This badge is a very high honor.
Ashish Patel leads Troop 1899. He is the Scoutmaster. He says their work is truly special. He noted that these girls can only earn Eagle here. The troop guides them through many requirements. They help with merit badges too. And they support big community projects.
Helping Girls Reach Eagle
Troop 1899 has helped many girls achieve their dreams. Since 2021, the troop helped 12 girls become Eagle Scouts. Two of these Scouts were from other countries. They joined the troop while in the U.S.
One inspiring Scout is Yael Tordjman. She came from France. Yael joined Troop 1899 in 2021. For her Eagle project, she built a special ‘Buddy Bench’. This bench was for an elementary school. It helps kids who feel lonely find a friend.
Yael’s mom, Laura Tordjman, was very grateful. She said Troop 1899 helped them understand everything. It showed them how to get through the system. This made a huge difference for Yael.
Another success story is Sophia Chen. She is from China. Sophia joined Troop 1899 in 2020. Her Eagle project helped families in need. She helped prepare meals for people staying at Ronald McDonald House. This house helps families when their kids are sick.
Sophia’s mom, Jane Chen, was also very happy. She shared that Troop 1899 let Sophia fulfill a dream. Sophia could not have done this in China. Sophia herself said Scouts teaches you great leadership skills. You also learn how to speak well in public.
Here are some of the international girls Troop 1899 has helped or is helping:
- Yael Tordjman (France) – Achieved Eagle Scout
- Sophia Chen (China) – Achieved Eagle Scout
- A girl from Thailand – Currently an Eagle candidate
- Two girls from Hong Kong – Currently Life Scouts
- A girl from Argentina – Currently a First Class Scout
Why This Program Matters
The Boy Scouts of America, or BSA, made big changes a few years ago. Girls could join Cub Scouts starting in 2017. They could then join Scouts BSA in 2018. This was a very important step. It let more young people learn vital skills.
The first girls earned the Eagle Scout rank in 2021. These changes mean more kids can learn how to lead. They also learn how to be good citizens. This helps them grow into strong adults.
If you are an American living in another country, you can still join BSA. There is a special ‘Direct Service’ program for you. But what about girls from other countries? Their home countries might not have a BSA program for them. This is where Troop 1899 steps in.
Troop 1899 is based in North Texas. It serves areas like Highland Park and University Park. The troop meets at Highland Park Presbyterian Church. They are part of the Circle Ten Council. This council helps many troops in the area.
The troop has about 30 girls right now. They are all working hard on their Scout journeys. This special troop gives international girls a unique chance. They get to experience Scouting. They can also earn the highest honor possible. It is a big deal to become an Eagle Scout. It shows you are dedicated and helpful.
If you want to know more about Scouting, you can learn about the history of Scouting in the U.S. And if you’re curious about the top award, you can learn about the Eagle Scout rank.
