The Boy Scouts released a statement on October 11 saying that they had finally decided to start letting girls join. Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive, wrote that the decision was "true to the BSA's mission and core values outlined in the Scout Oath and Law." He continued,
The values of Scouting – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example – are important for both young men and women. We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children. We strive to bring what our organization does best – developing character and leadership for young people – to as many families and youth as possible as we help shape the next generation of leaders.