Scott Sanning has a unique bond with daughter Madie Benedict. They can now share memories made through Scouts BSA, an adventure learning program.
Sanning began his scouting experience as a Cub Scout leading up to his graduation from Jefferson City High School in 2004. Madie joined Scouts BSA in February when the program began allowing girls in troops.
Scouts BSA is an adventure leadership program for youth ages 11-17.
When Troop 10 committee chairman Tom Nield began looking for a leader for the girls' program, Troop 3010, Sanning did not shy away from the controversy surrounding the program's change. He became the troop's scoutmaster in February.
"There weren't too many people who were trying to sign up for it," Sanning said.
He was inspired to talk to Madie about checking it out, he said. He remembers how active Troop 10 was when he was involved and was excited to open those experiences to her.
Activities like trap shooting, camps and hiking take place every month. Scouts also learn skills like starting a fire, pitching a tent, tying knots and family life lessons.
One of the four pillars of the program is leadership, which Sanning wants all scouts to gain.
"The leadership side is a huge part of the scouts," Sanning said. "(It's) teaching you to step up in a role in the troop and within your community."
As Troop 3010 leader, he organizes the lessons the girls do separate from the boys. Currently, four girls are involved; however, he hopes more will join.
Some lessons are done separate, which is a good thing, Sanning said.
"The girls and boys learn differently, and that's what's nice as having them as separate troops," Sanning said. "We can still focus on the way they learn."
When scouts learn together, it's no different than what they experience in school, Sanning said.
His favorite part of being a scoutmaster is watching the scouts grow.
At a recent meeting, Benedict led the pledge of allegiance and the scout pledge.
"That's one of the great things about it," Sanning said. "It really does make you a well-rounded individual with leadership and just other skills in life."
A personal challenge Sanning did not see coming is the learning curve that came with leading youth that was different from his time in the military, he said.
The process has taught him more patience, he said.
Although some people don't think girls should be allowed in the program, there is a difference between joining Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts of America, Sanning said.
"They're not the same just for different genders; they focus on completely different things," Sanning said. "Getting through the stigma that (BSA) is supposed to be a boys thing only has been a challenge."
For those who are concerned about the change, the best thing to do is embrace it, he said.
"Everything is going to keep changing anyway," Sanning said. "It's not going to go back to the way it was; it's just going to keep advancing, and it's a good thing."
Any parent or youth considering joining the troop is encouraged to contact the leaders or stop by a meeting, he said.
The group meets at 7 p.m. most Mondays at Grace Episcopal Church, 217 Adams St. in Jefferson City. More information about meetings and adventures are available at troopwebhost.org/Troop10JeffersonCity.
"You'll learn, you'll make friends; it's a lot of fun," Sanning said.
He hopes Madie and the other Troop 3010 scouts can complete a specific set of merit badges and become Eagle Scouts - a nationally recognized life accomplishment.