The local Boy Scouts of America district is reacting to the organization’s decision to admit girls in the future.

The Boy Scouts’ Board of Directors voted unanimously to welcome girls into the Cub Scouts, beginning next year.

LaSalle Council executive Robert Hemmelgarn told WSBT he believes the transition will be a smooth one for Cub Scouts, because the values of that organization aren’t gender exclusive, but rather aimed at guiding young children to make ethical and moral choices. Hemmelgarn says the news was welcomed at the area council, which currently has a membership of more than 6,000 boys over eight counties.

Boys and Girls have been able to work together in the Boy Scouts’ Explorers program since 1971.