MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- We are now hearing reaction from local Boy Scout troops as word comes down that girls will be able to join next year.

Patrick Beiser has been with the Boy Scouts for 46 years. 

He says the organization has been asking troop leaders' opinions about letting in girls for the past few years. He says he's excited about the change.

"I think it's a long overdue change and I'm very proud of them for doing it. I'm very optimistic that there are many parts of the Scouting program that I can see obviously and easily include girls," said Patrick Beiser, Troop 61 leader.

Each troop will make their own decision if girls will be able to participate. By 2019, there will be a program for older girls to allow them to earn the rank of an Eagle Scout.