Scouts, from left, Ferista, 13, Fahima, 16, Duhina, 13, and Robina, 13, attend a festival at American University in Kabul. Scouting organizers in Afghanistan say girls make especially good Scouts because they have so few outlets for activity in the male-dominated country. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Afghan Scouts sing the national anthem. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Scouting’s links to the West and its English-language elements could spell trouble if Afghanistan descends into chaos after foreign troops leave in 2014, so organizers are working hard to localize the program. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Zabiullah, 14, carries the Afghan flag during a ceremony at American University in Kabul. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Scouts take part in a game of tug-of-war. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
