After more than a century, the Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, in an effort to be more inclusive and welcome all children and teens. The move comes after a tumultuous period for the organization, which has faced sexual abuse claims and bankruptcy. The change was announced at the Boy Scout’s national meeting in Florida and will officially take effect in February 2025. The new name aims to reflect the organization’s commitment to teaching young people to be prepared for life, while also acknowledging the changing landscape of membership.
The Boy Scouts of America has been undergoing changes in recent years, including allowing gay members and leaders, as well as accepting girls into the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts programs. Over 6,000 girls have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, showcasing the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Boy Scouts have also welcomed transgender children as part of their membership policy, reflecting a more modern approach to scouting. The rebranding as Scouting America is seen as a continuation of these efforts to make the organization more welcoming to all young people.
The Boy Scouts of America faced financial hardship when it sought bankruptcy protection in 2020 due to numerous sexual abuse claims. After a federal judge upheld a $2.4 billion bankruptcy plan, the organization was able to continue operating while compensating thousands of men who reported being abused as Scouts. The rebranding is seen as a fresh start for the organization, allowing it to move forward from these difficult times and focus on its core mission of helping young people learn important life skills.
Reactions to the rebranding have been mixed, with some praising the organization for its efforts to be more inclusive, while others criticize the change as unnecessary. The National Organization for Women has expressed support for the name change, seeing it as a positive step towards welcoming girls into the organization. However, there are also those who feel that removing “boy” from the name is a step too far. Despite the differing opinions, the rebranding is seen as a strategic move to start a new conversation about the organization’s values and mission.
The Girl Scouts of the USA, a separate organization from the Boy Scouts of America, had initially opposed the Boy Scouts’ decision to allow girls to join throughout its ranks. However, a settlement agreement was reached in 2022, allowing both organizations to use words like “scouts” and “scouting.” The agreement was seen as a positive step towards cooperation between the two organizations. While the Girl Scouts have not commented on the Boy Scouts’ name change, it is expected that both organizations will continue to focus on their respective missions moving forward.
The official name change from Boy Scouts of America to Scouting America is set to take place on February 8, 2025, marking the organization’s 115th birthday. However, the organization’s president and CEO, Roger Krone, expects people to start using the new name immediately. The rebranding is seen as a significant moment in the history of the organization, signaling a new chapter in its efforts to be more inclusive and welcoming to all young people.
