The Boy Scouts of America made headlines this Tuesday with a big announcement: they’re changing their name to Scouting America starting February 8, 2025. This shift is all about emphasizing inclusion, making sure everyone feels welcome in their programs, whether they’re boys or girls.
Roger A. Krone, the president and CEO of the organization, explained that this move is a natural step forward to ensure that all American youth feel seen and valued. He emphasized that this rebranding won’t change the core mission of the organization, which is all about guiding young people to make ethical and moral choices, rooted in the Scout oath and law.
This change reflects a broader trend in recent years. In 2018, girls were welcomed into the Cub Scouts, and the following year, older girls joined the flagship program, Scouts BSA. This expansion was aimed at making it easier for families to participate together.
Now, with nearly 20% of their members being girls or young women, the organization feels it’s time for a name that better represents the diversity of its membership. And it’s not just about the name; it’s about the impact. Selby Chipman, an assistant Scoutmaster and one of the first female Eagle Scouts, highlighted the leadership skills she gained through the program, hoping more girls will benefit similarly.
Currently, over 1 million youth are enrolled in their programs, including more than 176,000 girls and young women. And the numbers are growing. Bob Brady, who founded an all-girls Scouts BSA troop, shared how the community’s perception has been shifting slowly but surely. He believes the name change will help clear up confusion and attract more participants.
Beyond the logistics, there’s a deeper message: scouting is for everyone. As Brady pointed out, the values of scouting transcend gender. Camping, hiking, leadership — these are experiences that any young person can benefit from, regardless of gender.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges the organization has faced, particularly regarding allegations of sexual abuse. The Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy in 2020 after settling numerous abuse lawsuits. But steps are being taken to address these issues, including compensating victims through a special trust fund.
Overall, this name change is not just symbolic; it’s a reflection of the evolving nature of scouting and its commitment to inclusivity and growth.
