After 114 years, the Boy Scouts of America has announced it will change its name to Scouting America, aiming to promote inclusion amid challenges such as bankruptcy and numerous sexual abuse claims.
This rebranding marks a significant shift for a traditionally rooted organization that only recently began admitting gay youths and girls. The decision, announced at their annual meeting in Florida, is part of efforts to increase membership.
Roger Krone, the organization’s new CEO, expressed a desire for all youth in America to feel welcome in their programs.
National Office Board (Aiden Simmons/Shutterstock)
The name change will officially take effect on February 8, 2025, coinciding with their 115th anniversary.
Since 2013, the organization has gradually opened its doors to gay youth, followed by lifting a ban on gay adult leaders in 2015 and welcoming girls into Cub Scouts in 2018 and Scouts BSA in 2019.
The Girl Scouts of the USA, a separate entity, has previously clashed with the Boy Scouts over their recruitment of girls. Social media reactions to the name change varied, with some, including Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, criticizing the removal of “boy” from the name.
