Why Boy Scouts Will No Longer Be Called ‘Boy Scouts’

Boy Scouts of America uniform

After 115 years of being called the Boy Scouts of America, or just Boy Scouts, the well-known organization will officially change its name.

The BSA announced the move on May 7, saying in a press release that it was rebranding to be known as Scouting America, with the new name officially going into effect on Feb. 7, 2025, the Boy Scouts' 115th anniversary.

"Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to teaching young people to be Prepared. For Life," Roger A. Krone, president and chief executive officer of Scouting America, commented.

"This will be a simple but very important evolution as we seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting," he added, likely referencing the organization allowing girls to join in 2019. February of this year marked the fifth anniversary of the change.

The organization claimed it currently includes more than 176,000 girls and young women. Before the admittance of girls was official in 2019, the BSA also changed the name of its flagship program from Boy Scouts to Scouts BSA to be more inclusive.

"Scouting America provides a welcoming, safe environment where youth can become the best version of themselves by learning from and respecting each other. I encourage everyone to join us and experience the benefits of Scouting," concluded Krone.

The focus on inclusivity and big changes such as this one comes after the organization faced a wave of sexual assault claims, with the topic covered in the much-talked-about 2023 Netflix documentary Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America.

While there has been some negative response to the name change to Scouting America on social media, many current and former Scout members—and people not directly involved in the organization—have applauded and celebrated the move.

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