Nine months after announcing an upcoming name change, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has officially rebranded as Scouting America in an effort to reflect its evolving membership and policies. The change was unveiled on the organization’s 115th anniversary, marking what leadership calls a “pivotal moment” in its history.
“Whether it’s a camping trip, a pinewood derby car race or a trail hike, every adventure encourages personal growth by teaching youth how to set goals and achieve them with determination,” spokespeople wrote in the statement. “As we look to the future, Scouting America is dedicated to providing young people with the values, skills and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
The decision follows a series of policy shifts, including the 2018 move to allow girls into the program. The organization previously lifted bans on gay youth in 2013 and gay adult leaders in 2015. While these changes sparked some backlash, President and CEO Roger Krone noted that membership saw a small increase after the rebranding was announced last May. According to the Associated Press, more than 15,000 new scouts joined, bringing total membership to over one million.
“Scouting America has helped instill timeless values for multiple generations of Americans,” Krone wrote in the statement. “In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the values and skills instilled by Scouting are more critical than ever and the need for strong character, ethical decision-making and effective leadership remains paramount.”
Krone explained that the new name reflects a more inclusive direction. “The fact that we were going with a more kind of gender-neutral name, a lot of people kind of wanted to know more about it,” he said.
Despite the name change, Scouting America emphasized that its mission remains unchanged. The organization, headquartered in Texas, continues to focus on character development, leadership, outdoor exploration, and preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lives.
The group’s website has been updated to reflect the new name, though social media accounts still feature the original branding. Scouting America aims to ensure future generations can benefit from its programs while maintaining its core values as outlined in the Scout Oath and Law.
