In a landmark announcement on Tuesday, the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America unveiled its new identity as Scouting America. This change, set to officially occur on February 8, 2025, in conjunction with the organization’s 115th anniversary, marks a significant step toward inclusivity and represents a commitment to welcoming all youth and families to experience the advantages of Scouting.
Roger A. Krone, President and Chief Executive Officer of the newly named Scouting America, emphasized that while the organization’s name is changing, its core mission remains steadfast. “Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to teaching young people to be prepared for life,” Krone stated. This shift is not just in name but a deeper commitment to evolving the organization’s culture and outreach.
Embracing Change with Open Arms
The transition to Scouting America is not an abrupt shift but the culmination of years of progressive changes within the organization. It was five years ago when the organization first opened its doors to girls, leading to over 176,000 girls joining the scout programs, with 6,000 achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. This inclusivity extends beyond gender, aiming to create an environment where every participant can thrive.
“Scouting America provides a welcoming, safe environment where youth can become the best version of themselves by learning from and respecting each other,” Krone further explained. This message is at the heart of Scouting America’s rebranding efforts — to foster a community that reflects the diversity and potential of its members.
The Boy Scouts of America today announced that it will rebrand to Scouting America, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting. Learn more:https://t.co/EiE1iasb2x pic.twitter.com/D11RkvCr45
— Boy Scouts – BSA (@boyscouts) May 7, 2024
Scouting America: Tradition Meets Diversity and Innovation
The rebranding of Scouting America goes beyond just altering the nameplate on the door. It encompasses a series of initiatives designed to integrate the values of diversity and inclusion into every facet of the organization. The introduction of merit badges and a rainbow-colored neckerchief slider on the scout uniform symbolizes this shift — a visual commitment to the broad spectrum of identities and backgrounds within its ranks.
As Scouting America prepares to embark on this new journey, it holds onto the traditions that have made it a cornerstone of American youth culture, while also paving the way for modern innovations that embrace every individual’s unique journey. This balance of tradition and innovation is crucial as the organization continues to adapt to the needs of today’s youth, preparing them not just for the challenges of today but for the leadership roles they will assume tomorrow.
Looking Ahead
As we look toward February 8, 2025, and beyond, the impact of this rebranding will undoubtedly resonate across communities nationwide. Scouting America stands as a beacon of progress in the youth development sector, proving that tradition can evolve and inclusivity can flourish within the framework of established values and practices.
In the words of Krone, this is not merely a change, but “a simple but very important evolution” in the organization’s history. As Scouting America takes this bold step forward, it renews its commitment to developing the potential of all young people, reflecting a modern, inclusive America where every youth has a place and a path to their brightest future.
