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On May 7 The Boy Scouts of America announced it will change its name to Scouting America. The announcement comes on the fifth anniversary of Boy Scouts of America welcoming girls into Cub and Boys Scouting. “Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to teaching young people to be “Prepared. For Life”, said Roger A. Krone, president and chief executive officer of Scouting America. “This will be a simple but very important evolution as we seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting.”

Local Scoutmaster of Troop 21, Robbie King, whose troop has opened its doors to girls since 2019, welcomes the name change. “I think the change to Scouting America will help to make scouting even more welcoming and inclusive,” said King. “And regardless of the name we remain committed to helping all young people become better citizens and to help them make better choices in life. Well over 60 percent of those who have earned merit badges go on to continue their work as either a hobby or a vocation. That is the reason I have been involved in Scouting for the last 48 years.”

Kyleigh Bishop is a member of Boy Scouts Troop 1847, an all-girls troop that meets and works with Troop 21. She said that she is very excited about the name change and what it represents. “I really hope the name change encourages more girls to join,” said Bishop. “For me, the experience of being a Boy Scout has been awesome. It is a great way to bring boys and girls together and make new friends. I sure would like to see more girls as there are so many guys. It’s not fair!” She said with a huge chuckle.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Eagle Scout Eddie King. “The title Scouting America reflects the fact that scouting is for all Americans. It makes the organization appear to be more inclusive and is for everyone. I just want more people, boys and girls, to join scouting because it is such a great experience. I’ve been in it for ten years now. It has helped me grow, and I have met a lot of wonderful people along the way.”

Kelly Selby, the Scoutmaster for Troop 1847 loves the idea of the name change. “I think it is wonderful for these girls and boys to be able to work and grow together and be more of a community,” said Selby. “We will still have boys and girls troops, but they will now be doing more things together than ever before. I believe the process is not only beneficial for the kids but adults as well. The new name reflects inclusion and I really hope this encourages more girls to join.”

Currently, there are nearly 180,000 girls registered in Scouting America across the country. The name change becomes official on February 8, 2025, on the 115th anniversary of the organization.