Turning Point USA

The Boy Scouts of America has officially changed its name to “Scouting America,” a move the organization says is meant to “meet the evolving needs of young people.” The rebranding, announced nine months ago, was finalized on the organization’s 115th anniversary.

The change follows the organization’s 2018 decision to allow girls to join the program, a policy shift that has been widely discussed in recent years. President and CEO Roger Krone acknowledged that while there was “some backlash” over the decision, the announcement of the rebranding last May led to a small increase in membership.

“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,” Krone told the Associated Press. More than 15,000 new members joined, bringing the total membership to over one million.

In a statement, the organization said the change will “ensure future generations have the opportunity to benefit from this transformative program.” It emphasized that while the name is different, the mission remains the same as it works to prepare young people for life by instilling moral values.

“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,” the organization said. “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.”

Krone added that the organization remains committed to helping young people develop character and leadership skills. “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.”

The organization stated that more than 130 million Americans have participated in its programs since its founding in 1910.