Nine months after announcing an impending name change, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) officially altered its name on Saturday with the goal of adapting to the changing needs of youth.
On the occasion of its 115th anniversary, the organization embraced the new name, Scouting America, stating that this transition signified a critical point in its history.
This adjustment follows a pivotal policy modification in 2018, which opened the program to girls. The organization had first allowed the inclusion of gay youth in 2013, and in 2015, lifted the outright prohibition on gay adults serving as leaders.
The Boy Scouts of America has changed its name to Scouting America. (Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press)
While the name changed, the Texas-based organization said its mission has remained the same for a century: to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
“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.”
Roger Krone, president and chief executive officer of the Boy Scouts of America, at the organization’s headquarters in Irving, Texas (The Associated Press)
The organization’s website features its new name, but social media accounts still have the traditional handles.
“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 added it is reaffirming its commitment to providing a “safe and supportive environment” where young people can develop essential qualities.
A Boy Scout uniform hangs in a store at the Marin Council of the Boy Scouts of America on July 27, 2015 in San Rafael, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
“Scouting America has remained committed to providing youth with a safe environment where they can learn meaningful life skills, create lifelong memories and grow into tomorrow’s leaders,” the organization wrote in the statement. “In fact, more than 130 million Americans have been through Scouting America programs since our founding in 1910.”
Fox News Digital previously reported the rebranding came after a substantial hit in membership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also follows a court order to pay out a $2.46 billion settlement involving about 82,000 former Boy Scouts who claimed they were sexually abused by BSA officials and volunteers.
Filing for bankruptcy allowed the organization to keep operating.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
