The Boy Scouts of America Is Changing Its Name
After 114 years, the Boy Scouts of America is changing its name and rebranding as "Scouting America".
They say it's to reflect their, quote, "ongoing commitment to welcome EVERY youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting." It goes into effect on February 8th of next year for their 115th anniversary.
Girls have been allowed since 2018, and over 6,000 have already made Eagle Scout. So nothing's really changing there. The point is to just make sure people know it's not just for boys.
Their CEO called it a, quote, "simple but very important evolution as [they] seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting."
More than a few people online have pointed out there's already something called the GIRL Scouts. So is this really necessary?
Most don't realize the two groups aren't actually affiliated. The Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910. The Girl Scouts launched two years later and still caters exclusively to young women.
No word yet from them on the new rebrand. But they weren't exactly thrilled when the Boy Scouts allowed girls in 2018. It's hurt their recruitment efforts. (Boy Scouts of America / AP / Forbes)
(Some famous names who were Boy Scouts include Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Jordan, Steven Spielberg, Jack Black, Chris Pratt, Jon Bon Jovi, Harrison Ford, John Wayne, Bill Gates, and Martin Luther King Jr.)
(Six Boy Scouts have gone on to become president: JFK, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. Ford is the only one who made Eagle Scout.)
Originally posted on May 8th, 2024