Boy Scouts Name Change to Scouting America Met With Backlash 

The Boy Scouts of America is going under rebranding, and it starts with a name change to Scouting America. The name change was met with a backlash from social media users. 

The backlash 

One X user blasted the organization, claiming it was destroyed due to woke culture. The same user, @USBornNRaised, wondered whether girls would be the next to wear the uniforms that, according to them, symbolized turning boys into men. Many others also expressed their disapproval and tore apart an official statement.

The question of inclusivity

Roger A. Krone, president and chief executive officer of Scouting America, said that the rebranding will welcome everyone. The organization’s mission remains to prepare young people for life. However, X user @therealZNO wondered about inclusivity, pointing out that there were Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. 

Some comments were more dramatic

A user @japonotlan shared David Burge’s (@iowahawkblog) post about how the left identifies and destroys an organization only to ask for respect afterward. Phil Holloway, a lawyer, commented that Boy Scouts no longer exist. 

The new name goes into effect in 2025

Scouting America should reflect the organization’s aim to be inclusive, and the name should go into effect on Feb 8, 2025. The formal announcement confirmed that they are dedicated to every child in the US and pointed out that it comes five years after girls were initially accepted. The new name will also mark the 115th anniversary of the organization. 

Others joined the complaints 

Radio host Mark Davis said that even having Boy Scouts is no longer possible. Another X user, @AngelRe96386095, said that name should be left alone and asked why women have to be involved in everything. X user @blackhawkce457 said people should find different programs because this one will soon include drag queens. 

The rebranding

As many pointed out, the name change could be a way for the organization to distance itself from past accusations and bankruptcy following a series of abuse claims. The organization only allowed LGBTQ+ people to be part of it in 2013, and girls started joining in 2019. 

Membership fluctuation 

In the 70s, Boy Scouts gathered around five million men and boys. In 2018, it had over 2 million members, while currently, that number is just above one million. Girls and young women make 176,000. 

Scout leader on the name change

Bob Brady, a scout leader in New Jersey, an Eagle Scout, and father of two girls, formed an all-girls troop in 2018. He commented on the recent development, saying nothing in the Scout oath is explicitly feminine or masculine. Brady added that during his leadership, many moms commented how they wished they had the right to be part of the organization when they were children. 

Boys mostly don’t mind girls

Brady told the media that boys did not mind the girls, but adults had reservations. However, that did not last long, and Brady believes that all children should be treated the same. His daughters and around 6,000 other girls across the States achieved Eagle Scout rank.

The abuse settlement 

The organization reached a $2.64 billion settlement with alleged abuse survivors in 2023. The allegations of abuse were filed by 82,000 members. In 2020, The Boy Scouts declared bankruptcy, and many believed it was a move to avoid abuse lawsuits. 

Inclusivity could save the organization 

Due to the turmoil, the number of members has significantly dropped, so many expressed the view that the aim for inclusivity could actually benefit the organization. An X user, @hartzell965, an Eagle Scout, welcomed the organization’s new path. 

Long history

The non-profit was founded in the US in 1910. Two years earlier, the movement began in Great Britain with the idea that boys should learn skills and become loyal and helping citizens. Boy Scouts were founded in Canada, Sweden, Mexico, and Argentina, and the Scout Movement was established in 1920 to promote these values worldwide. 

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