The Boy Scouts of America announced a historic rebrand at its annual meeting in Florida, unveiling its new name — Scouting America. CEO Roger Krone called it “a moment of transformation,” marking the organization’s 115th anniversary and a new era of inclusivity.
For decades, the Boy Scouts symbolized American tradition — campfires, badges, and honor. Yet behind the nostalgia were years of exclusion, declining membership, and the weight of a massive sexual abuse scandal that nearly destroyed it. Leaders knew true renewal required more than a new logo; it needed a redefinition of purpose.
The organization’s path toward inclusivity began in 2013 when it welcomed openly gay youth, followed by gay leaders in 2015, transgender boys in 2017, and girls in 2018. Each decision stirred debate but opened the doors to thousands of new families who had once felt unwelcome.
“The name ‘Boy Scouts’ no longer represented who we are,” Krone said. “‘Scouting America’ reflects our mission — to help all young people build character, confidence, and leadership.”
The change follows a painful reckoning. In 2020, the group filed for bankruptcy amid over 80,000 sexual abuse claims, leading to a $2.4 billion settlement. Membership plummeted, and trust eroded. The rebrand is an effort to face that past while rebuilding integrity and safety.
Critics, including Senator Ted Cruz, accused the organization of “erasing boys,” while supporters argued it was about growth, not politics. Surveys show younger Americans overwhelmingly support the change as a natural evolution.
In 2025, Scouting America will launch a national campaign focusing on community service, STEM, and environmental stewardship while retaining its core values of teamwork and courage.
“Scouting has never been about who you are,” Krone said, “but who you become.” With its new name, the organization turns the page — ready to carry its legacy into a more inclusive future.