Boy Scouts Unveil Historic Name Change, Will Allow Girls to Join
By: Kayla Pasacreta
photo via AP
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is making a major change - the organization will drop the "boy" from its name, making way for girls to join the organization. This follows a series of more progressive changes from the organization. In 2015, BSA lifted a ban on gay adults serving in the organization and followed up by also allowing gay youth to join. Now, BSA hopes to attract girls to the organization with their new "Scout Me In" marketing campaign.
Boy Scouts of America will keep its name. The gender-neutral "cub scouts" program for kids ages 7-10 will also remain unchanged, but the "Boy Scouts", which includes kids from ages 10-17, will operate under the name of Scouts BSA.
BSA will officially accept girls to the program starting this summer. Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh has stated, "As we enter a new era for our organization, it is important that all youth can see themselves in Scouting in every way possible," The organization hopes that the addition of girls to the program will make it more convenient for families.
Girl Scouts has responded to the change, stating dismay that there are no "girl specific" programs. “Girl Scouts is the premier leadership development organization for girls,” Sylvia Acevedo, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, said in a statement. “We are, and will remain, the first choice for girls and parents".
BSA has announced that over 3,000 girls have signed up to join their organization.
