The Boy Scouts of America announced today that its flagship program, The Boy Scouts, will be dropping the word "boy" from its name effective next February.
While the parent organization's name will remain Boy Scouts of America, its Boy Scouts program for 11-to-17-year-olds will be renamed Scouts BSA. The change comes amid the decision to allow girls into the ranks for the first time in its 108-year history.
Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh said, “We wanted to land on something that evokes the past but also conveys the inclusive nature of the program going forward. We’re trying to find the right way to say we’re here for both young men and young women."
Girls will be admitted into Scouts BSA beginning next year. They've already been allowed to join the ranks of Cub Scouts.
What I wonder is, will the Girl Scouts drop the "girl?" All things being equal, if we do one, don't we have to do both? I'm super interested to hear your thoughts on this, especially if you have kids in Scouts or if you were a Scout. Holler at me on our Facebook page.