Many of us look back on our childhood years with fond memories of scouting—whether it was the Girl Scouts or the Boy Scouts. These organizations played a huge role in shaping leadership skills, values, and friendships for generations. But times have changed, and so has society’s understanding of inclusion, identity, and community. Now, after more than 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America is making a bold move to reflect those changes. The organization has announced it will officially change its name to Scouting America starting February 8, 2025, which also marks its 115th anniversary.

This rebrand represents more than just a new name—it symbolizes a broader commitment to welcoming all young people, regardless of gender, orientation, or background. The organization began this journey years ago when it started allowing LGBTQ youth in 2013, and later, girls were welcomed into various programs, including the prestigious path to becoming an Eagle Scout. Since then, over 6,000 girls have earned that honor, further proving that the mission of scouting transcends gender lines.

Roger Krone, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Boy Scouts of America, shared the reasoning behind the name change in a recent statement. “In the next 100 years, we want any youth in America to feel very, very welcome to come into our programs,” Krone said. The hope is that by becoming Scouting America, the organization can continue to expand and better reflect the diverse society it serves.

But the name change isn’t just about being more inclusive—it also comes at a time when the organization has been facing serious challenges. Declining membership, financial strains, and the weight of a massive sexual abuse settlement have placed the group under intense scrutiny in recent years. The rebranding, in many ways, is also a fresh start—a new chapter in a long history marked by both proud traditions and painful reckonings.

Despite the difficult times, the core values of the organization remain unchanged. Those values—integrity, service, leadership, and community—are what continue to guide the mission, regardless of the name or who wears the uniform. The leaders behind Scouting America believe that now more than ever, young people need a safe space to grow, learn, and serve their communities. They see this transition not as abandoning the past, but as building upon it to meet the needs of today’s youth.

Still, not everyone is on board with the change. The decision has sparked criticism from several corners, particularly among those who believe that the organization is moving too far from its roots. Texas Senator Ted Cruz was among the most vocal, publicly criticizing the rebrand on social media. Many who oppose the change argue that the traditional identity of the Boy Scouts is being erased. However, supporters counter that evolution is essential for survival—and more importantly, for relevance in a changing world.

From a broader perspective, this shift mirrors what many institutions are grappling with today: how to honor tradition while embracing progress. In the case of Scouting America, the goal is to create a place where all young people feel they belong. Whether it’s a young girl striving to become an Eagle Scout or a boy who identifies as LGBTQ finding his community, the organization wants to be there to guide, support, and mentor.

Critics may see this as bending to social pressure, but for the organization’s leadership, it’s a necessary step forward. The idea is not to erase the legacy of the Boy Scouts, but to ensure that legacy is accessible and welcoming to all youth. Inclusivity isn’t about giving something up—it’s about opening the door wider so more young people can benefit from what scouting offers.

The road ahead won’t be without challenges. Changing a name that has stood for more than a century is no small task. But if the response from the thousands of new scouts who’ve already joined since the group opened its doors wider is any indication, there is reason to believe in the mission moving forward.

So, as February 8, 2025, approaches, marking both the anniversary and the rebirth of this iconic organization, we may witness a powerful message being sent to the country: Scouting is for everyone. And now, with a new name and a renewed vision, Scouting America is ready to lead the next generation with purpose, pride, and inclusivity at its core.