The Boy Scouts of America is changing the name of its older youth program from Boy Scouts to Scouts BSA, the organization announced today.
The move comes as part of a larger “Scout Me In” campaign meant to promote gender inclusivity in the program, following last fall’s announcement that girls will be permitted to join. More than 3,000 girls have already enrolled in the BSA’s “Early Adopter Program,” according to a press release from the group. The Cub Scouts program, which accepts boys and girls, will retain its name, as will the Boy Scouts of America parent organization.
The Girl Scouts of America responded to the announcement today, addressing the advent of Boy Scouts as competition for young women members. “Girl Scouts is the premier leadership development organization for girls,” they asserted in a statement to Fast Company. “We are, and will remain, the first choice for girls and parents who want to provide their girls opportunities to build new skills, explore STEM and the outdoors, participate in community projects, and grow into happy, successful, civically engaged adults.”
Both scouting groups, as USA Today reports, are struggling with declining membership.
