Local reaction to new Boy Scouts name

Officials announced Tuesday that they’re changing the name Boy Scouts to Scouting America. This move towards gender inclusivity has seen mixed reactions from the public since its announcement.

The name Scouting America comes from an effort by officials to welcome “every youth and family in America.” This is a major move from the name Boy Scouts, which the organization has held for 114 years.

“What the scouting program provides is leadership opportunities, character development, and an outdoor experience. Through the Scouting America programs, we’re able to do that for young ladies as well,” says Laurel Highlands Assistant Scout Executive Michele Brenneman.

The name change comes just five years after the organization began to allow girls to be accepted as scouts. Boy Scouts officials say nearly 200,000 girls have joined the organization since then, with over 6,000 of them achieving the Eagle Scout rank.

Brenneman says, “They’re really having a great opportunity to grow, and this name change just allows us to be more representative of who we are.”

People across the country have been sharing their reactions since the announcement yesterday, with several members in congress slamming the decision. Senator Ted Cruz even wrote that he feels the decision makes the program unwelcoming to boys.

Brenneman says while the new name might make the program more inviting for girls, the mission of the scouts is still the same.

“Scouting is a life changing experience for a lot of young people. It really provides them with the core values and leadership to help them be productive citizens in the future. The name change doesn't matter.”

The organization will officially make the switch to the new name next February on its 115th anniversary.

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