Local Boy Scouts organization reacts to changing name to “Scouting America”
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, May 9th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON – The Boy Scouts of America announced after 114 years that it will change its name and will become Scouting America.
In a press release, the Boy Scouts say the rebranding is part of an effort to emphasize inclusion.
Boy Scouts of America President Roger Krone announced Tuesday that the name change is part of an evolution as the organization seeks to ensure that everyone feels welcome.
“We are an organization for all. It’s time our name reflects that,” Krone said.
The change will officially take effect on Feb. 8, 2025, timed to the organization’s 115th birthday.
Blue Mountain Council Scout Executive Brett Bybee says of the change, “Locally, the Blue Mountain Council is thrilled to continue delivering the world’s premier outdoor leadership and youth development program to even more young people throughout southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon under the banner of a new name that fully welcomes all youth and families who are seeking the tremendous opportunities that Scouting provides.”
The organization began allowing gay youth in 2013 and ended a blanket ban on gay adult leaders in 2015. In 2017, it made the historic announcement that girls would be accepted as Cub Scouts as of 2018 and into the flagship Boy Scout program — renamed Scouts BSA — in 2019.
The Blue Mountain Council says it currently serves almost 100 youth in five female Scout troops around the council and has done so for almost five years, “despite the challenge of a name that has not fully welcomed their participation,” said Bybee.
“This name change is an exciting development that makes Scouting a place where every young person and family can truly know they belong,” Bybee added.
