Something monumental just happened to the Boy Scouts. Or should we just say, the Scouts. The organization officially dropped “boy” from the name of their main program and released a statement reiterating that anyone’s allowed to join, regardless of gender.
Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh made the announcement this Wednesday, May 2nd. “As we enter a new era for our organization, it is important that all youth can see themselves in Scouting in every way possible,” he said, according to USA Today. While the umbrella organization will still go by “Boy Scouts of America,” the actual group, which is currently aimed at boys between the ages of 10 and 17, will switch over to Scouts BSA in February of 2019.
This summer, girls will officially be allowed into the Cub Scouts, which used to be exclusive to boys between the ages of seven and 10. They also have a new slogan, “Scout Me In,” which was created to show that everyone’s welcome to join.
"Cub Scouts is a lot of fun, and now it’s available to all kids,” said Stephen Medlicott, BSA marketing director, per USA Today. “That’s why we love ‘Scout Me In’ — because it speaks to girls and boys and tells them, ‘This is for you. We want you to join!’"
However, there’s no name changing happening over at the Girl Scouts, which is a separate organization.
In an email to BusinessInsider.com, the Girl Scouts CEO, Sylvia Acevedo, said that the Girl Scouts, which has been around since 1912, will always be the top pick for young women.
"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," she wrote.
When it comes to girls learning news skills and gaining confidence, we say the more options, the better!
