Starting in February 2019, the Boy Scouts program for 11 to 17-year-olds will be called Scouts BSA, but the name of the overall organization will remain Boy Scouts of America.
More than 3,000 girls have enrolled in the Boy Scouts of America’s Early Adopter Program, and are taking part in Cub Scouts ahead of the full integration of girls later this year.
Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America said the re-branding was part of the single-name approach used for Cub Scouts after its historic move last year to admit girls to its program, and allow them to achieve the top rank of Eagle Scout.
Twin siblings Tatum and Ian Weir hope to become Eagle Scouts together Source: John Doyle / Fosters.com
“As we enter a new era for our organisation, it is important that all youth can see themselves in scouting in every way possible,” Michael Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, said in the statement.
Early last year, the organisation began accepting members into single-gender programs on the basis of the gender identity, rather than the sex written on their birth certificate.
The Boy Scouts of America on Wednesday also unveiled its “Scout Me In” program that features girls along with boys, and includes activities like fishing, biking and canoeing.
"Cub Scouts is a lot of fun, and now it's available to all kids," Stephen Melicott, a spokesperson for the organisation, said.
"It speaks to girls and boys, and tells them, this is for you."
The Boy Scouts of America has lost about a third of its members since 2000, which now stands at about 2.3 million.
