The wait is over, and we now know what we’ll call the program for 11- to 17-year-old youth when girls can begin joining during the scheduled launch on Feb. 1, 2019.
Let’s hear it for Scouts BSA!
Boys and girls who are part of Scouts BSA will be known as Scouts. Just as before, these Scouts will earn merit badges, go camping and work toward the Eagle Scout Award.
The organization name, Boy Scouts of America, will not change.
Scouts BSA builds on the legacy of the Scout name. There’s a Scout salute, a Scout rank, a Scout Oath and a Scout Law. The word “Scout” carries with it more than 108 years of character-building tradition, and the young men and young women of Scouts BSA will carry that tradition forward.
“As we enter a new era for our organization, it is important that all youth can see themselves in Scouting in every way possible,” says BSA Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh. “That is why it is important that the name for our iconic Scouting program for older youth remain consistent with the single-name approach used for the Cub Scouts.”
Beginning during the scheduled launch of Feb. 1, 2019, girls can join all-girl troops. Boys can continue to join all-boy troops. Scouts BSA will not have any mixed-gender, or coed, troops.
This is an exciting time for the BSA, and the Scouts BSA name is the perfect representation of this new, welcoming program for older youth.
Questions and answers about Scouts BSA
Q: Will the name of the organization change?
A: No, the organization’s name will continue to be Boy Scouts of America.
Q: When will the change from Boy Scouts to Scouts BSA be effective?
A: The scheduled launch date for Scouts BSA is Feb. 1, 2019.
Q: What will the members of the program be called?
A: Scouts — same as today. A boy or girl might say, “I’m in Scouts BSA. I’m a Scout.”
Q: Will the Boy Scout Handbook be updated to reflect the new name?
A: Yes.
Q: What does the change to Scouts BSA mean for Venturing?
A: Nothing about Venturing will change. The BSA’s program for boys and girls ages 14 to 20 (or 13 and done with the 8th grade) will continue as normal.
BSA introduces ‘Scout Me In’ campaign
Today’s excitement only begins with Scouts BSA.
The BSA also announced “Scout Me In,” a crisp, modern campaign to invite young people and families to be a part of the life-changing experience of Scouting.
“Scout Me In” is more than a catchy tagline. It’s a reinforcement that the values we all celebrate in Scouting — encapsulated in the Scout Oath and Scout Law — are relevant for both young men and young women.
“Scout Me In” is a call to action. A call for togetherness. A call for celebration.
It’s also a call to create a cool new campaign logo.
The BSA has unveiled three versions of the logo: one with the BSA fleur-de-lis, one with the Cub Scout logo and one with the Boy Scouts/Scouts BSA logo. A Spanish-language version is coming soon.
Also coming soon: More than 300 recruiting assets showing boys, girls, and pack activities with boys and girls — all in English, Spanish and bilingual versions. You’ll find those at the BSA Brand Center.
These recruiting materials will help councils and packs give families the invitation to say, “Scout Me In.”
How to use ‘Scout Me In’
Here are just a few ideas:
- Include the “Scout Me In” assets in recruitment campaigns this fall.
- Add the “Scout Me In” logo and assets to websites, social media channels, emails, newsletters, events, banners and signage. Basically, use it anywhere you can reach volunteers and families.
- Use the “Scout Me In” concept to tell the story of Family Scouting in your community.
- Post with the hashtag #ScoutMeIn when sharing Family Scouting-focused social media content.
