Boy Scouts rebrands itself as Scouting America to be more gender inclusive

A diminished Boy Scouts of America, once home to 5 million members at its peak in the 1970s, will soon be known as Scouting America.

The change comes as the organization emerges from bankruptcy protection following tens of thousands of sexual abuse claims lodged against the 114-year-old organization.

Related: The new LGBTQ+ leaders of the Boy Scouts bring hope for a brighter future

A new generation of leaders is encouraging youth members to take ownership of their futures. 

The organization’s new name was announced Tuesday at a national meeting in Florida.

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“Our mission remains unchanged,” Roger Krone, president and chief executive officer of the organization since last fall, said in a statement. “We are committed to teaching young people” to “be prepared.”

The name change takes effect next February to coincide with the organization’s 115th anniversary.

The latest rebranding “sends this really strong message to everyone in America that they can come to this program, they can bring their authentic self, they can be who they are and they will be welcomed here,” Krone told the AP.

The National Organization for Women applauded the change.

The new name “signals that not only are girls allowed to join, but they are welcome to join,” said Bear Atwood, vice president of NOW.

Not everyone was happy with the change.

“With membership at historic lows, Boy Scouts of America decides to rebrand to make clear that ‘boys’ are no longer welcome,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) wrote on X. “I’m sure that will help with recruiting.”