Local boy scouts react to Boy Scouts of America rebranding
EVANS, Ga. (WJBF) – After more than a century, the Boy Scouts of America are changing their name.
We spoke to Georgia-Carolina Council CEO Dan Rogers to get his thoughts on the big changes.
He has served as CEO for the last 7 years, but has been involved in Boy Scouts for the last 50.
“I’ve gone to Canada as a scout–as a youth and leader–I’ve been to national jamborees, been to all four of our high adventure bases,” Rogers said. “As a young kid in Ohio, I was one of five boys, and if it wasn’t for scouting, I would have never gotten out of my hometown–it was a great adventure for me.”
But the organization will soon embark on a new adventure with a new name–Scouting America.
This announcement coming from the Boy Scout’s national meeting in Florida on Tuesday, as they’re looking to be more inclusive.
According to ABC News, the organization currently serves more than 1 million young people, including more than 175,000 girls and young women.
Rogers says the name change is the right move.
“Very few have the name “Boy Scouts of”–matter of fact I think there’s only 10 countries in the world that have a Boy Scout specific program, because they’re all coed,” Rogers said.
“So, with us bringing girls in 5 years ago, it makes sense to change the name to Scouting America to let families be more aware of the fact that we are a coed organization that allows boys and girls to participate.”
But some have voiced their concerns, as Boy Scouts are one of many organizations known for resisting changes.
“I’ve had two people that called me that weren’t necessarily happy with it. Typically, those are older gentlemen who are steeped in tradition,” said Rogers.
He says despite the name change, their mission will remain the same.
“I’m a traditional guy too. I like history and all of that stuff. But at the same time, if you don’t embrace change, you become kodak and you’re out of business. So change is not necessarily bad–and again the name is changing, not the program. Not those we serve, not the way we serve them, nor our objectives,” Rogers said.
The CEO believes this change will lead to a bright future for an organization that has served millions across the country.
“I know at the national annual meeting two days ago, we had a female Eagle scout of the Muslim faith standing next to a Jewish male Eagle scout, and they both received their religious awards together on stage. That’s the inclusivity we’re looking for,” said Rogers.
The name change will take effect on February 8th, 2025–which is also the organization’s 115th birthday.
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