Local Scouts speak on national rebranding

May 10—As part of its continuing efforts toward inclusiveness, a well-known youth leadership organization is changing its name, drawing praise locally.

Boy Scouts of America will become Scouting America, leaders announced this week at a national meeting in Florida. The organization began allowing girls to join about five years ago after a decline in membership following claims of sexual abuse.

Reorganizing after facing bankruptcy, the 114-year-old group has made several changes to its programs and structure.

"It only makes sense for the national organization to move with the times and move with the direction that our organization is going with being inclusive for all girls and all age programs, which really flows well with the new name change, Scouting America," said Alan Franks, Scout executive for the Pony Express Council — Boys Scouts of America.

The local organization serves youth kindergarten through age 20 in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas. Serving more than 1,500 youth, of which around 22% are female youth members. Franks has served the scouting organization for more than 25 years and recently attended the Scouting America's national annual meeting this week.

"There is no other youth organization that does what we do. I mean, we're preparing young people for life through a program of values, character development and leadership skill enhancement," Franks said.

Research directors for Scouting America found data that shows families don't know how to join, don't know girls can join and don't understand what sets Scouting America apart. The new name is one attempt to change that, leaders said.

Daniel Ayers, an Eagle Scout and current Cub Master of Pack 175 is a council member of Scouting BSA on the local and national level.

"There's been a lot of confusion with the fact that it's named Boy Scouts of America, and it's open for everybody," he said. "So this branding initiative of Scouting America now helps simplify that and signify that this is a program for everybody."

Ayers said surveys are used to make assessments on what changes the Scouts can make. In another five years, it's possible changes could be made again but the organization's core values will never change, he said.

The name change will go into effect in February 2025 on the organization's 115th birthday.