• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Lifeway Research

Lifeway Research

Enlightening today’s church with relevant research and insights

  • Research
  • Insights
  • Resource Library
  • Fast Facts
  • Search

Scouts to Drop ‘Boy’ from Name

Uncategorized | May 2, 2018

Boy Scouts drop boy
Todd Frontom photo | U.S. Navy

By Lisa Cannon Green

The Boy Scouts will become “Scouts BSA” in February 2019 as the traditionally all-male youth organization begins welcoming girls into its ranks.

The name change was announced today (May 2) along with a new slogan, “Scout Me In,” designed to emphasize inclusiveness.

The slogan “speaks to girls and boys and tells them, ‘This is for you. We want you to join!’” said the Boy Scouts of America’s national marketing group director, Stephen Medlicott, in a press release.

Girls will be welcome in Cub Scouts starting this summer, and the name change for older Scouts will take effect in February, the release said. The organization as a whole will continue to be named Boy Scouts of America.

For decades girls have been part of some special-interest BSA programs, such as Venturers and Sea Scouts for 14- to 20-year-olds.

In October 2017, the organization announced plans to include girls more broadly.

About 3,000 girls have already enrolled in Cub Scouts, a program for 5- to 10-year-olds, this year in advance of the full launch, the BSA said.

The BSA’s changing policies have caused tensions in recent years with several religious groups, including Mormons, Catholics, and evangelicals.

In 2013, the Boy Scouts began allowing homosexual youths to participate. Two years later, the organization lifted its ban on gay adult leaders. And in 2017, the Boy Scouts opened the doors to transgender boys.

Trail Life USA, formed as a Christ-centered alternative by a group of evangelical leaders in 2013, grew to nearly 30,000 members in its first four years, BreakPoint reported.

See also  Gospel Clarity in an Age of Gender Confusion

The BSA, by comparison, says it has more than 2.3 million youth members.

“As we enter a new era for our organization, it is important that all youth can see themselves in Scouting in every way possible,” said Michael Surbaugh, chief Scout executive, in the BSA’s statement.

Related:

  • Equipping Parents to Raise Christ-Centered Kids in a Complex Culture
  • How Parents Can Encourage Their Kids’ Spiritual Health
  • When Kids Ask Tough Questions

LISA CANNON GREEN (@lisacgreen) is senior editor of Facts & Trends.

Related posts:

Sparked: Firing up Little Hearts With Big Truths

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us On…

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Popular articles

  • Faith & Culture, Insights 6 Qualities of Biblical Manhood
  • Bible & Theology, Insights The 15 Most Popular Bible Verses on Love
  • Discipleship & Evangelism, Insights 75 Icebreaker Questions for Church Small Groups
  • Insights, Preaching & Teaching Most Popular Sermon Passages, Topics in 2021
  • praise
    Bible & Theology, Insights 7 Reasons to Praise the Lord

Related posts:

Sparked: Firing up Little Hearts With Big Truths

Join the Lifeway Research Newsletter

Lifeway Research: Enlightening Today’s Church with Relevant Insights.

Signup for email updates on our church and culture research.

Sign Up

Leader Resources

Bible
Clip Art
Classics
Clip Art
Current Events
Clip Art
Discipleship
Clip Art
Pastoral Ministy
Clip Art
Theology
Clip Art
VIEW ALL RESOURCES
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Custom Research
  • Resource Library
  • Search

Copyright © 2023 · Lifeway Research, a ministry of Lifeway Christian Resources