Boy Scouts of America changing name to Scouting America. What to know about the program

The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name to Scouting America in a move to focus on inclusion, the organization announced Tuesday.

“This will be a simple but very important evolution as we seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting.” Roger Krone, president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

The new name will go into effect Feb. 8, 2025, its 115th anniversary, the organization announced.

Scouting America name change follows scandals, program changes

The name change comes in the wake of scandals and changes in the organization, including sexual abuse lawsuits, USA TODAY reports.

In recent years, Scouting has enacted several changes:

• It allowed gay youth to join in 2013
• Ended a ban on gay leaders in 2015
• Admitted girls into a separate Scouts division in 2017

In 2021, nearly 1,000 girls and young women were the first group to be awarded the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, according to the Associated Press.

Boy Scouts file for bankruptcy in 2020

But those changes didn't stop the financial woes. In 2020, with membership declining and child sexual abuse allegations ongoing, the organization filed for bankruptcy. Last year, it agreed to pay $2.46 billion to settle claims of sexual abuse to former Boy Scouts.