Boy Scouts name will be Scouts BSA

The Boy Scouts program for older youth will officially become Scouts BSA in February 2019 to reflect the organization’s inclusion of young women.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA) said May 2 the organization itself will retain its name, as will Cub Scouting, the program for younger children that has already begun accepting girls, and Venturing, an outdoor adventure program for both boys and girls that became co-ed in 1969. The only name that will change is that of the program for youth ages 11–17.

Next year, girls will be able to join Scouts BSA, formerly Boy Scouts, and work toward the rank of Eagle Scout. This decision was made by BSA in 2017.

The Association of Baptists for Scouting says the single-gender troops will offer continued opportunities for youth development and ministry. (TAB)