The latest in a series designed to help Scout families, Scouts and those new
What’s In a Name? (cont.)
This week, the Boy Scouts of America announced the rebranding of our organization as Scouting America. You will notice it in many ways as we move into the future. For example, the Eagle Scout Award patch has been redesigned to say Scouting America across the bottom instead of Boy Scouts of America. The change is in transition and while supplies of the former patch are available, new Eagle Scouts will have the opportunity to choose one or the other. Our Friends of Scouting Campaign pledge cards indicate that checks should be written out to Scouting America – Bay Lake Council. Clothing has begun to arrive at our Bay Lakes Scout Shop, now known as Scouting America Outfitters, with the Scouting America logo and uniforms in stock have been adjusted with Scouting America patches above the pocket. Of course, all uniforms will continue to be “official” so long as they are in good condition, so no need to panic and run out to purchase a new one right away. Preparations are underway to update the sign at the Center for Scouting and you will continue to see changes in other ways. What is going on?
This February, we celebrate the “Birthday” of our founding on February 8, 1910. At our founding 115 years ago, the Boy Scouts of America was conceived as a way to give some direction to boys and help them grow into responsible young men, leaders with integrity and a sense of patriotism. The BSA was chartered by an act of Congress, like the Red Cross, and the President of the United States was deemed the honorary President of Scouting. We are still officially the BSA and continue to be one of a few national organizations chartered by Congress, though much has changed through the years. Scouting added Sea Scouts, Venturing and Exploring over time, the latter two included girls in the organization. Scout requirements for rank advancement which had been clearly focused on boys and activities considered for boys only were modified and changed with the times to be more useful to society, reflecting changes in male and female roles, interests, and skills needed for the times. Several years ago, Scouting welcomed girls into all aspects of the program. Recognizing that the value of those skills taught, qualities of character cultivated, and leadership lessons learned coupled with opportunities for personal development and growth were important for both girls and boys and necessary to the development of our citizenry, the BSA began a transformation in what we were and how we delivered our program. Thus, the shift to Scouting America is meant to reflect the welcoming, all-inclusive nature of our organization, a youth development program designed to meet the needs of our times and prepare all youth for the future.
What is not changing? The 1920 application for membership in the Boy Scouts of America states that we are non-military, non-sectarian, and non-partisan. “Scouting is outdoor life with a purpose. It gives boys (and girls) health, strength, happiness and practical resourcefulness. It develops the power of initiative and resourcefulness. It insures good citizenship.” The Scout Oath and Scout Law, our motto and slogan will continue to reflect the timeless values, mission and purpose of Scouting. Our commitment to provide a family-oriented progressive program of youth development for youth from kindergarten through high school into young adulthood continues. Our focus on building friendships, encouraging collaboration and teamwork, and promoting good citizenship continues. Our promotion of career exploration through the Merit Badge program and Exploring continues. Our commitment to the outdoors, to exposing youth to the wonders of nature and our responsibilities as good stewards of the environment to protect and conserve natural resources also continues.
So how do we navigate through so much change in our organization and in our society today? In Scouting America, we hope to teach the skills and instill the understanding that helps our youth to be prepared for the future, to ask meaningful questions and consider practical solutions to the challenges that they will face. In like manner, Scouting America needs all of us to engage in the work of Scouting, to participate in our unit committees, accept responsibility for leadership tasks both great and small, to help secure the resources that support and sustain our organization. We need to share the excitement and fun of Scouting with friends, family and prospective members and invite them to join us in this movement that is at once fresh and new and venerable. It will take all of us pitching in to make Scouting America relevant, forward-thinking and meaningful for Scouts and their families today and into the future.
As always, I thank you for your commitment to Scouting, for the faith and trust you place in your leaders and units every day throughout the year. I’m looking forward to seeing you down the trail and wish you all a Happy Birthday in Scouting America!
Paul Shrode
psshrode@aol.com