Boy Scouts of America is now Scouting America

On May 7 2024, Boy Scouts of America announced that it would rebrand to Scouting America, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting. The change will go into effect on February 8, 2025, the organization’s 115th anniversary. 

This announcement also comes as the organization celebrates the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA programs. Scouting America currently serves more than 176,000 girls and young women across all programs, including over 6,000 who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. 

In the Golden Gate District, we have a long history of embracing the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and we applaud and welcome this name change.

Local Changes

Correspondingly, our Council -- Golden Gate Area Council -- began a rebranding effort. This included changing the domain of the Council website from:

https://ggacbsa.org/

to:

https://goldengatescouting.org/

Website redirects are in place, so old links should continue to work. If you spot a link that is broken, please contact Charlotte Brownstone.

Here in the Golden Gate District, we have also followed the rebranding guidance. On our District Website, our District Facebook and District Instagram, you'll see the new Scouting America branded reflected. Because the URL for our Instagram changed, old links to Instagram stories will no longer work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this change Boy Scouts of America's legal name?

A: No. The rebrand to "Scouting America" is, legally, a new DBA (Doing Business As) filing. The Boy Scouts of America's legal name, organization and Congressional Charter remain unchanged.

Q: Can I abbreviate "Scouting America"?

A: No. National's guidance is that Scouting America should always be spelled out, and not abbreviated. There is more information in the Aaron on Scouting article from May 2024.

Q: Can I continue to wear uniforms, use flags, etc. that have the BSA branding?

A: Yes. While efforts should be made to replace worn uniforms, flags and other material that reflect the Boy Scouts of America branding, a scout is Thrifty and these materials may continue to be used until they are no longer fit for purpose.