Local Boy Scouts believe name change will bring more inclusivity

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Boy Scouts of America is getting a brand new identify — rebranding to “Scouting America” subsequent yr.

The group — which let ladies take part 2019 — says it is to advertise inclusivity.

Ben Bergosh has been a Boy Scout since he was 6-years-old. He is now an Eagle Scout.

Eagle is the very best rank a Boy Scout can earn, with solely about 5 p.c of scouts reaching it.

He says the important expertise he is realized from his scouting profession have performed an enormous position in his life.

“Having the ability to assist individuals is considered one of my large issues. I will be a firefighter,” he stated. “So I used to be capable of see by means of my scouting profession that that is the profession I needed to do.”

Since 1910, the group has prioritized getting ready younger individuals to make moral and ethical selections over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the scout oath and scout regulation.

However regardless of its identify, it isn’t a boys-only membership.

“It is one thing I did not ever see myself doing,” stated Jakayla Armstrong. “In fact once you consider Boy Scouts you consider boys.”

Armstrong is among the 1000’s of women in Boy Scouts.

She’s additionally an Eagle Scout — the primary black feminine in Alabama to make that rank.

“The abilities that I’ve realized in scouting are expertise that I will have with me for the remainder of my life,” she stated.

However now extra ladies may very well be becoming a member of amid the identify change.

“The identify change is a mirrored image of the group that we’re, the youth that we serve and the youth that we need to serve sooner or later,” stated Roger Krone, Scouting America CEO NA-34WE.

The 2 Eagles reacted to the change.

“The instances are altering,” Armstrong stated. “You may see extra ladies turn into Eagle Scouts and extra ladies who need to simply do scouting.”

“I believe that it is good for each individuals,” Bergosh stated. “Whether or not feminine or male, to have the chance to be taught expertise and information primarily based on the scouting precept.”

Bergosh says in scouts he is realized crucial survival expertise that would assist him make it out of a life-or-death scenario.

“I believe that these expertise will assist everybody in the long term,” he stated.

“Ultimately, all of us win,” Armstrong stated.

The Boy Scouts will formally make the change in February.