Central Oregonians react to Boy Scouts rebranding

The Boy Scouts of America will be known as Scouts BSA, starting next year. But the reaction to Wednesday’s announcement was immediate, on the High Desert and elsewhere.

The new name is meant to be a welcoming sign to girls, who will start joining the program next year. Girls are already allowed to be in the Cub Scouts.

The chief scout executive said both boys and girls in Scouts BSA would refer to themselves simply as scouts, rather than adding “boy” or “girl” as a modifier.

This name change is sparking plenty of reaction, including in Central Oregon. A former Boy Scout and father of two Girl Scouts doesn’t like the idea of combining genders.

“I had a great time when I was a Boy Scout, but I can’t really imagine, personally, having girls involved when we went to camps and things like that,” Girl Scout troop leader Gene Hubbard said. “It was nice to be boys only.”

Hubbard offered up a solution instead.

“If there’s a parent that feels like they wish that their girl could do the same things that boys can do, I recommend they step forward to become a leader, and they can change it from within,” Hubbard said. “They can do the outdoor things they want their girl to do. They can go camping and rafting and rock climbing.”

The Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwestern Washington has released a statement regarding the integration and rebranding of Scouts BSA.

“Girl Scouts has been the premier girl leadership development organization and girl expert for over 100 years,” said Karen Hill, chief executive officer for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “There is no organization that more thoroughly understands the value of programming designed specifically for girls. We offer girls the single best leadership experience in the world and help develop girls into strong, confident women. What else do we have to say? Join Girl Scouts.”