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dan.riser

dan.riser
Member since : Oct-27-2008 (Verified)
1 Ideas, 1 Comments, 6 Votes

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Ideas Posted

Unfortunately, the name ‘Boy Scouts’ propagates the perceptions America's youth have of our programs as ‘uncool'. Because of a name, kids struggle to look past current stereotypes to the true scouting experiences (knives, backpacking, canoeing, leadership, etc.). Being called a boy was probably acceptable in 1910, but in today’s world where junior high pregnancies, school violence, etc. are issues facing our youth, being associated with anything referring to you as a ‘boy’ is demeaning. Few 6th graders want to be referred to as a ‘boy’ scout when their peers are already delving into the adult world. This becomes even more humiliating for our kids at the high school level. We cannot forget that the adolescent wants to be accepted, and for many, being called a 'boy scout' by their friends is a barrier to acceptance (not because of the program but the name).

Yes, I realize the costs and sentiment attached to keeping the current name, but the name of a ‘program’ should not be a deterrent to fulfilling our mission to instill in our young people the values of the Scout Oath and Law. I suggest changing the program name to something that will make kids proud to be a part of our programs. The brand and name of our scouting program should match the unparalleled experiences scouting offers, enticing youth of all ages, which is something any reluctant to change volunteer or alumni should be able to appreciate.
Moderator Comments
This idea has been assigned to the Innovation Team. We will include this suggestion in one of our upcoming team meetings and will keep you posted on the results.
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Comments Posted

dan.riser 1 year ago
I do advocate renaming the organization, which I recognize has great sentimental attachment for those of us that went through the program when we were kids, but if this is not feasible, then at the least, the BSA needs to realize that it does not do itself any favors in selling one of its programs to a youth age group that is fighting through adolescence and wants to be 'men' and not boys.

My personal suggestion would be to call our Boy Scout program "American Scouts."

If the BSA wants to entice youth, we have to appeal to youth and a 'name' and a 'brand' mean everything to today's kids. Keep 'scouts' but lose the "dorky" 'boy' designation that turns off so many potential recruits.