JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Several scout troops across New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio recently took part in a week-long summer camp in Mayville.

"Scouting is about getting out, doing some things outdoors, in nature, learning life skills. This is where the kids get 90 percent of their merit badges to get to Eagle Scout, which is the ultimate goal in scouting," said Andrew Johnston, cub master, Allegheny Highlands Council.

What You Need To Know

  • Boy Scouts of America to become Scouting America in 2025

  • The scouting rebrand expcted to be more inclusive and welcome girls

  • One Western New York council has been chosen as a pilot to launch the program early

Andrew Johnston is a lifelong scout himself, with two sons among the pack and a daughter set to join early next year.

That’s when Boy Scouts of America will simply become Scouting America on Feb. 8, 2025, its 115th anniversary, making the group more inclusive and welcoming to all children and teens.

“This is huge for my pack, because the girls don’t have to live under the shadow of hearing boy scouts. They can just go on with knowing that they’re still a scout and equal to the boys,” said Johnston.

Scout executives say nationally about 20% of the scouts in the program are female, higher than that locally. 

The Allegheny Highlands Council has been chosen to pilot co-ed scout troops this fall.

“It’s really exciting because it’s something that we’ve hoped for, for a long time that. With our Cub Scout program, we’ve seen success that the girls and boys are working together well,” said Nate Thornton, scout executive, Allegheny Highlands Council.

Thornton and other leaders hope the more inclusive re-brand will help get more kids involved in the program.

“We’re progressive. We’ve already started changing some of our marketing materials and such. Scouting is so impactful for everyone that’s involved with it, and I think that’s going to be so important,” said Thornton.

Johnston is encouraging boys and girls to join the ranks, and breathe new life into the program that has had its up and downs.

“As long as scouting’s been around, I hope this actually helps promote it and give it a new leg up,” said Johnston.

The Allegheny Highlands Council is one of 14 scout councils across the state with the others in Central and Eastern New York.