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Boy Scouts to drop ‘Boy’ from name

The Boy Scouts of America is changing the name of its signature group, the Boy Scouts, for the first time in its 108-year history.

The scouting organization, originally designed for boys ages 11–17, will be called Scouts BSA starting in February, The Associated Press reported.

The move to a gender-neutral name arrives on the heels of the organization’s decision to accept girls into its ranks next year.

Girls already started enrolling as Cub Scouts this year, and more than 3,000 have reportedly joined so far. {mosads}

The parent organization will continue being called Boy Scouts of America, even though the scouting group’s name is changing.

Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh said the association considered many other “incredibly fun” names before settling on a decision, according to the AP.

“We wanted to land on something that evokes the past but also conveys the inclusive nature of the program going forward,” Surbaugh said. “We’re trying to find the right way to say we’re here for both young men and young women.”

Updated at 6:13 p.m.