On Feb. 8 the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) will officially adopt the name Scouting America, marking its 115th anniversary. This rebranding reflects the organization’s commitment to make Scouting an opportunity available to every child and its evolution over more than a century. 

The decision to rebrand comes as Scouting America celebrates the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into its Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA programs. Scouting America’s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Currently, the organization nationwide serves one million youth including over 176,000 girls and young women across all programs with more than 6,000 of them having earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. 

Locally the Verdugo Hills Council, which since 1920 has been serving communities including Glendale, Burbank, La Crescenta, Eagle Rock, Sunland-Tujunga and surrounding neighborhoods, is gearing up to celebrate this milestone. 

Laura Clay, executive officer of Scouting America, Verdugo Hills Council, emphasized that while the name is changing, the organization’s mission remains steadfast.

”Scouting has been around through so much: the founding and explosive growth of Hollywood, two Los Angeles Olympics, and significant action to address needs for disaster relief and WWII efforts,” she said. “We continue to be committed to teaching young people to be Prepared. For Life.” 

Throughout the year, this significant anniversary will be celebrated at events including the annual Community Impact Breakfast and Big Strike Auction. These festivities aim to bring together Scouting alumni and other supporters to reflect on the rich history and look forward to the future of Scouting America. 

Verdugo Hills Council of Scouting America is located at 421 N. Glendale Ave. in Glendale, (818) 243-6282.

The Verdugo Hills Council is a 100-plus year old institution in the area, serving families across the Glendale, Burbank, Sun Valley, Tujunga, La Crescenta, Montrose, Eagle Rock and Highland Park communities of Los Angeles County. The Council’s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The Council offers a variety of programs for youth of all ages, such as Cub Scouts, ScoutsBSA, Venturing and Exploring, as well as camping, training and service opportunities. 

Having been headquartered in Glendale since 1920, Verdugo Hills Council has also served as a hub for the Homenetmen Armenian-American Scouting community since it’s establishment in 1968. 

For more information visit www.vhcbsa.org.