Scouting America is responding to criticism that it has become "woke" by recommitting to traditional values, outdoor education and a closer relationship with the U.S. military. The group removed a recently created "DEI" merit badge in favor of a military-focused alternative, will waive registration fees for children of military families, and is participating in the America250 program. Leaders emphasize unchanged merit standards for boys and girls, civic education through merit badges, and outdoor programs designed to reduce screen time and build leadership.
Scouting America Reaffirms Traditional Values With Renewed Military Ties and Outdoor Focus
OA National Chief Joshua Nero, right, presents Speaker Mike Johnson, left, with the Scouting America Report to the Nation.(Fox News)
Scouting America, the Texas-based organization that evolved from the Boy Scouts of America, is publicly pushing back against accusations that it has become "woke" by refocusing on practical life skills, outdoor education and a closer relationship with the U.S. military.
History and Mission
The organization traces its heritage to Lt. Gen. Robert Baden-Powell, who launched the Scouting movement in the early 1900s, and to the founding of Scouting organizations in the United States around 1910. Scouting America says it remains dedicated to teaching faith, character and service to young people nationwide.
Scouts march in a parade for Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
Policy Shifts and Programs
As part of its renewed emphasis on traditional American values and military partnership, Scouting America says it eliminated a recently introduced "DEI" merit badge and replaced it with a merit badge that emphasizes military skills and discipline. The organization also announced it will waive registration fees for children of military families and participate in the America250 program marking the nation’s milestone celebrations.
"Just as it has for 116 years, Scouting America is dedicated to shaping patriotic Americans grounded in faith, character and service," Chief Scout Executive Roger Krone told Fox News Digital. "Our relationship with the United States Military reflects a shared belief that leadership, service, and love of country are not abstract ideals—they are values forged through action, discipline, and commitment."
Tradition, Rituals, And Membership
Scouts continue to display the American flag on Class-A uniforms from Cub Scouts through Eagle, and meetings typically open with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Scout Oath. Krone emphasized Scouting America’s faith-based orientation, noting that roughly 70% of sponsoring organizations are houses of worship and that the Catholic Church holds many unit charters alongside Methodist, Episcopal and other congregations.
Julian Holkenborg of Boy Scout Troop 642 salutes after planting a flag at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Westwood, Calif., on May 24, 2025, ahead of Memorial Day. He was among 3,500 Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who planted 90,000 flags for the ceremony.
The organization also reaffirmed that rank requirements remain the same for all scouts regardless of gender. Scouting America stressed that its programs are merit-based and that girls and boys meet identical standards for ranks such as Eagle Scout.
Outcomes, Civic Education, And Youth Engagement
Scouting America highlighted figures it says underline the program’s influence: 15% of military academy cadets are Eagle Scouts, and since 1910 millions of Americans have participated in scouting programs nationwide. The group promotes outdoor experiences to reduce screen time, build resilience, and teach practical skills through service and camping.
Boy Scouts attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis., on July 17, 2024.
To earn Eagle Scout, candidates must complete at least 21 merit badges, including 10 from a specified list that features three Citizenship badges—Community, Nation and World—through which scouts learn civics and are required to contact their elected representatives about an issue important to them.
Public Presence And Legislative Outreach
Scouting America’s youth leaders recently visited Capitol Hill and met congressional members and scouters. The organization pointed to bipartisan support for scouting activities, citing the Congressional Scouting Caucus led by lawmakers from both parties.
Values And Identity
The Scout Law—"Trustworthy; Loyal; Helpful; Friendly; Courteous; Kind; Obedient; Cheerful; Thrifty; Brave; Clean; Reverent"—and the long-standing motto "Be Prepared" remain central to Scouting America’s message. The organization continues to promote its slogan, "Do a Good Turn Daily," while positioning itself as a program that aims to prepare young people for leadership, service and civic life.
Note: This article preserves the organization's stated facts and quotes while clarifying historical context and improving readability.
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