Scouts BSA and the Harm Our Words Can Cause

Did you roll your eyes when you heard the news that the GIrl Scouts of the USA was suing the Boy Scouts of America for trademark infringement? That’s perhaps understandable–until you dig into the complaint GSUSA filed.

Here’s some of the problematic language various BSA councils, districts, and units have used, according to the complaint:

• “The proceeds from the luncheon will providing funding for our Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Adventure Scouts, Explorer Scouts, and in the development and implementation of our new BSA Girl Scouting Programs!”
• “GIRL SCOUT Volunteer Opportunity”
• “Boys/Girls Scouts of America Volunteer Form”
• “Come talk to me about the GIrl Scouts BSA Troops forming in Kirkland”
• “There is no more GIrl Scouts”

As someone who writes extensively about Scouting, I try very hard to use terms correctly and often refer to the Language of Scouting website. I always cringe when I hear people talk about “Venture Scouts”–there’s no such thing–and “Cubbing”–a term that was replaced by “Cub Scouting” generations ago. But the examples above could have pretty far-reaching implications.

If you’re planning to say anything at all about the inclusion of girls in Scouts BSA (as the Boy Scout program will be called beginning on Feb. 1, 2019), I urge you to review this new Scouts BSA Branding Infographic, which offers helpful dos and don’ts. For more information, review this two-page memo that went to national staff members back in April. (Among the points you’ll read there is that you shouldn’t use quotes from GIrl Scouting founder Juliette Gordon-Low in BSA materials.)

It’s no surprise that you can generate negative headlines for violating Youth Protection Guidelines or getting a Scout hurt on an outing. But the words you use can also cause real harm to our movement (and to other youth-serving organizations) as well.

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Need more great troop program ideas? Check out The Scoutmaster’s Other Handbook, which is available in both print and e-book formats at https://www.eaglebook.com/products.htm#scoutmasters.