The Boy Scouts of America began calling itself Scouting America on February 8, 2025, though the legal name did not change and decline continued, with at least three unreconciled membership numbers. In February 2026 the Defense Secretary announced changes under Pentagon pressure, and he and the CEO then gave different accounts of transgender policy. The series closes on what the program does for children when no one is arguing about it.
Who's who
- Roger A. KroneScouting America President and CEO
- Pete Hegseth+9 more episodesSecretary of Defense who announced five changes under Pentagon pressure
- Michael RamseyChief Marketing Officer who framed the rebrand
- Sean MagennisExecutive vice president who presented the 2026 growth strategy
- James Dale+1 more episodePlaintiff in the 2000 Supreme Court case, quoted on the Pentagon pressure
Where it happens
- Summit Bechtel Reserve, West VirginiaSite of the July 2026 National Jamboree
Timeline
- May 7, 2024Krone announces the rebrand to Scouting America
- February 8, 2025Rebrand takes effect on the 115th birthday; legal name unchanged
- January 12, 2026Supreme Court denies certiorari, ending the bankruptcy appeals
- February 27, 2026Hegseth announces five policy changes; Citizenship in Society badge discontinued
- February 28, 2026Krone says transgender people will remain in the program
- Late August 2026Pentagon's six-month compliance deadline falls due
Still debated
Hegseth's and Krone's descriptions of transgender policy cannot both be complete, and no source reconciles them. The outcome of the Pentagon's compliance review was unknown, and Scouting America publishes several unreconciled membership and volunteer figures.
Connected episodes in other series
One Vote per Household — Coverture ReturnsBest Supporting Actress · Episode 9Also features Pete Hegseth
How the U.S. Army Invented the Membership Warehouse ClubFrom the Trading Post to Amazon · Episode 3Also features Pete Hegseth
Green Hell Reopens: US Troops Return to Panama's Jungle SchoolPanama: Crossroads of Empires · Episode 19Also features Pete Hegseth
The High-T Department of WarReplacement Therapy · Episode 5Also features Pete Hegseth