Are you looking for new family activities this year? Doing things together is fun and helps keep family bonds strong, but finding activities that everyone will enjoy can be a challenge.
**This post is in partnership with Northern Star Scouting
Scouting is more than an extra-curricular activity to keep kids occupied. It’s a whole learning adventure that supports young people as they grow, make friends, learn new skills, and reach for their goals.
Scouting provides opportunities to create core memories that a family talks about for decades to come. You’ll be able to reminisce about when Dad chaperoned and made everyone laugh with his dad jokes or when Mom taught everyone how to make peppermint stick straws during the cookout.
As important as they are, though, memories aren’t the only reason to join Scouting. The skills your kids learn as a Scout can benefit them through the rest of their lives, boosting their confidence and social skills.
Appreciating Nature
Getting out into the great outdoors is one of the most iconic activities associated with Scouting, and for good reason. Camping, hiking, and just being outside gets kids away from screens and gives them a chance to develop their sense of adventure.
The more time kids spend outdoors, the more they learn to appreciate natural beauty. It can also help them to understand the importance of protecting a fragile ecosystem.
Outdoor adventures provide kids of all ages with the chance to learn important skills like construction, survival, first aid, and navigation. These lessons help kids become more confident in themselves and their abilities to take on challenges of all kinds.
Exploring New Interests
Where else can you explore diverse skills like sharpening a knife, public speaking, cooking, or teaching others what you know? Scouting offers kids an opportunity to learn things that aren’t taught in school.
Chances are good that if a child has a special interest, they can probably earn a badge for that. From Lion Cub to Eagle rank, there’s a Scouting program for every age group and every interest.
Giving Back
One of the most wonderful things about Scouting is that it teaches children the importance of service. Scouting offers opportunities for volunteering and helping the people in their neighborhood and community. Understanding the value and role of service encourages children to build a life of purpose.
It doesn’t matter what career path they eventually follow. The lessons learned in Scouting will help children grow into more caring, compassionate adults who are always willing to help a neighbor.
Preparing for the Future
When a child learns a new skill, like how to identify the constellations or design a game, they gain confidence. Every new accomplishment builds on the last, boosting a kid’s self-esteem and showing them how capable they are.
They may never list “campfire-building skills” on a resume, but the confidence gained through skill-building helps kids grow into secure adults who aren’t afraid to take on leadership roles. Success in Scouting may also help your child qualify for college scholarships and other opportunities that can open doors on their path to success.
Making Friends
Scouting welcomes everyone. It gives kids a chance to meet and interact with children who might be outside of their regular group. Children who are shy or have difficulty forging friendships also benefit from Scouting. Scout troops often work on projects together, and having a common goal helps kids break out of their shells.
In addition, Scouting emphasizes treating others with respect and kindness. All forms of bullying are strictly prohibited and violate the Scout Oath.
Becoming Your Best Self
Scouting isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. Scouts learn to share the values of integrity, honesty, cooperation, and respect. However, that doesn’t mean they give up their individuality.
There are enough topics to explore and experiences to enjoy that every kid will find a reason to love being a Scout. Through it all, leaders encourage kids to share their unique skills and become the best versions of themselves.
Is Scouting Right for Your Family?
There’s never been a more exciting time to join Scouting. If you’ve been looking for activities that will enrich your children and help them become more confident, more compassionate young people — while still having fun — Scouting may be the answer.
Join Scouting, and get ready to watch your kids develop in ways you never imagined. Scouting is for everyone.
