Scouting has been introducing young people to new skills, new friends, and new accomplishments since 1907. The organization has changed over time, enthusiastically meeting the challenges of new generations, but one thing that’s never changed is that kids love Scouting.
In partnership with Northern Star Scouting
There are so many reasons to get involved with Scouting at any age. Whether your child is hungry for outdoor adventures or is already cultivating a heart for service, Scouting will meet those needs and many more.
What Do Our Parents Say?
Parents know the value of Scouting better than anyone. They can see the growing confidence in their children as they learn new skills in a supportive atmosphere. Here are just three examples of a parent’s perspective on the benefits of being a Scout.
“Scouting has provided my three kids with confidence, character and leadership development, outdoor skills, friendship, and fun! They’ve tried things they were afraid to do, have overcome obstacles, and have faced adversity — all while being supported by friends and trusted adults. It’s also given me personal growth as a leader.”
“My daughters love Scouting because they learn new skills and get to have fun with their friends every step of the way, from camping, archery, survival skills, climbing towers, swimming, ponies, and so much more!”
“Our son and daughter have both flourished in Scouting. My daughter’s natural leadership abilities are encouraged and channeled in ways I know will offer lifelong benefits. We have witnessed our son’s self-esteem skyrocket with every merit badge he earns. Scouting has helped both my children become more confident, and it’s teaching them how to support others, too.
5 Reasons We Love Scouting
With so many extra-curricular activities for kids to join these days, why choose Scouting? Some of the best aspects of Scouting are hard to define. Lofty ideals like “becoming a better person” aren’t likely going to lure your child away from their video games. However, these reasons might.
1: Have Fun
If something isn’t fun, your child won’t want to keep coming back. Through Scouting, kids get to engage in a wide variety of age-appropriate activities. From camping to cooking and fly fishing to engineering, there is truly something for everyone in Scouting.
Trying new things with new friends is also part of the fun.
2: Build Confidence
Trying new things is one of the best ways to build a young person’s confidence, especially when they’re surrounded by supportive peers and leaders cheering them on. Whether it’s a simple skill like tying a knot or learning how to save someone from drowning, each new achievement is a boost of self-assurance.
3: Make Friends
Making friends can be hard for kids. If a young person is shy, feels different, or thinks they just don’t fit in, a lack of social connection can affect them in many negative ways. Every child is welcome in Scouting.
As a Scout, your youngster will find peers who accept them as they are. They’ll have the chance to build lifelong friendships and share new and exciting experiences.
4: Help Others
Helping other people is good for self-esteem, increases gratitude, and builds empathy. Kids know more about the unfortunate side of life than you may realize. Giving them the opportunity to raise money for a food bank or collect school supplies for kids in need empowers young people to know their efforts are important.
5: Provide Stability
They say the only constant is change. That may be true, but too much change can be difficult for a young person to cope with. Scouting provides stability in a child’s life no matter what else is going on. Even if a Scout moves to another location, they can find comfort in the familiar format and collegiality of a Scout meeting.
Is It Time for Your Child to Join the Scouts?
Scouting offers boys and girls the kind of skill-building, personal discipline, and friendship that will benefit them for a lifetime. Scouts don’t have to be experienced campers or leaders to join. They just have to be willing to try new things and have fun doing it.
If you’d like to learn more about Scouting America and what it can offer your child, visit goscouting.org. Children from age five to 21 are welcome in Scouting, and it’s never too late to get started.
