Benefits of Scouting
Scouting’s goal is to prepare young people for life, but does it work?
A research team from Tufts University partnered with Boy Scouts of America to see if scouting really succeeded in developing youth. The project surveyed nearly 1,800 cub scouts and nearly 400 non-scouts under age 12 over a three year period. In the beginning, there were no significant differences in character attributes between the two groups.
Kids who participated in scouting showed great increases in many of the core tenets taught in scouting, including:
- Hopefulness (Hopeful Future Expectations)
- Helpfulness
- Obedience
- Cheerfulness
- Kindness
- Trustworthiness
Scouts who spent more time in scouting and attended meeting regularly showed better outcomes across the board in character development.
Outdoor Adventures
Cub scouts and their families have many opportunities throughout the year to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate nature. The goal is not just to get kids away from electronic devices (though that’s a benefit as well). Activities and related lessons help scouts develop a life-long respect for the environment and appreciate the world around them.
Character Growth
The scouting movement has a longstanding reputation for service to others. Cub scouts learn that to grow into the best kind of citizen, they need to learn the importance of not only getting along, but also of working side by side toward common goals. Each cub scout rank includes requirements like creating a code of conduct, developing empathy for people with disabilities and completing service projects in the community.
Try New Things
The cub scout program gives boys and girls the opportunity to experience a wide range of new things. Scouts may learn magic tricks, build robots, create art and music, design their own games and carve and race pinewood derby cars.
Learn Important Skills
Cub scouts learn basic first aid skills to treat cuts, blisters and bites. Scouts learn importance of physical fitness and nutrition. They learn the importance of goal-setting.
Year Round Adventures
Cub scouting has no “season”. It is a year-round program with both indoor and outdoor games, craft projects and other activities.
Fellowship and Diversity
One of the reasons cub scouts wear uniforms is to foster a sense of equality in the pack. In Cub scouting, boys and girls may learn to interact in a group with a wide range of income levels, cultural backgrounds and physical abilities. Scouts have fun together and work as a group toward common goals, reinforcing the importance of not only getting along, but the importance of serving, helping and strengthening others along the way.
Scout Me In!
For more than 100 years, scouting has been strengthening America’s youth. Contact us today to learn more about our pack.