As a family deeply involved in scouting, with my husband as a scout leader and myself a helper on many trips and camps, we’ve seen incredible growth in all the kids involved, including our own two.
Through regular adventures including local and international scout camps, we’ve witnessed firsthand the unbelievable difference joining scouts makes.
In this article, I’ll share twelve compelling reasons why your child should join scouts, from building confidence and leadership skills to creating lifelong friendships and a love for adventure.
1. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem
Scouting activities help children discover their strengths and abilities, boosting their confidence.
For example, when a child successfully builds a campfire or navigates a hiking trail, they feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.
They learn new skills almost every week, so imagine the self-esteem boost this will give your child!
2. Develops Leadership Skills
Scouts often take on leadership roles within their groups, learning to lead and make decisions.
For instance, planning a group camping trip or leading a community service project teaches them essential leadership skills they wouldn’t get anywhere else.
3. Encourages Teamwork
In scouting, teamwork is vital as children work together on projects.
Whether it’s setting up a campsite or participating in a group hike, scouts learn the importance of cooperation and collaboration in the most hands-on way possible!
4. Promotes Outdoor Skills
Scouting offers hands-on experiences with camping, hiking, and nature exploration. For example, scouts may learn to pitch tents, navigate using a map and compass, and identify local wildlife.
I’ve seen so many of these young people end up developing a deep, lifelong connection with the outdoors.
5. Instills Discipline and Responsibility
Scouts follow a structured program that teaches punctuality and responsibility.
For instance, keeping track of their equipment and following a camp routine helps them develop a strong sense of discipline and accountability.
Working towards achievement badges encourages them to set and work towards personal goals in a disciplined way.
6. Encourages Community Involvement
Scouts engage in community projects, teaching them the joy of helping others.
For example, organizing local clean-up events or assisting in food drives shows scouts how they can make a positive impact in their neighborhoods.
7. Enhances Social Skills
Regular interactions with peers help scouts improve their communication and social skills.
For instance, working together on team challenges or sharing stories around the campfire helps them build strong friendships and effective communication habits.
With the support of leaders, they also learn to resolve conflicts in a safe way.
8. Teaches Practical Life Skills
Scouts learn valuable skills like first aid, cooking, and navigation. These skills are not taught in school!
Participating in activities such as setting up a campfire or treating minor injuries equips them with practical knowledge they can use in everyday life.
9. Encourages Physical Activity
Many of us worry that our children don’t do enough physical activity to keep them healthy.
Scouting involves a variety of physical activities that promote health and fitness.
Activities like hiking, swimming, and sports games keep scouts active and engaged, helping them develop a love for physical fitness and the outdoors.
The best thing?
It’s not about being “good” at an activity or competing with others, it’s about doing something for enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.
10. Provides a Safe Environment
We want our children to explore the world, but we also want to know that they are doing it safely.
Scouts participate in supervised activities within a safe and supportive setting.
This structure ensures that children can explore and learn new skills while being guided by trained leaders, giving us parents peace of mind.
11. Offers Adventure and Fun
Joining scouts will lead to lasting memories and thrilling experiences for your child which will expand their self-belief, helping them realise there’s nothing they can’t achieve, whilst having fun!
Whether it’s camping under the stars, navigating obstacle courses, canoeing on a river, or participating in international jamborees, scouts enjoy an array of exciting activities that fuel their sense of adventure.
12. Builds Lifelong Friendships
The bonds formed in scouting often result in enduring friendships.
Through shared experiences like group hikes, team-building games, and campfire storytelling, scouts develop strong, lasting connections with their peers.
Joining Scouts: Get your Child Involved
From my personal experience, I can’t recommend joining scouts enough.
It’s a global organization, available in nearly every country, welcoming both boys and girls.
With sections for all ages, from as young as 4-6 up to 18, there’s a perfect fit for every child.
Scouts has profoundly impacted my children’s growth, confidence, and development, and I’ve seen the same incredible benefits for countless others.
I urge you to find your local scouts organization and give your child the gift of this rewarding experience, which will significantly enhance their emotional wellbeing.
Stephanie Simmons is an Anglo-American mum of two who is passionate about all things outdoors. She loves camping, outdoor crafting, and all outdoor activities.
Steph believes in getting the kids outdoors no matter the weather!
She created Wild Bloom Families to share her passion for the outdoors with other families.
Getting in nature can transform your physical health, mental health and happiness!
