The benefits of Scouting for your child and your family

There is no doubt that parents value what Scouting does for their children. In an independent survey of over 2,000 parents of Scouts, 9 out of 10 parents said Scouting is worthwhile (7 in 10 very worthwhile) and 9 in 10 said their children find Scouting enjoyable (6 in 10 very enjoyable).  Parents say Scouting gives their children more confidence, responsibility, a broader set of friends, a chance to pursue things they might not get to do otherwise, adventure and an extended family.

As your child progresses through Scouts you should hopefully be able to recognise the impact Scouting has on them and be able to relate to the following quotes from parents:

‘They have fun and learn discipline too. It’s a good combination.’

‘It’s not just factual; they learn social skills and about interacting. They have to remember things to bring the following week sothey have to take a bit of responsibility for their own stuff!’

Many parents feel that their child attending Scouts gives them another reason to be proud of their achivements. One parent said:

‘I don’t normally let Thomas carry dinner plates through – he can be clumsy…but when he cooked me a meal from scratch, I was so proud.’

Another said: ‘I think I probably wouldn’t let Ella do as much as she does, but when I see her at Cubs, doing things for herself and her friends, I'm so impressed. It helps you step back and let them get on with it. ’

Other comments include: ‘Scouting helps parents prepare their kids for life’ and ‘it helps parents let go of their children.’ Gains to children were seen to be both immediate and long-term and all agreed that Scouting had made family life easier and they were ‘nicer children to live with.’

Related Links

Parents' frequently asked questions about Scouting

Scouting is open to all young people aged 6 to 25 of every faith and background. There are five Sections:

Beaver Scouts 6 - 8 year olds
Cub Scouts 8 –10 ½ year olds
Scouts 10 ½  - 14 year olds
Explorer Scouts 14 -18 year olds
Network 18 - 25 year olds