Boys and Girls Scout programs are more than extracurricular activities to get your kids out of the house, socialize with their peers, and learn how to pitch a tent. The programs teach valuable life lessons and skills that will help your child excel in school and increase the likelihood of a successful career in adulthood. Children learn independence away from their parents, manners, self-respect, and useful life skills. The benefits below further demonstrate just how valuable this experience is to young people.
Leadership and teamwork
Adults understand the importance of leadership skills and being an effective team player that contribute to the workplace. Scout programs teach children appropriate leadership skills and how to work within a team by participating in activities such as games, trash cleaning, camping, cooking lessons, sailing, gardening, and crafts. The variety of activities offered causes children to alternate challenges to be completed alone or within a team, while alternating designated leaders so that children respect both their team members and leaders.
Community service
Community service activities remind children to be thankful for what they have and instill in them a lifelong appreciation for giving back to their communities. Boys and girls participate in a variety of community service activities including working at local food banks, park clean-up projects, spending time with the elderly, donating to those in need, and raising funds for reputable non-profit organizations.
Physical aptitude
It is a well-known fact that America has one of the highest obesity rates in history, but those who participate in the Boy Scout or Girl Scout programs are taught at an early age how beneficial it is to be active, not just for the body but also for mental health. Frequent outdoor activities allow children to enjoy the clean mountain air, work their cardiovascular systems on a long walk, and participate in field games for healthy competition. All of which will teach you healthy habits for life.
Friends for life
After the many activities, challenges and projects, the boys and girls will form lifelong friendships with their fellow Scouts. It is also beneficial because children will get to know other people from different cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles, allowing them to open their minds to diversity, understanding, and appreciation for others.
Self-confidence
Commonly known as merit badges, children collect a variety of custom embroidered patches to commemorate achievements such as successfully building a campfire, painting a masterpiece, designing a website, or starring in a play that decorates their uniform. Personalized patches used as a symbol of achievement help develop and enhance children’s self-confidence and encourage them to achieve bigger dreams. Personalized patches used as a symbol of achievement help develop and enhance children’s self-confidence and encourage them to achieve bigger dreams.
