When you join the Boy Scouts of America, Scouting is like an extension
of your family: It follows your values, it sees to the overall care and
well-being of your child, and it’s always there for you. It’s not an
either/or choice you have to make for your child. It works with you to
let you manage your time and other activities and will always be there
when you return.
Maturity.
Youth experience dramatic physical and emotional growth. Scouting offers
them opportunities to channel much of that change into productive
endeavors. Through service projects and Good Turns, Scouts can discover
their place in the community. Many Scouting activities allow youth to
associate with others from different backgrounds. The religious emblems
program offers pathways for Scouts to more deeply understand their duty
to God. The unit provides each Scout with an opportunity to explore, to
try out new ideas, and to embark on adventures that sometimes have no
design other than to have a good time with good people.
Flexibility.
The Scouting programs are flexible and accommodate the need to balance
the work and life requirements of a busy family. It’s easy to plan for
meetings and activities, and if something unexpected comes up, just let
your leader know—it’s expected in the lives we live today.
Adaptability.
Your child can work on achievements at his or her own pace. For
example, if your child is in a spring soccer league and has to miss
several meetings and activities, he or she still can complete and sign
off on Scout activities to work toward the next level.
Transferability.
The skills and values your child learns through Scouting can be applied
in any non-Scouting activity he or she participates in. As your child
builds character, this can be an especially valuable defense to the peer
pressure all youth experience when growing up.