7 Reasons Why Parents Should Consider Scouting

Who knows better than a Scout parent why other parents should consider Scouting for their sons? In the case of mom blogger and Scout mom Scarlet of Family Focus Blog, the commonly known adage “mother knows best” rings true as she describes her family’s meaningful experiences in the program. 

“As a parent of a 9-year-old boy, I am always on the lookout for fun activities for boys,” Scarlet explains on her blog. “That is one of the reasons I love Boy Scouts of America. Their Cub Scout division makes it easy for me to find fun activities to do with my son. They are always having some fun event planned where we go fishing, or camping, or where the den meets to learn new things. What is even better is not only do they take the work out of finding and planning fun activities to do with my son, but I also enjoy knowing that these activities build skills and character.”

Ask any Scout parent about the program and they could round up countless reasons to get involved in Scouting, but Scarlet compiles 7 of her personal favorite reasons and highlights how much she appreciates the character-building and family-welcoming environment Scouting provides.

1. Trying new activities – Scarlet loves that Scouting gives her son opportunities to experience new activities he might not otherwise explore. “There is always a new fun activity and usually they come along with life lessons that they learn while they are having a great time,” she shared.
2. Learning new skills – Honing new abilities is one of the many benefits of joining Scouting that prepares youth for life. Last year, Scarlet says her Bear Cub son learned how to safely handle a pocket knife and earned his Cub Scout Whittling Chip award.
3. Selling popcorn – “I am totally impressed with the way Boy Scouts do their annual popcorn sales,” Scarlet said. “It is such a great way for boys to build self-confidence, learn manners, and reinforce ethical standards.” She also really appreciates how selling popcorn teaches him how to interact with adults in a more professional manner.
4. Serving others – Scarlet says her son feels good when he’s helping others and had the opportunity to serve food and socialize with the homeless during a recent service project.
5. Earning awards and recognition – “It is great for boys to be able to earn adventure loops and/or pins for learning and doing,” she explained. “But they also don’t have to feel pressured and they can go at their own rate.”
6. Scouting welcomes families! – Scarlet enjoys how Scouting involves the whole family. Instead of just dropping her son off at outtings, she feels welcome to take part in activities and watch her son learn and grow with his friends.
7. New lion program – Scarlet’s son joined Scouting the first chance he got in first grade, but now, she says joining at an earlier age is even easier than before with the introduction of the lion pilot program for kindergarten-age boys.

The mom blogger encourages parents to consider Scouting as an excellent opportunity to set the foundation for character development and skills, and have fun in the process.

Share this post with your friends and families not in Scouting to showcase some of the many reasons why joining Scouting is a lifelong investment into their sons’ futures. What reasons to join Scouting would you add to Scarlet’s list? Share them in the comments below and head to Family Focus Blog for Scarlet’s complete story.