We All Want Our Kids To Make It On Their Own. Here’s How Scouting America Can Help

Can we be real with you for a second? Parenting in today’s world is… tricky. Between ever-evolving technology, seemingly endless amounts of entertainment, and extremely hands-on parenting (no judgment zone!), sometimes it makes us wonder: Will my kid thrive in the real world?

That’s where Scouting America — yes, the group formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America — comes in. For over a century, this youth program has been shaping young people to be confident, capable, and independent thanks to their hands-on experiences that teach kids things that benefit them in real-life situations.

Parents who are unfamiliar with Scouting might assume it’s all camping, fishing, and hiking, but it’s actually that and much more. Aside from knowing how to make the most epic s’mores, Scouts will learn how to lead, solve problems, think creatively, and bounce back when things go sideways. They’ll really gain an understanding of how to solve a problem themselves, instilling confidence and inspiring a sense of adventure and imagination. Plus, Scouting America offers programs that fit seamlessly into your family’s schedule, allowing your child to shine both in Scouting and in their other activities.

Ahead, learn five ways Scouting America can help instill the positive reinforcement your child needs to make an impact on their everyday life — without having a screen glued to their face.

1. They’ll Build Confidence & Reliance Through Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor adventures are a cornerstone of Scouting America. Spending time in the great outdoors is fun, of course, but it also teaches kids the skills needed to make them more self-reliant. Whether it’s going on a nature hike, learning to read a compass, or setting up your first tent, outdoor adventures will help kid’s character development as they learn to cooperate to meet challenges. Plus, Cub Scouts learn to plan and carry out activities from start to finish, with thoughtful guidance from their Cubmasterand parents in the Den, so they’ll acquire the necessary skills to become leaders of the future.

2. Starting Them Early Lays A Firm Foundation

Starting your child’s Scouting journey early is key. Cub Scouts, welcoming children in grades K through 5, encourages kids to make friends, be helpful to others, and give their all no matter the outcome. With the help of powerful learning projects and exciting outdoor activities, it teaches children that doing their best can be a fun and rewarding experience — even in the face of a challenge. Through adventure loops and fun patches, young Scouts discover their interests and cultivate new experiences while learning essential lessons in ethics, service, and self-sufficiency that will serve as the foundation for more advanced learning as they grow.

3. They’ll Learn From Positive Role Models & Mentorship

One of Scouting America’s most valuable aspects is how it connects young people with positive role models who help shape their character. In Cub Scouts, adult leaders and older Scout volunteers serve as mentors, demonstrating the values of kindness, responsibility, and leadership through their actions. Kids naturally learn by watching and imitating the behavior they see, and Scouting provides a safe environment filled with adults and older youth who model the qualities we want our children to develop. This mentorship approach helps young Scouts understand what it means to be trustworthy, loyal, and helpful — not through lectures, but through real-life examples they can follow.

4. They’ll Develop Empathy & Work Ethic Through Community Service

Helping others is a foundation of Scouting and is even written as part of the Scout Oath (“to help other people at all times”). Engaging in community service acts like collecting goods for food banks, planting trees, or shoveling snow for the elderly allow kids to develop empathy for others and appreciate that their hard work goes far, especially when they see the impact their efforts has on people around them.

5. They’ll Learn To Collaborate Through Team Activities

One of the best times to learn how to work as a team comes during family camping weekends. On family campouts, Cub Scouts work together to assist in cooking their own meals, organizing the campsite, and solving problems. Cub Scouts must collaborate with each other in order to be successful, which also helps teach kids to take initiative when others are relying on them.

It’s safe to say that once your kid enters into a Scouting America program, you can almost guarantee they’ll come out of it with the many tools they’ll need to be successful, independent, and confident on their own. The only thing left to do? Decide which program best suits your child and get them signed up.