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. |