Scouting in New Hampshire is a great resource for parents aspiring to raise healthy, happy, and resilient children

Scouting is more relevant than ever for today's parents. Offering more than just outdoor fun, it’s a program that builds character, leadership skills, and community citizenship. In an age of screens, scouting allows kids to engage in hands-on learning, teamwork, and adventure. Did you know that 99% of Scouting alums and 95% of Scouts agree that Scouting helps their character development? (Source: Harris-2023 Scouting Edge Study) From life skills and STEM education to community service and environmental stewardship, Scouting helps shape well-rounded, confident leaders with a long-term positive impact on their development.

Take, for example, Bradley C., a Scout with Troop 270 in Pembroke, NH; Bradley has made a lasting impact in his community through his leadership and dedication to others. His Eagle Scout project has transformed the local library with a new community garden, creating a space for learning and reflection. Similarly, this past July, a new 9/11 memorial bench was unveiled at the Keene Fire Department’s West Keene station in Keene, New Hampshire. Eagle Scout Wade P., with Troop 302 in Surry, NH, led the project. He was inspired by his family’s military background and the impact of 9/11. These achievements inspire examples of how Scouting equips youth with the skills and values they need to make a real difference and demonstrate a concern for citizenship. These are just a few examples, and Scouting is for everyone, regardless of their background or interests.

But why is it relevant? Scouting America continues to appeal to a broad spectrum of values and concerns that today's parents prioritize:

Character Development and Values: Scouting emphasizes timeless principles for every parent, like honesty, responsibility, and respect for others. In a world where parents are concerned about their children's ethical and social development, the Scout Law—trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, etc.—resonates with many as a framework for building character in an era of rapidly shifting cultural norms.

Outdoor Experiences and Life Skills: With the rise of screen time and digital engagement, parents are increasingly seeking activities that promote outdoor exploration, adventure, and practical skills. Scouting offers children a structured environment to learn survival skills, camping, financial literacy, environmental stewardship, and self-reliance, which can be a welcome counterbalance to today's youth's often tech-driven indoor lives. Scouting America, Daniel Webster Council has four camp facilities throughout the state to deliver exceptional outdoor recreational programming to youth.

Community and Leadership Development: Scouting is critical to preparing children for future success and fostering leadership and teamwork. Many generational parents see these attributes as essential. The emphasis on service, working with others, and taking the initiative fits well with parents’ desire to raise confident, community-minded leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.

Inclusivity and Adaptation: In recent years, Scouting has made significant strides to become more inclusive, welcoming girls and updating its programs to be relevant to modern social issues like diversity and gender equality. This evolution speaks to parents who value inclusivity and progressive thinking in their children's activities.

Positive Social Environment: Scouting is a structured, supportive community that encourages healthy friendships and provides strong role models. This is a crucial selling point for many parents today concerned about the peer influences their children are exposed to. Scouting's positive social environment aligns well with parents’ desire for their children to be in a supportive community.

STEM and Modern Skillsets: Scouting has evolved to include modern topics like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) within its merit badges, addressing the growing demand from parents for educational activities that prepare their children for future careers. The blend of traditional outdoor skills with these newer, high-tech offerings appeals to a generation of parents focused on adventure and future readiness.

The bottom line is that many parents balance a desire for tradition with the demands of a rapidly changing society. Scouting provides a comprehensive, values-based program that can enrich children's development in diverse ways. Scouting is the perfect partner for parents seeking to equip their kids with character, leadership, and modern lifelong skills.

So, if you're a parent or a grandparent of a youth in grades K-12, what is preventing you from encouraging your children, boy or girl, to join a Pack or Troop?

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