Scouting’s unique gifts to youth

I have been a Scout leader since 2000. My sons were part of the program, became Eagle Scouts and are now making their way in the world. In this time, I have noted Scouting offers two unique gifts to our youth. First, it teaches resilience and adversity coping skills in a way no other youth program can. A Scout dealing with a burnt camp supper or a sudden rain storm or a forgotten flashlight will learn resiliency that will serve them well their whole life. We live in a fluid world today and resilience is a key skill for success and survival everywhere. Second, Scouting offers an opportunity to thrive to all youth regardless of social standing or academic and athletic ability. An awkward youth can have just as much fun as the varsity athlete on a campout. That is not the case on any sports team and most other competitive youth programs.

Submitted by: David Burge of Atlanta, Georgia