Why Scouting?

A Scout’s beliefs can be found in the Cub Scout Promise, Scout Oath, Scout Law, Venturing Oath and Venturing Code. They are more than just words; they build a set of internal values that will stay with a boy as he grows into a man, and continue through his adult life. Study results from Louis Harris and Associates show that Scouts with at least five years in our program are more likely than boys who have never been Scouts to:

• Take leadership roles in clubs or school organizations,
• Put the needs of others before their own,
• Have higher self-confidence,
• Be active in a variety of after-school activities, and
• Resist peer pressure to take part in delinquent or dishonest activities.

Boys in Scouting say the program has taught them to give their best effort, always be honest and respect others. These values have been proven to lead to greater success in adulthood. The same Louis Harris study finds that men who were Scouts for at least five years were more likely to:

• Graduate from high school and college,
• Earn higher annual household incomes,
• Value family relationships highly,
• Attend religious services,
• Have lifelong friendships,
• Believe helping others should come before one’s own self-interest.