Sponsored by Northern Star Scouting
What Families Love Most About Scouting
Scouting has been a source of adventure and learning since it was first established in 1907. The program has changed a lot over the years, giving each new generation fresh opportunities for fun and growth while keeping the same values it started with.
Parents and kids still love it for one simple reason: it helps young people become their best selves. If your child wants more time outdoors or is looking for new ways to serve their community, Scouting can offer that and a whole lot more.
Northern Star Scouting
Reasons Families and Youth Love Scouting
Every stage of Scouting is designed to challenge kids with age-appropriate activities and skill-building. Here are five reasons young people and their parents keep coming back:
Fun for Youth of All Ages
Ask any Scout why they keep showing up and the answer is usually simple: it’s fun. That’s what brings kids and their families back, meeting after meeting and year after year. From outdoor activities like fly fishing to hands-on STEM projects, there’s always something new to try.
The fun isn’t just for the little ones, either. Northern Star has a program for nearly every age: Cub Scouts for ages 5 to 10, Scouts BSA for ages 11 to 18, and Venturing and Exploring for ages 14 to 21. No matter your child’s interests or age, there’s a Scouting program that fits.
New Friends and a Welcoming Environment
Making friends isn’t easy for every kid. Some are shy, and some feel like they don’t quite fit in. In Scouting, everyone belongs. The program encourages acceptance, and the people skills kids pick up help them build friendships that often last for years.
Bullying of any kind is strictly prohibited in Scouting and goes against the Scout Oath. That commitment creates a positive environment where every kid can feel comfortable being themselves.
Service Opportunities
Giving back is a core part of Scouting. Helping others teaches kids empathy and gratitude that stays with them. Service projects might mean raising money for the local food bank, organizing a book drive for a daycare, or delivering gifts to seniors in a nursing home.
That kind of service builds real self-esteem, and it gives kids the chance to explore all the different ways they can make a difference.
A Source of Stability
Change is part of growing up, but too much of it can leave a kid feeling unsteady. Scouting gives them something they can count on. No matter what’s happening at school, at home, or in their community, meeting up with familiar friends and mentors gives kids a steady place to land.
And if a family moves, kids can count on the same familiar format and a friendly welcome at their new Scout meeting.
Activities That Build Confidence
Scouts are always trying something new, from unfamiliar environments to brand new skills. Every one of those moments is a chance to build confidence and have fun along the way.
Facing a fear of heights at the climbing tower or stepping up to mentor a younger Scout, kids find countless ways to grow more sure of themselves.
What Do Parents Think of Scouting?
Parents of Scouts are some of the program’s biggest fans. They get to watch their kids grow more confident as they learn new skills, and they see firsthand how much the supportive environment means.
Here is what two parents in our Scouting family had to say:
“My daughters love Scouting because they learn new skills and get to have fun with their friends every step of the way! From camping, archery, survival skills, climbing tower, swimming, ponies, and so much more!” – Tierra Carter
“Scouting has provided my three kids with confidence, character and leadership development, outdoor skills, friendship, and fun! They’ve tried things they were afraid to do, have overcome obstacles, and have faced adversity, all while being supported by friends and trusted adults. It’s also given me personal growth as a leader.” – Lonni Olson
Can Scouting Benefit Your Child?
If you’re looking for a fun, safe way for your child to find more adventure, more confidence, and a wider circle of positive influence, Scouting is worth a look. It’s never too late to start, and the benefits can stay with kids well into adulthood.
Scouting offers a safe, welcoming environment where every child is valued, and getting started is easy. Visit Northern Star Scouting at GoScouting.org to find a program near you and see what’s happening in your area.
