There is no doubt that parents value what Scouting does for
their children. In an independent survey of over 2,000 parents of
Scouts, 9 out of 10 parents said Scouting is worthwhile (7 in 10
very worthwhile) and 9 in 10 said their children find Scouting
enjoyable (6 in 10 very enjoyable).
Parents say Scouting gives their children more confidence,
responsibility, a broader set of friends, a chance to pursue things
they might not get to do otherwise, adventure and an extended
family.
'They have fun and learn discipline too. It's a good
combination.'
'It's not just factual; they learn social skills and
about interacting. They have to remember things to bring the
following week sothey have to take a bit of responsibility for
their own stuff!'
Many parents feel that their child attending Scouts gives them
another reason to be proud of their achivements. One parent
said:
'I don't normally let Thomas carry dinner plates through
- he can be clumsy…but when he cooked me a meal from scratch, I was
so proud.'
Another said:
'I think I probably wouldn't let Ella do as much as she
does, but when I see her at Cubs, doing things for herself and her
friends, I'm so impressed. It helps you step back and let them get
on with it.'
Other comments include:
'Scouting helps parents prepare their kids for life' and
'it helps parents let go of their children.' Gains to children were
seen to be both immediate and long-term and all agreed that
Scouting had made family life easier and they were 'nicer children
to live with.'
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