Some of the specific positive effects of Scouting documented by researchers include:

• The time that children spent in structured activities such as Scouting has been correlated with higher academic and conduct grades, constructive peer relations, and positive emotional adjustment (Posner and Lowe, 2008).
• Involvement in activities such as Scouting is correlated with a decrease in delinquency rates (Agnew and Peterson, 1989).
• The time that children spent in Scouting shows that Scout programs help youth develop a sense of themselves as people who are broadly competent, who can work constructively in groups, and who can complete poorly defined tasks. Youth in Scouting also have an increased sense of obligation to the community and its institutions (Kleinfeld and Shinkwin, 1983).
• Youth involved in Scouting are identified as demonstrating higher affective and cognitive regard for learning science content (Jarman, 2005).
• Scouting programs support the growth of developmental assets (Search Institute, 2004).
• Researchers identified significant differences between Scouts and non-Scouts in these areas: health and recreation, connection to others, service and leadership, environmental stewardship, goal orientation, planning and preparedness, and character. These traits carry over into adulthood (Jang, Johnson, and Kim, 2012).

Scouting provides youth with skills that help them cope. Youth say Scouting has taught them to:

• Always give their best effort
• Always be honest
• Treat others with respect
• Set goals
• Stay physically fit
• Take care of the environment

(Harris Interactive research study, 2005)

Independent research conducted by Baylor University demonstrates the significant, positive impact Eagle Scouts have on society every day. The study found that Eagle Scouts are more likely than men who have never been in Scouting to:

• Have higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented, and network with others
• Be in a leadership position at their place of employment or local community
• Report having closer relationships with family and friends
• Volunteer for religious and nonreligious organizations
• Donate money to charitable groups
• Work with others to improve their neighborhoods

A study at Tufts University showed strong evidence that participation in Scouting supports the development of pro-social behaviors, career goals, tolerant beliefs, and positive character attributes (Lerner, et al., 2015).

• Scouts reported significant increases in six critical areas versus non-Scouts: cheerfulness, kindness, hopeful future expectations, trustworthiness, helpfulness, obedience.
• Scouts were more likely than non-Scouts to embrace positive social values. Ask a Scout what’s most important to him, and he was more likely to respond with answers like “helping others” or “doing the right thing.” Ask a non-Scout the same thing, and he was likely to say “being smart,” “being the best” or “playing sports.”
• Scouts who attend meetings regularly report higher trustworthiness, helpfulness, kindness, and thriftiness, higher levels of hopeful future expectation and self-regulation, better grades, and a better connection with nature vs. Scouts who sometimes or rarely attended.
• Report summary

We support full participation by members of all physical, mental, and emotional development.

• The BSA builds awareness in all its members of the special needs of youth and creates inclusion opportunities to maximize the experience of each youth member.
• Scouting has a great deal to offer to youth with special needs and challenges, who are more heavily represented in the BSA (15.1 percent) than in the general population (8.4 percent).
• The Scouting program provides firsthand experiences that support academic performance, development of social and life skills, career exploration, and independent living.
• The program has adaptations for physical and intellectual limitations similar to the least restrictive environment (LRE) principle. with which you are familiar.
• The BSA has procedures to allow an alternative path for a student to earn ranks and awards when the regular requirements are not achievable due to a disability.