A study commissioned by the Boy
Scouts of America from Louis Harris & Associates
indicates that it is not easy being a youth in today's
society.
The line between what traditionally has
been considered right and wrong has become blurred.
Traditional values are now the subject of radio and
television talk show debates, rather than the subject of
parent-child discussions.
Unfortunately, the proportion of boys and
young men in our country who are choosing to participate
in unethical and illegal activities is alarmingly high.
Results of the survey revealed that of the respondents:
54 percent cheated on homework or a test.
28 percent had been drunk.
25 percent shoplifted.
17 percent used drugs like marijuana.
5 percent carried a gun to school.
So, what can be done to help our young
men place value on ethical behavior and choose positive
alternatives? The answer is Scouting.
The Harris Study also uncovered something
the BSA has known for years: Scouting makes a
difference. In fact, Scouts with five years' tenure
are more likely than non-Scouts to:
- Assume leadership roles in clubs
and school organizations.
- Put the needs of others before themselves.
- Make the most honest, not the easiest, decision.
- Value education and the environment.
Moreover, American men who are former
Scouts credit Scouting with several positive effects on
their lives.
- Seventy percent attribute some of
their self-confidence in their work to having been in
Scouting.
- Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) agree Scouting helped make them
better leaders in real-life situations.
- More than eight of ten men surveyed (84 percent) feel the values learned
in Scouting continue to be very important to them.
