May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s an excellent time to consider your child’s mental health and how you can ensure they receive the support they need. Today’s children and teenagers are facing unprecedented mental health challenges. From academic pressures to social media influences and the lingering multifaceted challenges that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, young people are experiencing higher rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress than ever before.
A significant portion of children and teens in the United States have a diagnosed mental health condition, and many more experience stress, isolation, and emotional struggles. Additionally, experts point to a decline in face-to-face social interactions, increased exposure to cyberbullying, and economic hardships as contributing factors to the crisis.
With these growing concerns, parents and caregivers are seeking ways to support children’s mental health. One effective solution comes from an organization that has been shaping young lives for more than a century: Scouting America. Through adventure, leadership opportunities, and structured support, Scouting programs provide an environment where children and teens can build resilience, learn healthy coping strategies, and improve their overall mental well-being.
How Scouting America Supports Good Mental Health in Children and Teens
Promoting Psychological First Aid and Emotional Support
Scouting America recognizes the importance of mental health in children and teens and incorporates psychological first aid into its programs. Psychological first aid equips Scout leaders and volunteers with the skills to recognize signs of emotional distress in young people and provide immediate, compassionate support. By creating a culture where emotional well-being is prioritized, Scouting fosters an environment where children feel safe expressing their emotions and seeking help when needed.
Encouraging Outdoor Activities for Mental Well-Being
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in children and teens. Scouting programs emphasize outdoor adventure through hiking, camping, and team-building exercises that allow kids to unplug from digital distractions and connect with the natural world. Research has found that children who engage in outdoor activities regularly are more likely to experience lower levels of stress and greater emotional resilience.
Developing Resilience Through Challenges and Leadership
Scouting America helps young people build resilience by encouraging them to embrace challenges and take on leadership roles. Whether it’s learning survival skills, earning merit badges, or leading a team project, Scouts are constantly building confidence in their ability to overcome obstacles. This structured approach to skill-building and problem-solving helps Scouts develop a mindset that equips them to handle stress and adversity in everyday life.
Fostering Strong Social Connections and Peer Support
One of the most significant protective factors for kids’ mental health is having strong, supportive relationships that form a social support network. Scouting America provides a sense of community where kids and teens can form lasting friendships, engage in teamwork, and experience a sense of belonging. Research indicates that children who participate in structured peer activities, such as Scouting, are less likely to experience loneliness and social isolation.
Teaching Healthy Coping Strategies and Emotional Regulation
Scouting incorporates mental health education into its programs by teaching youth how to manage stress, set goals, and develop healthy habits. By providing good role models for kids, mentorship, and structured guidance, Scouts learn positive coping strategies, such as mindfulness, teamwork, and self-reflection. Additionally, Scouting America has implemented mental health awareness initiatives to help young people understand the importance of self-care and seeking help when necessary.
Providing Suicide Prevention and Crisis Resources
Suicide remains a major concern among young people, making early intervention crucial. Scouting America has taken proactive steps to address youth suicide by providing prevention resources, training leaders to recognize warning signs, and creating an open dialogue about mental health. The organization’s commitment to addressing these concerns ensures that young people have access to trusted adults and life-saving support when they need it most.
Reducing the Risk of Mental Health Disorders in Adulthood
Studies suggest that participating in Scouting as a child may also lower the risk of developing mental health disorders later in life. One long-term study found that individuals who were involved in Scouting or Guiding as children reported better mental well-being and were less likely to suffer from mood disorders as adults. The structured support, skill-building, and community engagement provided by Scouting contribute to long-term emotional resilience and healthier coping mechanisms.
At a time when children’s mental health is facing serious challenges, Scouting America offers a proven and powerful solution. By promoting outdoor adventure, leadership development, peer support, and mental health education, Scouting provides young people with the skills they need to build resilience and thrive. Programs such as these are essential for helping children and teens navigate today’s complex world while developing the emotional strength they need for a successful future.
Strengthen Your Child’s Mental Health With Laurel Highlands Council
If you live in the western parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, or West Virginia, enrolling your child in Scouting America, Laurel Highlands Council, is an excellent way for them to get all the benefits of becoming a Scout — including maintaining good mental health.
The Laurel Highlands Council serves youth members and volunteer adult leaders throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania and parts of the Potomac region in Maryland and West Virginia. We aim to beneficially engage every eligible child and their families in the fun and adventure of our programs. We provide extraordinary youth development programs that teach and strengthen the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Contact us to learn about our Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs for your child, and join now!
