During Mental Health Awareness Month in May and throughout the year, it’s important for parents to be mindful about supporting their children’s mental health and overall psychological development. Among the best ways to do this is to enroll kids and teens in extracurricular programs that intentionally foster emotional strength and personal growth. 

As children enter their tweens and teens, structured activities that combine social connection, skill-building, and purpose become especially important. Whether your adolescent is new to Scouting or moving on from Cub Scouts, participating in Scouts BSA with a local Scouting America council offers them a wide range of evidence-backed youth mental health benefits that can extend well into adulthood. Here’s how.

A Strong Sense of Belonging and Social Support

Adolescence is a period when feelings of isolation and social pressure often increase, posing serious risks to teen mental health. Scouting helps young people form meaningful relationships while learning cooperation, empathy, and mutual respect, all of which are protective factors against depression and anxiety.

Some key social benefits include:

• Regular interaction with supportive peers and adult mentors outside the pressures of the school environment
• Trusted adult leaders who model healthy communication and problem-solving
• Team-based activities that reduce social isolation, foster belonging and emotional safety, and build confidence

These social connections are particularly valuable for teens navigating identity development and increased academic or social stress.

Confidence, Competence, and Self-Esteem Through Skill Mastery

Scouts BSA places a strong emphasis on learning practical, age-appropriate skills, from outdoor survival to leadership and community service. Achieving ranks, earning merit badges, and completing long-term projects provide tangible evidence of progress. This reinforces self-esteem and a sense of competence in young adults.

Structured achievement systems teach youth how to set goals and overcome setbacks as well as reflect on their progress..

These experiences support mental wellness by:

• Encouraging persistence in the face of challenges
• Reinforcing positive self-identity and self-worth
• Reducing fear of failure through guided risk-taking

Outdoor Activity and Stress Reduction

Spending time outdoors has been consistently linked to improved mood, reduced stress, and better emotional regulation. Scouts BSA programs intentionally integrate outdoor adventures, camping, hiking, and physical activity into their curriculum. Peer-reviewed research on positive youth development programs shows that regular engagement with nature supports lower cortisol levels and improved mental health outcomes in adolescents.

By participating in Scouts BSA, youth benefit from:

• Increased physical activity tied to mental health improvements
• Reduced screen time and digital overload
• Opportunities for mindfulness through nature-based experiences

The long-term exposure to outdoor challenges helps teens develop healthy coping strategies that carry into adulthood.

Leadership Development and Emotional Intelligence

More than any other Scouting America program, Scouts BSA teaches youth how to transition from participant roles into leadership roles. It achieves this in part by giving them responsibility for planning activities, mentoring younger Scouts, and making group decisions. This leadership model strengthens emotional intelligence by teaching youth how to manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively under pressure.

Leadership experiences in Scouting help youth:

• Build self-regulation and emotional awareness
• Learn accountability and ethical decision-making
• Develop confidence in navigating complex social situations

These skills are closely associated with positive mental health and a lower risk of behavioral challenges.

Purpose, Service, and Meaningful Contribution

A strong sense of purpose is a critical component of mental wellness, particularly during adolescence. Scouts BSA emphasizes service to others through community projects, conservation efforts, and volunteerism. These service-oriented experiences help youth understand their own value and the impact they can have within their communities.

Engaging in service supports mental health by:

• Reinforcing a sense of meaning and belonging
• Reducing feelings of helplessness or disengagement
• Strengthening empathy and social responsibility

Research also links early service participation with improved emotional well-being and civic engagement in adulthood.

Lifelong Psychological Resilience

Multiple long-term studies have found a strong link between Scouting participation and improved mental health outcomes later in life. Adults who participated in Scouting as youth reported lower levels of anxiety, better emotional regulation, and higher overall life satisfaction compared to non-Scouts. These outcomes were especially pronounced among those who remained in Scouting through adolescence rather than stopping at younger ages.

This lasting impact is tied to Scouting’s emphasis on self-efficacy, responsibility, and personal growth during critical tween and teen developmental years.

Why Continuing Beyond Cub Scouts Matters

While Cub Scouts introduces foundational skills and values, Scouts BSA builds on these experiences during the years when mental health challenges are more likely to emerge. The program’s age-appropriate progression allows youth to deepen relationships, take on meaningful leadership, and develop coping strategies that support long-term emotional health.

The Scouts BSA program is intentionally designed to support character development, leadership growth, and personal fitness throughout adolescence. For families seeking a well-rounded, evidence-informed way to support their child’s mental wellness, enrolling in Scouts BSA offers benefits that extend far beyond the trail.

Enroll Your Child in Scouts BSA With Laurel Highlands Council

If you live in the western parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, or West Virginia, enrolling your child in Scouts BSA with the Scouting America, Laurel Highlands Council is an excellent way to support their mental health. 

Laurel Highlands Council serves youth members and volunteer adult leaders throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania and portions of the Potomac region in Maryland and West Virginia. We aim to beneficially involve 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 Scouts BSA programs for your tween or teen, and join now!