Not all children are into conventional sports, and that is okay. If you have a child who is gregarious and needs time outside of the home, it is important to find an activity that engages them the same way that sports do.
Figuring out activities children are attracted to takes time, and it can be extremely labor-intensive for parents. To truly hone in on the most suitable extracurricular activities, children must “try on” many different activities for size, similar to shopping for clothes.
Some children know exactly what they like early on, and everyone wins with this scenario. For many other children, they sign up and drop out of activities faster than we change our socks! It’s frustrating. And, it can be expensive.
Paying for various activities is an investment, and there aren’t always “returns” for the time, effort, and money put in. But, have faith! Eventually, your child will gravitate to something of interest.
There’s no point in forcing a child to partake in certain activities if they are not “into” them. Sometimes the most difficult pill for a parent to swallow is realizing that their child has interests completely different than their own.
The Path of Least Resistance
One fact I have learned about children as they age is that most prefer to take the path of least resistance. Unfortunately, this is often the couch and the electronics.
Convincing them to engage with the outside world is no easy chore. A wonderful organization that embraces diversity in children and provides them with a playground for proper growth and engagement are the Scouts.
I am writing this as a blog for parents looking for activities for their non-sporty child.
Scouting Organizations in the United States
There are two main scouting organizations in the United States: Scouting America and Girl Scouts. These two organizations are independent of each other, but they both hold similar core values.
Both build leadership skills, foster confidence and independence, encourage community service, and build life skills.
Scouting America
Scouting America was previously known as The Boy Scouts of America. Historically, this outfit was exclusive to male members. In recent times, girls have been allowed to join the troop, and the name was changed to be more inclusive.
I have seen many parents turn their nose up to inquire, “Why must girls join? They have the Girl Scouts!” I’ll explain why in this blog! Equity has become a keyword of the century, and Scouting America has opened their doors to girls in an all-embracing way!
The Mission of Scouting America
Scouting America’s mission is to guide young people in making ethical and moral choices throughout their lives by teaching the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
These principles encourage respect, responsibility, and commitment, helping to build confident and capable future leaders.
The organization is dedicated to fostering character development, citizenship, and personal fitness in its members through a variety of educational and outdoor programs, all of which are unparalleled!
They offer everything from camping, hiking, exploring the outdoors, to unique opportunities such as rock climbing and survival training. They offer hands-on experiences in science, technology, and engineering.
Community service is a key part of Scouting America. If a local church or business needs help with weeding, painting, or building, the scouts are ready to jump in and lend a hand.
Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts also instill great qualities in their members. It is a long-established organization that fosters leadership, confidence, and community for young girls.
They are best known for their amazing cookies! (I could eat my weight in Thin Mints and Trefoils!) Through earning badges, taking part in outdoor adventures, and participating in cookie sales, girls acquire practical life skills that prepare them for adulthood.
The cookie sales teach entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and marketing. Organized outdoor activities encourage resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving. Various activities allow girls to earn badges, which motivates them to learn a wide range of life skills.
The Treasured Aspects of Girl Scouts
One of the most treasured aspects of Girl Scouts is the sense of community and sisterhood. Girls form lifelong friendships, find mentors, and connect with like-minded individuals who share their values.
The Girl Scouts organization is committed to serving girls of all backgrounds, creating an environment where diversity is celebrated.
This inclusive culture allows girls to learn from one another’s experiences and grow into open-minded, respectful individuals.
Troop Organization
Both organizations, Scouting America and Girl Scouts, have a similar architecture: they are organized into troops. For geographic areas with large troop sizes, smaller subdivisions may occur, called “patrols.”
Both have an organizational model that is appropriate for young children, and there is a minimum age of five years to join. The youngest members in Scouting America are called “Cub Scouts,” and for Girl Scouts, they are called “Brownies.”
Why Some Girls Join Scouting America
So, this loops us back to the topic of why some girls would join Scouting America over Girl Scouts. There is a simple answer: Camping!
Scouting America focuses more on camping, hiking, and outdoor survival than Girl Scouts does. There definitely are camping opportunities through Girl Scouts, but not at the same level as Scouting America.
And, let’s face it: not all girls are keen on stereotypical girl activities. Some girls thrive in the active backpacking and camping world, and when asked, they choose this over cookie sales!
How to Sign Up Your Child
The best place to start is to connect with a local troop in your area. For Scouting America, visit www.scouting.org. For Girl Scouts, visit www.girlscouts.org.
Both websites have a search tool to locate troops in your zip code. In areas where there are multiple troops, you have a choice!
You and your child may want to attend some meetings to get an idea of which troop fits your child’s personality best.
The Benefits of Joining Scouts
Joining the scouts allows children to make new friends, acquire numerous skill sets, and take pride in their accomplishments through earned badges. It gets them engaged in social activities away from home.
Parents also make new friends and connections. It is a commitment for all, so parents need to be prepared for fundraising activities and to attend various meetings.
Most importantly, parents need to be on standby to provide emotional support, as well as ready to sew on new badges as they are earned (hot tip: Magic Badge adhesive is a lifesaver).
In exchange for heavy parental involvement, your child will step into the world with a bit more confidence, positivity, and fortitude. Or, at least, that’s the goal!
My son has been a member for the last several years, and we are grateful for everything he has learned and earned. It takes a community to raise a child. The Scouts are a great Village!
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can my child join Scouts or Girl Scouts?
Children can join both scouting organizations as early as age five. The youngest members are called Cub Scouts in Scouting America and Brownies in Girl Scouts.
Are girls allowed to join Scouting America?
Yes, Scouting America now welcomes girls into their troops, offering the same opportunities for adventure, leadership, and community service.
What are the main differences between Scouting America and Girl Scouts?
Scouting America tends to focus more on camping, hiking, and outdoor survival. Girl Scouts offer leadership, entrepreneurship, and a wide variety of activities, including the famous cookie sales.
How do I find a troop or group for my child?
Visit scouting.org for Scouting America and girlscouts.org for Girl Scouts. You can search for troops by your zip code and explore local options.
Is there a big financial commitment to joining Scouts?
There can be costs for registration, uniforms, outings, and occasional fundraising requirements. However, many troops offer scholarships or fundraising opportunities to help offset expenses.
What if my child isn’t interested in sports? Would Scouts still be a good fit?
Absolutely! Scouts are ideal for kids who aren’t into traditional sports. The programs encourage teamwork, outdoor adventure, friendship, and personal growth.
How involved do parents need to be?
Parental involvement is important in both organizations, from helping at events to providing support and encouragement. Engagement can create positive experiences for both the child and the family.
Are Scouts open to all backgrounds and abilities?
Yes, both Scouting America and Girl Scouts are committed to inclusion and celebrate diversity, welcoming children from all backgrounds and abilities.
Must Read: The Benefits of Swimming for Kids: Why It Matters.
