eer outcomes study - boy scouts of america may 27, 2003 the boy scouts of america relies on...

OUTCOMES STUDY

A STUDY CONDUCTED

BY HARRIS INTERACTIVE

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Introduction

May 27, 2003

The Boy Scouts of America relies on dedicated volunteers to promote its mission ofpreparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instillingin them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Today, more than 1.2 million adults provideleadership and mentoring to Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews.

Scout volunteers serve in many capacities, from board members who lead in strategicplanning for each council, to district volunteers who provide leader training andmentoring, to unit leaders who organize meetings, encourage advancement, and provideoutdoor learning experiences for youth. Together, these volunteers gave more than 288million hours of service in 2002 to ensure that the youth of America have access to andbenefit from Scouting programs in their communities.

Through the work of these many volunteers, the Boy Scouts of America remains theforemost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training inAmerica. To these volunteers we would like to say thank you for your dedication toScouting. And, to adults who are not currently Scout volunteers, we invite you to becomea volunteer and share in the positive experiences Scouting provides.

Sincerely,

Roy S. Roberts Roy L. WilliamsPresident Chief Scout Executive

VOLUNTEER OUTCOMES STUDY 1

2 VOLUNTEER OUTCOMES STUDY

Table of ContentsBackground and Methodology.......................3

Personal Values and Traits .............................4

Communication Skills .................................10

Relationship Skills .......................................12

Survival and Outdoor Skills.........................15

Management and Leadership Skills.............17

Volunteer Commitment ...............................19

Thanks ..........................................................20

“You learn how to work with people in Scouting—how to workas a team with other volunteers.”


Previous research focuses on the elements ofhealthy youth development provided throughScouting. Findings from The Values of Menand Boys in America (1995) reveal that menand boys with strong Scouting experienceoften demonstrate higher ethical and moralstandards than non-Scouts. A follow-up study,A Year in the Life of a Cub Scout, Boy Scout,Venturer (1998), shows that through weeklyunit meetings and outdoor activities Scoutsgain strong personal values and a positivesense of self-worth, build caring andnurturing relationships with adults and peers,spark a desire to learn, use their timecreatively, and gain social skills.

While Scouting’s positive impact on thelives of youth has been explored, what do weknow about how Scout volunteering affectsthe lives of adults? Do they also gain positiveoutcomes in their lives from giving time eachweek to the Scouting program? To answer thisquestion, the Boy Scouts of Americacommissioned Harris Interactive to undertakean important new study aimed at identifyingthe outcomes of adult volunteering. This study

uncovers some key areas where volunteeringfor the Scouts has a positive impact:

A Personal Values and Traits

A Communication Skills

A Relationship Skills

A Survival and Outdoor Skills

A Management and Leadership Skills

Volunteers were randomly selected from the84 councils participating in the study.Volunteers were invited to go online to answerthe questionnaire. If they did not respond tothe online invitation, they were mailed a surveyand asked to respond. In total, 16,124volunteers completed the survey.

In conclusion, this study reveals that whilevolunteers who become involved in Scoutingdo not anticipate enhancing or strengtheningtheir skills or values, it is an outcome thatsome do realize. More important, the studyclearly indicates that the primary reasonvolunteers get involved with Scouting is theirdesire to share their skills and values withyoung people.

“Volunteeringbuilds pride inmy community. Ican drive aroundand know whereall the kids’ Eagleprojects are.”

Background and Methodology


0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Community Service and CitizenshipPercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

90%73% 68% 67%

Helps me be abetter citizen

Increases participation inservice activities

Develops pridein being anAmerican

Develops pride inmy community

Personal Values and Traits

Scouts and adult volunteers uphold the valuesand principles of the Boy Scouts of America.While personal values are formed beforeadulthood, Scouting programs reinforce thevalues already held by adult volunteers and givethem an opportunity to act on their values.

Community Service and CitizenshipVolunteers for the Boy Scouts of America agreethat Scout volunteering increases theirparticipation in community service activities.Adult leaders have participated in an average of

40 community service projects since becominga Scout volunteer. Scout community serviceprojects range from collecting food andclothing for local shelters, to planting trees, topicking up trash in local parks.

Scout volunteering also enhances leaders’pride in their community and in being anAmerican. An overwhelming majority (90percent) feel that volunteering for the BoyScouts has helped them become a better citizen.

“Kids see a good example oftheir parents being involvedwith the community.”


0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Other Youth Organizations for Which Members Volunteer

30%

24%

19%

10%3% 2%

17%

Religiousorganiza-tions

Youthsportsassocia-tions

PTA/PTO GirlScouts

4-H YMCA Otheryouthorganiza-tions

Volunteers also agree that Scoutingencourages them to become involved in otherorganizations. Two-thirds (66 percent) ofScout volunteers also volunteer for otheryouth organizations. Scout volunteers areinvolved in religious youth organizations,youth sports associations, parent-teacherassociations/organizations, Girl Scouts, 4-H,YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, andBig Brothers Big Sisters.

“I’ve joined other organizationsbecause I have learned so much about leadership from Scouting.”


0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Scout Volunteering Encourages ConservationPercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

67%

51%

Increasing environmental awareness

Developing or improving conservation skills

ConservationScouting teaches youth and adults to live bythe Outdoor Code—be clean in outdoormanners, be careful with fire, be consideratein the outdoors, and be conservation-minded.Many volunteers come to Scouting with astrong commitment to the environment;however, most indicate that throughvolunteering they have increased theirenvironmental awareness and developed orimproved their conservation skills.

“You learn touse yourresources tothe best ofyour ability.”


0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Volunteering Reinforces Ethical and/or Moral CharacterPercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

62% 58%

Developing ethical and/or moraldecision making

Being a more honest/trustworthyperson

Ethical and Moral CharacterScouting promotes ethical and moralcharacter development in youth as expressedin the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturingoaths or promises. Volunteers become rolemodels for these traits as they lead andparticipate in activities with youth and otheradults. Through leadership activities,volunteers’ ethical and moral decision makingis enhanced and they feel that they are a morehonest and trustworthy person.

Duty to God is also an importantcomponent of the Scouting program. Scoutvolunteers work with youth in activities andceremonies that help them think about andexpress their devotion to God. Although manyvolunteers come to Scouting with strong faithtraditions, more than 40 percent say thatthrough volunteering they have developed amore personal relationship with God.

“Hearing theScout Oath somany times canhelp you makemoral decisions.”


0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Volunteering Builds Tolerance, Patience, and Openness to New IdeasPercent agreeing “strongly”or “somewhat”

69%65%

58%52% 49%

Encouragingpatience withpeople

Encouragingtolerance ofothers

Developingopenness tonew ideas

Respectingdifferentopinions

Broadeningmy understandingof differentcultures

Patience and UnderstandingScouts and Scout volunteers come fromdiverse ethnic, racial, social, economic andreligious backgrounds. Volunteers also workwith young people between the ages of 6 and 21 and adult leaders age 18 and older.Because of this diversity, volunteers agreethat Scout volunteering helps them be morepatient and tolerant toward people who holddiffering ideas and opinions.

“I think I learnedto be moreunderstanding of today’s youth.”


0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Volunteering Builds Self-Esteem and Reduces StressPercent agreeing “strongly”or “somewhat”

85%

63%

28%

Adds more fun to mylife

Builds my self-esteem Reduces stress/anxietyin my life

Enjoyment and Self-EsteemVolunteers also say that Scout volunteering isjust plain fun. One Scout volunteersummarized why volunteering for the Scoutsis fun by saying “you get to be a kid again in away.” More than one-fourth of the volunteersagree that their Scouting activities help themreduce the stress and anxiety in their life.

Volunteers build self-esteem as they setgoals and accomplish them. Being appreciatedfor what they do is also important. As oneleader says, “It’s great to see the appreciationfrom the boys for your involvement.”

“You get to be a kidagain in a way.”


0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Volunteering Helps Strengthen Communication SkillsPercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

54%

40%

16%

Listening to others Public speaking Writing skills

Communication SkillsIn their many roles, volunteers are calledupon to communicate with Scouts, othervolunteers, community leaders, and parentsin their community. Some write newsletterarticles for their unit or district, others giveScout recruitment and fund-raising talks intheir community, and unit leaders are calledon to listen to parents and Scouts and toaddress their needs. Not surprisingly, manyvolunteers indicate that this experience hashelped them become better listeners andcommunicators.

“Volunteeringhelped me beopen and morewilling to listen to what otherpeople have to say.”


0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Volunteering Improves Teaching SkillsPercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

68%

52%

Teaching children Teaching groups of people

Council and district volunteers holdworkshops and training classes for Scoutleaders. Leaders in turn provide mentoringand educational experiences to Scouts.Through all of these experiences, volunteersimprove their teaching and mentoring skills.

“It’s very satisfying to seethe boys grow up.”


0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Volunteering Helps Reinforce Good ParentingPercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

88%71% 67%

Helping me become abetter parent

Being a positive example to my own children

Building a closer bondwith my children

Relationship SkillsVolunteering for the Scouts is also an aid togood parenting. Almost nine of 10 volunteerssay Scout volunteering has helped thembecome a better parent. They feel that theirvolunteer efforts are a positive example totheir children and help them build a closerbond with their children.

“Scout volunteeringteaches you torelate to your kids better.”


0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Volunteering Helps Develop Relationship Skills With Young PeoplePercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

88%71% 70% 65%

Ensuring a safeenvironment

Developing aconnection withother children

Relating toyoung people

Inspiring youngpeople

Scout volunteering also helps them developcloser connections with children in thecommunity. Through leading youth,volunteers agree that they are helping toensure a safe environment for all children.They also say that volunteering has helpedthem learn to relate to young people andinspire them.

“How to deal with the boysand get them motivated was part of our Wood Badgetraining.”


0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Volunteering Strengthens Relationships With Other AdultsPercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

73% 70%

60%57%

50%

Buildingfriendshipswith adults

Acknowledgingothers’ accomplish-ments

Dealing withpeople of different ages

Motivatingor influencingothers

Resolvingconflictsamong others

“I enjoyimmensely thebonding thatI’ve had withother adultleaders.”

Unit meetings, roundtables, camporees, andother district and council events givevolunteers opportunities to meet and networkwith other adult volunteers in their area andthroughout the country. Through theseScouting activities, volunteers buildfriendships with other adults. Volunteeringalso gives them a forum in which they canacknowledge the accomplishments of otheradults and helps them build skills in positivelymotivating or influencing the actions ofothers. Volunteers also indicate that becauseof their Scout leadership training, they arebetter able to resolve conflicts.


0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Volunteering Has Developed or Improved Outdoor SkillsPercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

62%49%

25%

Camping Hiking Swimming

Survival and Outdoor SkillsBeing physically fit is also a goal of theScouting program for both youth and adults.Scout volunteers believe that the activitiesthey are involved in through Scouting haveled to an improvement in their overallphysical health. Volunteering gets them upout of their chair and outdoors doing physicalactivities. Volunteers report that they havedeveloped or improved their camping, hiking,and swimming skills as a result of Scoutvolunteering.

“I camped every now and thenbefore becoming a Scoutvolunteer. Now I camp at leastonce a month and really enjoy it.”


0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Volunteering Helps Build Survival SkillsPercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

58%53% 50%

44% 43%

33%

Knot tying First aid Using acompass

CPR Cooking Water rescue

“I feel confident I could respondquickly and effectively in anemergency because of thetraining I’ve received.”

Scout volunteers also mention that volunteeractivities and training have helped themimprove their outdoor and survival skills suchas knot tying, first aid, orienteering, CPR,cooking, and water rescue.


0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Volunteering Helps Me Be a Better Manager and EmployeePercent responding “yes”

74%66%

Helping me become a bettermanager/supervisor

Helping me become a betteremployee

Management and Leadership SkillsVolunteering for the Boy Scouts of Americaprovides adult volunteers with a sense ofpersonal fulfillment and accomplishment.Through membership recruitment, fund-raising, leadership recruitment, and programplanning, volunteers are provided withopportunities to set and achieve goals.Volunteers indicate that these experiencescarry over into their work life, making thembetter managers and employees.

“I learned some great leadershipskills that I have been able to take from Scouting to work.”


0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Scout Volunteering Strengthens Leadership SkillsPercent responding “a great deal”or “a lot”

57%54% 53%

45%41%

33%

Organizinggroups ofpeople

Planningand managingprojects

Planningfor unexpectedevents

Managingtime

Teachingme how toraisemoney

Improvingmy marketingskills

Skills that adult volunteers build orstrengthen through their volunteer effortsand training that help them in their homeand work lives include organizing groups ofpeople, planning and managing projects,planning for unexpected events, timemanagement, fund-raising, and marketing.

Scout volunteering provides enjoymentand personal fulfillment while helping youthdevelop positive traits and skills. Throughtraining opportunities and Scout activities,volunteers build lifelong skills and values thatalso benefit the workplace and the volunteer’spersonal life.

“Whether you’re fund-raising ororganizing a campout, you have topull together the resources andpeople and make it all work.”


0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Years Spent Volunteering for Scouts

2%

15%

31%

22%

28%

Less than oneyear

One to twoyears

Three to fiveyears

Six to 10years

More than 10years

Volunteer CommitmentThe Boy Scouts of America has more than 1.2million registered adult volunteers who provideleadership and support for the Cub Scoutpacks, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crewsin their local communities. Most of thesevolunteers have made a long-term commitmentto Scouting. Fifty percent of Scout volunteershave provided service as an adult leader for sixor more years, with more than one-fourth (28percent) having volunteered for Scouting formore than 10 years.

Volunteers spend a significant amount oftheir personal time to ensure the success ofScouting in their communities. On average,Scout volunteers give 20 hours of service eachmonth to their unit, district, and council.Over a year’s time, volunteers for the BoyScout of America give approximately 288million hours of service to the youth ofAmerica.

Volunteers show their commitment toimproving themselves and the Scoutingprogram by participating in training activities

that help them learn the goals of the programand skills needed to provide an effective, safe,and fun program to youth. Eighty-threepercent of volunteers have participated in atleast one training opportunity.

An overwhelming majority (96 percent) ofvolunteers say they would recommendvolunteering for the Boy Scouts of America toother adults. Scout volunteers form thiscommitment to Scouting for a variety ofreasons. Scout volunteers come to Scouting

from a variety of backgrounds andexperiences. They bring the strength of theirexperiences and skills to Scouting, but theyalso find that volunteering gives them theopportunity to hone their skills and providesan environment where they can learn newskills and build lifelong friendships whilehaving fun. They are committed to thepositive, healthy development of youth. AndScouting provides opportunities to learn andgrow as volunteers become more involved inadult leadership.


ThanksThanks to each of the following councils for their participation in the Volunteer Outcomes study.

Northeast RegionBoston Minuteman CouncilCentral New Jersey CouncilChester County CouncilCradle of Liberty CouncilDaniel Webster CouncilDel-Mar-Va CouncilGreater New York CouncilGreater Niagara Frontier CouncilGreater Pittsburgh CouncilGreen Mountain CouncilJersey Shore CouncilMohegan CouncilNational Capital Area CouncilSouthern New Jersey CouncilWestchester-Putnam CouncilYork-Adams Area Council

Southern RegionAlamo Area CouncilAtlanta Area CouncilBlue Ridge CouncilBlue Ridge Mountains CouncilBuffalo Trail CouncilCape Fear Area CouncilCapitol Area CouncilCentral Georgia CouncilChickasaw CouncilCircle Ten CouncilCoastal Carolina CouncilColonial Virginia CouncilEast Carolina CouncilGreater Alabama CouncilGulf Stream CouncilLincoln Heritage CouncilOcconeechee CouncilSouth Florida CouncilThree Rivers CouncilWest Central Florida Council

Central RegionBay Lakes CouncilBlack Swamp Area CouncilBlackhawk Area CouncilBuckeye CouncilCalumet Council

Chicago Area CouncilCornhusker CouncilCrossroads of America CouncilDetroit Area CouncilFour Lakes CouncilGateway Area CouncilGerald R. Ford CouncilGreater Cleveland CouncilGreater St. Louis Area CouncilGreater Western Reserve CouncilHeart of America CouncilHoosier Trails CouncilMid-Iowa CouncilNortheast Illinois CouncilNorthern Lights CouncilOverland Trails CouncilOzark Trails CouncilPotawatomi Area CouncilQuivira CouncilSagamore CouncilSanta Fe Trail CouncilTall Pine CouncilThree Fires CouncilViking CouncilWinnebago Council

Western RegionBoulder Dam Area CouncilCascade Pacific CouncilChief Seattle CouncilDenver Area CouncilGrand Columbia CouncilGrand Teton CouncilLong Beach Area CouncilMarin CouncilMidnight Sun CouncilMontana CouncilMount Diablo Silverado CouncilMount Baker CouncilNevada Area CouncilPacific Skyline CouncilPikes Peak CouncilUtah National Parks CouncilVentura County CouncilYucca Council

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eer outcomes study - boy scouts of america may 27, 2003 the boy scouts of america relies on...

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