1. Instructions to Presenters
The intended audience for this presentation is leaders over faith-based Scouting units, as well as any who do not quite understand the power of Scouting when properly implemented to change boy’s lives in a very predictable manner.
The exact wording on the slides and in the accompanying notes has been approved by Dr. Warren, and should be followed closely.
It is recommended that the slides be presented in Slide Show mode while reading from a printout of the text contained in the accompanying Notes.
To print the Notes for presenting, print slides 2-35, Notes pages.
If you wish to print a participant Handout (which I recommend), print slides 36-59, 6 Slides Horizontal, Frame Slides, Scale to fit paper, two sided, grayscale. This will come to 2 pieces of paper per handout.
It should take about minutes to present the material in the slides.
---Ben Call, Grand Teton Council

2. What Really IS Scouting?
Welcome to this presentation entitled
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“What Really is Scouting?” It is intended for an audience of leaders overseeing the Scouting program
in faith-based and other Scouting organizations, and is based primarily on research findings from the Tufts CAMP Study.
The slides and accompanying narration were assembled by Ben Call from the Grand Teton Council in consultation with Daniel Warren, currently Team Lead of Research and Evaluation for the BSA, and formerly a researcher on the Tufts study.
Dr. Warren has given his approval to the content of this presentation.
Given that the subjects of the Tufts study were Cub Scouts, this presentation shall confine itself to the effects of Scouting on boys.
We will be discussing six key findings from the study.
See if you can pick them out as we go along.
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A Presentation for Leaders of Scouting
Findings from the Tufts CAMP Study
Prepared by Benjamin Call, MD
President, Grand Teton Council
In consultation with Daniel Warren, PhD
Team Lead of Research and Evaluation, BSA

3. Questions to Ponder
How do you and those around you see Scouting? How well does it work? Does Scouting really bring value to the boys it serves?
To begin, I would like to pose several questions.
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First, how do you and those around you see Scouting?
I am sure that there are many answers to that question.
Nevertheless, I suspect that most of us view Scouting primarily as an activity program for youth.
And we might add, one that requires a measure of time, effort and financial support.
That being the case,
How well does it work?
Is it a valuable tool for forging character in boys and young men?
Or is it seen as ineffective and out-of-touch, supported only by a sense of duty?
Difficult questions arise such as,
How well does Scouting prepare young men as future fathers and leaders? And
Is Scouting really worth the major commitment it asks of parents, leaders and youth?
Yes, Scouting is an activity program for youth. And a very good one.
But is there more to it than just that?
Is there value in the Scouting experience beyond the activities and awards?
To see the real value that Scouting brings, we need to look past
WHAT we DO in Scouting, and look more closely at
WHY we do Scouting.
Does Scouting bring real value to the boys it serves?
Does it really have the power to make an impact that will carry forward into adulthood?
To get answers to these questions, and to see Scouting for what it REALLY is, let’s get an outside perspective.

4. The Field of Youth Development
There are groups of social scientists doing ongoing research on programs for youth.
They have studied nearly all major youth programs over the years, including Girl Scouts, sports and many others, to determine their effect on the lives of their participants.
In particular they are looking for ways to encourage Positive Youth Development, or “PYD”.
I would like to introduce you to an active field of research known as Youth Development.
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There are groups of social scientists who have been evaluating youth development programs for decades.
They have studied 4H, music, sports, and most other youth programs.
They are interested in how these activities affect the lives of their participants.
In particular they are looking for ways to encourage Positive Youth Development, or “PYD”.

5. Positive Youth Development
“PYD” is the quality found in Youth Development programs
that successfully promote positive outcomes in youth.
They Foster They Promote
Resilience Bonding
Self Determination Social Competence
Belief in the Future Emotional Competence
Spirituality Moral Competence
Clear and Positive Identity
They Provide
Recognition for Positive Behavior
Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement
“PYD” is the quality found in Youth Development programs that successfully promote positive outcomes.
Examples of promoting positive outcomes include
Fostering resilience, self determination, belief in the future, spirituality, and a clear and positive identity;
Promoting bonding, and social, emotional and moral competence;
And providing recognition for positive behavior, and opportunities for prosocial involvement.
These scientists are asking tough questions such as
-Are all youth programs equally effective in fostering Positive Youth Development?
-Are there common characteristics found in youth programs that succeed in creating PYD? And
-How well does Scouting accomplish the goals of PYD?
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Annals AAPSS 591 Jan 2004

6. Tufts CAMP Study
To answer that question, Dr. Richard Lerner and his team of researchers at Tufts University near Boston launched a landmark study of character development in a group of Cub Scouts in Philadelphia.
They called it the Tufts CAMP Study.
Funding for the study was provided by the John Templeton Foundation.
The BSA was involved in its planning only by making Cub units available for study.
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7. The Tufts CAMP Study Study Design 1,800 Cub Scouts aged 6-12
400 carefully matched non-Scouts from Philadelphia area
Duration 2½ years, starting in 2012
Development was measured in 9 key areas
Hopefulness Cheerfulness
Helpfulness Kindness
Obedience Hopeful Future Expectations
Thriftiness Religious Reverence
Trustworthiness
In the beginning, there were no significant differences between the two groups.
By the end however, the differences were striking.
The purpose of the Tufts study was to see if Scouting really made a difference in creating positive character attributes in a group of Cub Scouts.
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About 1,800 Cub Scouts aged 6-12 were compared with
400 carefully matched non-Scout boys from the Philadelphia area.
Their characteristics were measured at the beginning of the study, and regularly over a 2½ year period of time.
Character development was measured in 9 key areas
Hopefulness Cheerfulness
Helpfulness Kindness
Obedience Hopeful future expectations
Thriftiness Religious reverence
Trustworthiness
In the beginning, there were no significant differences between the two groups.
By the end however, the differences were striking.
Funded by the John Templeton Foundation

8. Myth #1 Scouting is broken.
The findings of the study were powerful, and have gone a long way towards dispelling myths that have been held by many people about the Scouting program.
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The first myth is that “Scouting is broken”. It just doesn’t make a difference.
Scouting is broken.

9. Character Attributes Changes over 2½ years in Tufts CAMP Study
Attribute Scouts Non-scouts
Cheerfulness
Helpfulness
Obedience
Kindness
Hopeful Future Expectations
Trustworthiness
The study looked at whether being a Cub Scout affected the development of character attributes over 2½ years.
It really did.
A number of changes were noted, both for better and for worse.
In a moment you will see some arrows.
The number of arrows you see represents the size of Scouting’s effect on the character attribute. One arrow is small, two arrows is medium, and three arrows is a larger effect. The direction of the arrows represents whether that characteristic increased or decreased or stayed the same.
For example
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Cheerfulness –
Scouts showed a small tendency toward greater Cheerfulness
That is, one arrow pointing up.
Non-scouts showed a moderate tendency toward less Cheerfulness
That is, two arrows pointing down.
Helpfulness
This shows a small increase in Helpfulness by Scouts and a small decrease by non-Scouts.
Obedience
This shows a larger increase in Obedience by Scouts, and no change in non-Scouts. Likewise,
Kindness
Hopeful future expectations, and
Trustworthiness
Scouts made growth in every area
while non-Scouts stayed the same, or even lost some ground.
These changes in character attributes might have appeared at the time to be relatively small--
But, like turning a ship’s rudder,
They are expected to have a major impact on the direction of these boy’s lives as they grow and mature.
Arrows refer to Size of Effect.
J Youth Adol (2015) 44:

10. significantly more likely
Prosocial Priorities
Non-Prosocial
Priorities
Being smart
Being the best
Playing sports
Doing the right thing
Helping others
Scouts were
significantly more likely
than non-Scouts
to embrace
Prosocial
Values
Scouts also showed other differences.
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When asked to prioritize goals in their life, Scouts were more likely than non-Scouts to embrace Prosocial Values.
For example Scouts placed higher value on Doing the Right Thing, and Helping Others, while
non-Scouts placed more value on
Being Smart, Being the Best, and Playing Sports
J Youth Adol (2015) 44:

11. Religious Reverence “I pray.” “I like to read or listen to
A most remarkable finding was the effect of Scouting on Religious Reverence.
Religious Reverence is the quality identified by expressions from the Scouts such as
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“I pray”, and
“I like to read or listen to stories from my religion”.
“I pray.”
“I like to read or listen to
stories from my religion.”

12. Religious Reverence Change over 2½ Years
Religious Non-religious Institutions Institutions
Scouts from
Faith Based Units
Scouts from
Community
Based Units
The study looked at the change over 2½ years in Religious Reverence in four groups.
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1. Scouts from religious institutions (i.e. packs sponsored by churches)
2. Scouts from non-religious institutions (i.e. packs sponsored by community units such as the Rotary Club or the Elks Lodge)
3. Non-scouts from non-religious institutions (i.e. secular schools)
4. Non-scouts from religious institutions (i.e. Catholic and other church schools)
Let’s see what the results looked like.
Scouts from Religious Institutions
showed no change in religious reverence
2. Scouts from Non-religious institutions
showed slight improvement in their Religious Reverence.
3. Non-scouts from non-religious institutions
showed a slight decrease in their Religious Reverence.
All of these changes were considered to be minimal.
4. However, in just 2 ½ years, Non-scouts from religious institutions showed a
major decline in their desire to pray and read stories from their religion.
This was a big deal.
Scouts
Non-scouts
Non-scouts from
Church Schools
Non-scouts from
Secular Schools
J Youth Adol (2015) 44:

13. Religious Reverence “Non-scout boys from
religious affiliated institutions
reported a
medium to large
degree of decrease
in their religious reverence.”
In the words of the researchers,
“Non-scout boys from religious affiliated institutions reported a medium to large degree of decrease in their religious reverence.”
The potential impact of this on these boys’ future is large.
I am sure many of us have witnessed boys who drifted away from Scouting, only to later drift away from their faith and their Duty to God.
A question arises:
Do these findings regarding Religious reverence apply to older boys as well?
The simple answer is that since similar studies have not been performed in older youth, we cannot say with certainty one way or the other.
Nevertheless, given the strength of these findings in younger boys, it may well be that older boys are effected in a similar manner.
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J Youth Adol (2015) 44:

14. Myth #2 Scouting doesn’t work. I’ll do it my own way.
A second common myth about the Scouting program was also addressed by the findings of the Tufts study.
This is the myth that
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“Scouting doesn’t work”,
so “I’ll just do it my own way.”
What about those Scouting leaders who feel the Scouting program doesn’t work for them, or who don’t really understand it very well, and who choose to modify the program on their own?

15. “Do it Yourself” PYD Program?
How About a
In effect, they are creating a “Do It Yourself” version of Scouting.
How well does this strategy work in terms of creating Positive Youth Development?
We can’t say for sure, but we do know that the Scouting program as put forth by BSA does it very well.
To understand Scouting and PYD better,
let’s examine the elements necessary to have PYD.
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“Do it Yourself” PYD Program?

16. 2. Start with “The Big Three”
Characteristics of Programs with PYD Findings from Youth Development Literature
1. Create a Safe Space
2. Start with “The Big Three”
There has been considerable research on the elements of a successful Positive Youth Development program.
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First, all PYD programs are based on creating a space that is safe physically, socially and emotionally.
In short, they ensure Youth Protection.
There is no positive learning if youth do not feel safe.
Second,
You must start with the “The Big Three”.
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J Youth Adol (2015) 44:

17. Youth Development Programs
The “Big Three” of
Youth Development Programs 1
Positive and sustained adult-youth relationships 2
The “Big Three” are three key elements found in all youth programs that succeed at PYD.
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First. They provide youth with extensive opportunities for caring and supportive relationships with adults lasting at least a year.
Second. They promote the development of life-skills through a Life-Skill building Curriculum, and
Third. They provide opportunities for leadership in family, school, or community activities.
So how does Scouting measure up?
Number one.
Scouting recruits and trains adults for leadership positions extending over at least a year in a variety of settings.
Number two.
Scouting is filled with skills that directly apply to the life of a growing boy from cooking to personal finance. He also learns life-skills like grit and teamwork.
And number three.
As a Scout progresses in the program, he takes on greater responsibility for leadership.
Until then, he learns through modeling by his youth leaders and his trained adult leaders.
All in all, Scouting fills the bill perfectly.
Life-skill building curriculum 3
Opportunities for youth leadership

18. 3. Follow a Structured Curriculum
“Having a structured curriculum is
critical”
“96%”
Much research has shown the importance of following a Structured Curriculum.
A Structured Curriculum is a system involving constraints, goals and rewards that define the participants’ activity.
In other words, it is a carefully defined program or system of rules that guides participation toward a positive end.
In the case of Scouting, this would be the full Scouting program as defined by the BSA.
The importance of following a properly Structured Curriculum was shown in a 2004 review of successful youth development programs where
they found that 24 out of 25 successful PYD programs utilized a structured curriculum.
Their Conclusions?
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“96% of effective programs incorporate a structured curriculum”. And
“Having a structured curriculum is critical”.
-In addition, they found that
The quality of program implementation was a major factor determining program effectiveness in achieving its goals.
-They identified three key characteristics of effective program implementation.
Fidelity, Quality, and Consistency.
-Fidelity to the curriculum, which means following the Scouting program as closely as possible.
-In their words: “Fidelity of program implementation has repeatedly been shown to be related to effectiveness.”
-Quality refers to quality of execution, and
-Consistency refers to consistency over time.
Thus, essential elements in a successful PYD program include
Creating a Safe Place, and
The Big Three:
sustained adult-youth relationships,
strong curriculum, and
opportunities for youth leadership.
Also, the Curriculum is best implemented with attention to fidelity, quality and consistency.
Effective Implementation
Fidelity Quality Consistency
Annals AAPSS 591 Jan 2004

19. High Quality Program Matters Program Implementation and PYD
High quality programs attract more boys,
engage them more frequently,
and hold onto them longer.
Units with a high quality program
are better able to reach even
boys who are less-engaged.
More character development in more boys
We will now discuss three findings about the relation of program implementation to creating positive outcomes.
First, they demonstrated that having a high quality program really matters.
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-High quality programs attract more boys,
engage them more frequently,
and hold onto them longer.
-All of this leads to more character development in more boys.
-Units with a high quality program are better able to reach even boys who are less-engaged.
-They found that boys who are less-engaged are more likely to have character development if they participate in highly-engaged units.
In short, a high quality program leads to
More character development in more boys

20. Regular Attendance Matters Program Implementation and PYD
Scouts who were more active in Scouting
Scouts who were less active in Scouting
Greater activity in Scouting
predicted improvement in multiple areas
Academic success
Connection to nature
Thriftiness
Intentional
Self Regulation
The greater the exposure to Scouting,
the greater the benefit.
Helpfulness
Cheerfulness
Kindness
Trustworthiness
Hopeful Future
Expectations
In addition to having a high quality program, regular attendance also predicted character change.
In this portion of the study, the researchers looked at Scouts who regularly attended their Scout meetings, and compared them with Scouts who attended infrequently.
In effect, this is asking the question, does the “dose” of Scouting make a difference? Is it true, “The more Scouting, the better?”
The results:
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Greater activity in Scouting predicted improvement in multiple areas. These included
Academic success. Boys who participate more in Scouting do better in school.
Connection to nature
Thriftiness
Intentional Self Regulation.
This is the ability to make plans and carry them out.
In addition, earlier findings were reinforced, with more active Scouts showing greater
Helpfulness
Cheerfulness
Kindness
Trustworthiness
Hopeful future expectations   
Their conclusion:
Greater intensity of involvement,
and greater time in the program yielded
greater positive change.
The greater the exposure to Scouting, the greater the benefit. 
Am J Comm Psychol (2016) 57:73-86

21. Leadership Support is Vital
Program Implementation and PYD Quote from Tufts Study
“No dimension of activity involvement —intensity, duration or engagement— will be related to program goals when the structure and leadership that supports program curriculum is not readily in place.”
The last major point addresses the role of program leadership in achieving the goals of PYD. They stated that
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“No dimension of activity involvement
—intensity, duration or engagement—
will be related to program goals
when the structure and leadership
that supports program curriculum is not readily in place.”
In other words,
We cannot be confident that any
amount of activity by the boys will lead to character change
when the structure and leadership are not in place to support the Scouting program.
Active leadership support of the Scouting curriculum
is critical to creating
a program that will change boys’ lives.
Without active leader support of the Scouting program,
the program is more likely to fail the boys it is attempting to serve.
Am J Comm Psychol (2016) 57:73-86

22. Leadership Support is Vital
Program Implementation and PYD Quote from Tufts Study
“In a poorly developed program, where the links between program curriculum (i.e. Scouting curriculum) and goals (i.e. leadership direction) are not well defined and validated, even the most engaged participant is unlikely to demonstrate positive change as a result of his involvement.”
The researchers referred to the lack of leadership support under the label of “Poor implementation” or “Poorly developed program”.
-This is a quote from their research.
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“In a poorly developed program,
where the links between
program curriculum (that is, the Scouting curriculum)
and goals (that is, leadership direction and emphasis)
are not well defined and validated,
even the most engaged participant
is unlikely to demonstrate positive change
as a result of his involvement.”
Note the consequence.
In a program where the leader’s priorities and goals are not aligned with the Scouting curriculum,
“even the most engaged participant is unlikely to demonstrate positive change.”
The job of leadership is to actively generate support and energy,
not just for the idea of having a youth program,
but for the Scouting Curriculum itself.
Am J Comm Psychol (2016) 57:73-86

23. Leadership Support is Vital
Program Implementation and PYD Key Take-away Messages
Strong linkage between leadership and the Scouting curriculum is essential to a successful program.
Without this “even the most engaged participant is unlikely to demonstrate positive change”.
The program will likely fail the boy, and skeptical leaders will be “proven right” once again.
However, the reason the program failed is likely not that Scouting failed, but that it was poorly implemented.
Key Take-away Messages:
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Strong linkage between leadership and the Scouting curriculum is essential to a successful program.
Without this, “even the most engaged participant is unlikely to demonstrate positive change”.
The program will likely fail the boy, and skeptical leaders will be “proven right” once again.
“Yes, the program did fail the boy. Scouting didn’t work for him.”
However, the reason the program failed is likely not that Scouting failed, but that it was poorly implemented.
It is perhaps failures such as this that have led some youth leaders to the conclusion that Scouting is ineffective.

24. The Final Scorecard So how did Scouting do?
Let’s look at the Final Scorecard.
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25. The Final Scorecard Attribute Observed Trustworthy Trustworthiness
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent
Observed
Trustworthiness
Helpfulness
Prosocial Values
Kindness
Obedience
Cheerfulness
Thriftiness
Religious Reverence
Hopeful Future Expectations
Academic Success
Connection to nature
Individual Self Regulation
First we shall list the 12 points of the Scout Law to see how Scouting measures up against its own standard.
And then list those areas which were tested in the study,
and give them a checkmark if they improved with Scouting.
Please note that some points in the Scout Law were not tested, and so are not listed.
In addition, a few other areas of improvement emerged, including
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Hopeful future expectations,
Academic success,
Connection to Nature, and
Individual Self Regulation.

26. Character Development In a Nutshell
Activity in Scouting leads to the development of multiple positive character attributes.
Scouts are more likely to develop “Prosocial Values”.
Scouting activity sustains Religious Reverence.
In a nutshell,
Regarding character development, we learn that
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1. Activity in Scouting leads to development of multiple positive character attributes.
2. Scouts are more likely to develop “Prosocial Values”.
3. Scouting activity sustains Religious Reverence.
Scouting changes boy’s character for the better in many ways.

27. Program Execution and Leadership In a Nutshell
Units with a high quality program will reach more disengaged boys.
The greater a Scout’s attendance and engagement in the program, the greater his character development.
Scouting requires strong leadership support to become fully effective in changing boys’ lives.
Regarding program execution and leadership, we learned that
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1. Units with a high quality program will reach more disengaged boys.
2. The greater a Scout’s attendance and engagement in the program, the greater his character development.
3. Scouting requires strong leadership support to become fully effective in changing boys’ lives.
Leadership support drives program quality, and program quality drives attendance.
The foundation of character change is leadership support for the Scouting curriculum.

28. Is Participation in Scouting Associated with Prosocial Behavior in Adulthood?
“Eagle Scouts—Merit Beyond the Badge”
Baylor University, Institute for Studies of Religion
Nationwide Telephone Survey
Average Age of Respondent—47 years
Eagle Scouts 134
Scouts (Not Eagle) 853
Non Scouts 1,502
Total 2,512
Some have asked if any studies have looked for evidence of residual effects of the Scouting experience of former Scouts who are now adults.
In other words, is there any evidence that participation in Scouting impacts the Scout’s future life as an adult?
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In 2010, researchers at Baylor University looked at this in a study entitled “Eagle Scouts—Merit Beyond the Badge.”
In a nationwide poll, adult men representative of the U.S. population were surveyed, with the key difference being that some had participated in Scouting, and some had not. The average age of those surveyed was 47 years.
The central question of the study was to determine if participation in Scouting, and ultimately becoming an Eagle Scout, was associated with prosocial behavior and positive youth development that carried over into young adulthood and beyond.
In other words, do Eagle Scouts, because of the additional commitment and effort required to reach this rank, experience additional positive attributes that provide advantage and benefits to them over non-Scouts, as well as other Scouts who never attain the rank of Eagle?
2,512 individuals were surveyed, including 134 former Eagle Scouts, 853 former Scouts who did not receive the Eagle rank, and 1,502 men who were never a Scout.
Let’s see what they found. A number of questions were asked. We shall look at the responses to four.

29. Comparative Likelihood of Prosocial Behaviors in Eagle Scouts as Adults
The researchers examined the presence of prosocial behaviors in three groups: Eagle Scouts, former Scouts who did not receive the Eagle rank, and those who were never Scouts.
For each behavior, they made two comparisons.
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They compared the responses of Eagle Scouts with those who were never involved in Scouting,
and they compared the responses of Eagle Scouts with those of Scouts who did not receive the Eagle rank.
Let’s first examine the comparison of the responses from Eagle Scouts to the responses from those who were non-Scouts, to four questions.
(Please refer to the upper light-blue line.)
When asked if they had made and achieved a spiritual goal within the past year, Eagle Scouts were 81% more likely than non-Scouts to have done so .
Likewise, Eagle Scouts were 76% more likely to have held a leadership position in their local community,
80% more likely to have taken a course or class of interest to them in the past year, and
90% more likely to be currently certified in CPR than those in the non-Scout group.
Comparing Eagle Scouts with Scouts not earning the Eagle rank, please refer to the lower yellow line.
Compared to former Scouts who did not receive the Eagle rank,
former Eagle Scouts were 81% more likely to have made and achieved a spiritual goal within the past year,
76% more likely to have held a leadership position in their local community,
30% more likely to have taken a course or class of interest to them in the past year, and
50% more likely to be currently certified in CPR.
Nearly all of these differences were present with a high degree of statistical significance.
In the words of the authors,
“Analysis of the nationally representative survey revealed significant differences between Eagle Scouts and other Scouts as well as non-Scouts.
Eagle Scouts consistently indicated their experiences in Scouting contributed to positive and prosocial development as measured by responses to a wide range of issues and subjects.” (end quote).
Their final conclusion:
“When compared to Scouts and non-Scouts, Eagle Scouts exhibit significantly higher levels of … connection, service and leadership, … goal orientation, planning and preparedness, and character.” (end quote)
The fact that these dramatic differences were demonstrated in men 30 years removed from their Scouting experience makes these highly significant findings all the more remarkable.

30. Back to our initial question…
How do you and those around you
see Scouting?
Some see Scouting as ineffective.
Others may see it as out-of-touch, dying,
or as having no greater value than
other youth activities.
However, to those who really know,
Scouting is a proven youth development program
that consistently delivers on its promise
to create positive change in boys.
So let’s return to our original question, “How do you and those around you see Scouting?”
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Some see Scouting as ineffective.
Others may see it as out-of-touch, obsolete, dying,
or as having no greater value than other youth activities.
However, to those who really know,
Scouting is a proven youth development program
that consistently delivers on its promise
to create positive change in boys.

31. Conclusion Scouting Creates Value That Lasts
The lasting value of Scouting comes
not from the great things that
boys do in Scouting,
but from the great things that
Scouting does to boys.
Scouting provides a
solid foundation for
boys to become men
of character and honor.
The Conclusion? The evidence is clear:
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Scouting creates value that lasts by changing lives.
It fosters obedience, trustworthiness and religious reverence.
It promotes academic success, kindness and hope for the future.
It provides opportunities to learn prosocial values and intentional self regulation.
It creates positive outcomes.
It forges character and prepares boys for the future.
The lasting value of Scouting comes
not from the great things that boys do in Scouting,
but from the great things that Scouting does to boys.
The value of Scouting is not that it entertains, or even that it teaches a valuable skill.
The lasting value of Scouting is that
Scouting provides a solid foundation for boys to become men of character and honor.

32. So What?
So What?
What should this mean to me and the boys I work with?
In other words,
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33. What Really IS Scouting?
Scouting is more than just an outdoor activity program, silly songs or merit badges.
Scouting is a proven and effective program that changes boys’ lives, while sustaining Religious Reverence.
However, Scouting requires strong support from leadership to be fully effective.
It is that foundation of leader support that gives it the power to touch hearts and change lives.
What Really IS Scouting?
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Scouting is more than just an outdoor activity program, silly songs and merit badges.
It is more than Friends of Scouting, sleeping in an ice-cave, and $200 for Scout camp.
Scouting is a proven and effective program that changes boys’ lives, while sustaining Religious Reverence.
However, Scouting requires strong support from leadership to be fully effective.
It is that foundation of leader support that gives it the power to touch hearts and change lives.

34. when properly implemented, is a powerful and effective program
Scouting,
when properly implemented,
is a powerful and effective program
for creating change in the lives of boys.
The degree that our boys experience
the power and effectiveness
that Scouting promises
is therefore up to us—
their leaders.
Scouting,
when properly implemented,
is a powerful and effective program
for creating change in the lives of boys.
I leave you with my conviction that activity in Scouting truly does make good boys into better men.
Scouting DOES work.
It DOES make a difference.
It DOES change the lives of boys in deep and meaningful ways.
(pause)
Effective leadership, combined with a powerful curriculum, are ingredients that make Scouting powerful.
The Scouting curriculum has been proven to change lives.
Leadership support of the Scouting curriculum creates the foundation of Scouting success.
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The degree that our boys experience
the power and effectiveness
that Scouting promises
is therefore up to us—
their leaders. .

35. Two Questions What can I personally do to better support
Ponder
What can I personally do
to better support
the Scouting program?
Discuss
What steps can we take
to make our Scouting program
touch the life of every boy?
In closing, I would invite you as leaders in Scouting to consider two questions…
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One for you to ponder, and a question for you to discuss.
First question. Ask yourself
“What can I personally do to better support the Scouting program?”
Give yourself a moment to think about it, say a little prayer, and then write down your answer.
(pause)
Second. Together with the other leaders that oversee your program, sit down and discuss the question,
“What steps can we take to make our Scouting program touch the life of every boy?”
Brainstorm ideas, make a plan, and then carry it out.
As we focus on harnessing the power of Scouting to change lives,
our programs will flourish, and our boys will someday thank us.
Thank you for your attention, and thank you for your support of Scouting as a powerful tool for shaping the lives of our youth.
For those who might be interested, participant handouts, presenter’s notes, and a PowerPoint version of this presentation are available for download at Also be watching for a video version of this presentation to be posted on YouTube.
Thank you.
www. tetonscouts.org

36. What Really IS Scouting?
A Presentation for Leaders of Youth
Findings from the Tufts CAMP Study
Prepared by Benjamin Call MD
President, Grand Teton Council
In consultation with Daniel Warren PhD,
Team Lead of Research and Evaluation, BSA

37. Positive Youth Development
“PYD” is the quality found in Youth Development programs
that successfully promote positive outcomes in youth.
They Foster They Promote
Resilience Bonding
Self Determination Social Competence
Prosocial Norms Emotional Competence
Spirituality Cognitive Competence
Clear and Positive Identity Moral Competence
Belief in the Future Behavioral Competence
They Provide
Recognition for Positive Behavior
Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement
J Youth Adolescence (2014) 43:

38. The Tufts CAMP Study Study Design 1,800 Cub Scouts aged 6-12
400 carefully matched non-Scouts from Philadelphia area
Duration 2½ years, starting in 2012
Development was measured in 9 key areas
Hopefulness Cheerfulness
Helpfulness Kindness
Obedience Hopeful Future Expectations
Thriftiness Religious Reverence
Trustworthiness
In the beginning, there were no significant differences between the two groups.
By the end however, the differences were striking.
Funded by the John Templeton Foundation

39. Scouting Myths 1. Scouting is broken. 2. Since Scouting doesn’t work,
it’s okay if I do it my own way.

40. Character Attributes Changes over 2½ years in Tufts CAMP Study
J Youth Adol (2015) 44:
Attribute Scouts Non-scouts
Cheerfulness
Helpfulness
Obedience
Kindness
Hopeful Future Expectations
Trustworthiness
Arrows refer to Size of Effect.

41. significantly more likely
Prosocial Priorities
Non-Prosocial
Priorities
Being smart
Being the best
Playing sports
Doing the right thing
Helping others
Scouts were
significantly more likely
than non-Scouts
to embrace
Prosocial
Values

42. Religious Reverence “I like to read or listen to stories from my religion. I pray.” Change over 2½ Years
Religious Non-religious Institutions Institutions
Scouts
Non-scouts

43. 2. Start with “The Big Three”
Characteristics of Programs with PYD Findings from Youth Development Literature
Create a Safe Space
2. Start with “The Big Three”
J Youth Adol (2015) 44:

44. Youth Development Programs
The “Big Three” of
Youth Development Programs 1
Positive and sustained adult-youth relationships 2
Life-skill building curriculum 3
Opportunities for youth leadership

45. 3. Follow a Structured Curriculum
“Having a structured curriculum is
critical”
“96%”
Effective Implementation
Fidelity Quality Consistency
Annals AAPSS 591 Jan 2004

46. Regular Attendance Matters Scouting and PYD
Scouts who were more active in Scouting
Scouts who were less active in Scouting
Greater activity in Scouting
predicted improvement in multiple areas
Academic success
Connection to nature
Thriftiness
Intentional
Self Regulation
The greater the exposure to Scouting,
the greater the benefit.
Helpfulness
Cheerfulness
Kindness
Trustworthiness
Hopeful Future
Expectations
Am J Comm Psychol (2016) 57:73-86

47. High Quality Program Matters Scouting and PYD
High quality programs attract more boys,
engage them more frequently,
and hold onto them longer.
Units with a high quality program
are better able to reach even
boys who are less-engaged.
More character development in more boys

48. Leadership Support is Vital
Scouting and PYD Quote from Tufts Study
“No dimension of activity involvement —intensity, duration or engagement— will be related to program goals when the structure and leadership that supports program curriculum is not readily in place.”
Am J Comm Psychol (2016) 57:73-86

49. Leadership Support is Vital
Scouting and PYD Quote from Tufts Study
“In a poorly developed program, where the links between program curriculum (i.e. Scouting curriculum) and goals (i.e. leadership direction) are not well defined and validated, even the most engaged participant is unlikely to demonstrate positive change as a result of his involvement.”
Am J Comm Psychol (2016) 57:73-86

50. Leadership Support is Vital
Scouting and PYD Key Take-Away Messages
Strong linkage between leadership and the Scouting curriculum is essential to a successful program.
Without this “even the most engaged participant is unlikely to demonstrate positive change”.
The program will likely fail the boy, and skeptical leaders will be “proven right” once again.
However, the reason the program failed is likely not that Scouting failed, but that it was poorly implemented.

51. The Final Scorecard Attribute Observed Trustworthy Trustworthiness
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent
Observed
Trustworthiness
Helpfulness
Prosocial Values
Kindness
Obedience
Cheerfulness
Thriftiness
Religious Reverence
Hopeful Future Expectations
Academic Success
Connection to nature
Individual Self Regulation

52. In a Nutshell… Activity in Scouting changes young men for the better.
The Tufts Study showed that
Activity in Scouting changes young men for the better.
Scouts are more likely to develop “Prosocial Values”.
Scouting activity sustains Religious Reverence.
Units with a quality program will reach more disengaged boys.
The greater a Scout’s engagement in the program, the greater his character development.
Scouting requires strong leadership support to become fully effective in changing boy’s lives.

53. Is Participation in Scouting Associated with Prosocial Behavior in Adulthood?
“Eagle Scouts—Merit Beyond the Badge”
Baylor University, Institute for Studies of Religion
Nationwide Telephone Survey
Average Age of Respondent—47 years
Eagle Scouts 134
Scouts (Not Eagle) 853
Non Scouts 1,502
Total 2,512

54. Comparative Likelihood of Prosocial Behaviors in Eagle Scouts as Adults

55. Back to our initial question…
How do you and those around you
see Scouting?
Some see Scouting as ineffective.
Others may see it as out-of-touch, dying,
or as having no greater value than
other youth activities.
However, to those who really know,
Scouting is a proven youth development program
that consistently delivers on its promise
to create positive change in boys.

56. Conclusion Scouting Creates Lasting Value The value of Scouting comes
not from the great things that
boys do in Scouting,
but from the great things that
Scouting does to boys.
Scouting provides a solid foundation for
boys to become men of character and honor.

57. What Really IS Scouting?
Scouting is more than just an outdoor activity program, silly songs or merit badges.
Scouting is a proven and effective program that changes boys’ lives, while sustaining Religious Reverence.
However, Scouting requires strong support from leadership to become fully effective.
It is that foundation of leader support that gives it the power to touch hearts and change lives.

58. when properly implemented, is a powerful and effective program
Scouting,
when properly implemented,
is a powerful and effective program
for changing boys’ lives.
The degree that our boys experience
that power and effectiveness
is therefore up to us—
their leaders.

59. Two Questions Ponder What can I personally do to better support
the Scouting program?
Discuss
What steps can we take
to make our Scouting program
touch the life of every boy?
www. tetonscouts.org