Evaluation of the Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America

Views about effectiveness and impact of Scouting programs

DECEMBER 2005

Evaluation of the Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America Views about the impact of Scouting programs

December 2005

Prepared by: Greg Owen, June Heineman, and Michelle Decker Gerrard

Wilder Research 1295 Bandana Boulevard North, Suite 210 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108 651-647-4600 www.wilder.org

Contents

Summary...... 1 Background...... 6 Evaluation design...... 8 Methods...... 8 Characteristics of survey participants ...... 10 Parents surveyed ...... 10 Scouts surveyed ...... 11 Volunteer Leaders surveyed ...... 12 Results...... 14 Parents views about the purpose and benefits of Scouting...... 14 In their own words: What youth like best about Scouting...... 17 Parent and Scouts’ views about the impact of Scouting...... 18 Volunteer leaders’ views about the impact of Scouting ...... 23 Suggestions for program improvements ...... 26 Parents’ suggestions...... 26 Youth suggestions...... 28 Volunteer leaders’ suggestions ...... 29 Conclusion and considerations ...... 31 Appendix...... 33 Parent telephone interviews: tables of responses...... 35 Scout (youth) telephone interviews: tables of responses ...... 43 Volunteer Leader self-administered survey: tables of responses...... 49 Parent survey: open-ended responses ...... 55 Scout survey: open-ended responses ...... 83 Leader survey: open-ended responses ...... 90

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America Wilder Research, December 2005 Figures

1. Impact of Scouting reported by parents and Scouts...... 19 2. Impact of Scouting on youth performance according to Leaders...... 24 3. Top five suggestions for program improvement according to parents ...... 26 4. Top five suggestions for program improvement according to volunteer Leaders.... 29

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America Wilder Research, December 2005 Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Voyageurs Area Council Scout Executive Loren Stach, Executive Board member, David Smith, and Ernie Stauffenecker for their support of the project. This report was funded by the Duluth/Superior Area Community Foundation and the Blandin Foundation.

In addition to the authors, many other Wilder Research staff contributed to this report including: Jacqueline Campeau Louann Graham April Lott Nicole Martin Mark Miazga Ron Mortenson Sueann Olson Brian Pittman Miguel Salazar Dan Swanson

A special thanks to the Scouts, their parents, and the many volunteer leaders of the Voyageurs Area Council for their willingness to answer our questions and make this report possible.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America Wilder Research, December 2005 Summary

In 2005, Wilder Research was contracted to conduct an evaluation of the Voyageurs Area Council of Boy Scouts. This evaluation was meant as a follow-up to a similar evaluation of services conducted in 1999. In 2005, more than 310 Scouting units and their chartered partners, together with 8,784 Scouting youth and 2,215 adult volunteers participated in Scouting in the Voyageurs Area Council. These numbers have grown since 1999 – when the previous evaluation report was published. There are 35 additional Scouting units and more than 400 additional youth participants.

This study was undertaken to measure the effectiveness, value, and impact of the Scouting programs delivered by the Voyageurs Area Council. The Executive Board of the Voyageurs Area Council wished to identify the extent to which their programs strengthened:

„ Interest in and appreciation for the outdoors

„ The ability of young people to solve problems on their own

„ The respect young people show for their families and others

„ Self control young people show when frustrated or angry or facing difficult circumstances

„ Their willingness to carry out responsibilities, set goals, and make good decisions

„ The ability of young people to see themselves as role models for other youth

„ Their ability to resolve conflicts

„ Their ability to work as team members

„ Their ability to form strong, trusting relationships with Scout leaders

In order to better understand program outcomes, Wilder Research conducted telephone surveys with 163 parents and 151 youth and compared results to similar surveys completed in 1999. In addition, 56 leaders completed a mailed survey that adds some helpful descriptive information to the study.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 1 Wilder Research, December 2005 About the survey participants

The Voyageur Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves a large volume of youth from a variety of circumstances. Information reported by a random sample of parents surveyed shows that 18 percent of youth served have a disability or individualized education plan at school.

Parents. Parents surveyed were similar in demographic characteristics to the general population in the areas served. Most are White and live in a two-parent household.

The vast majority of parents are actively involved with the Scouting. Eighty percent volunteer time and 89 percent have attended at least one Scouting function in the past year.

Scouts. The typical Scout interviewed for the survey had been involved with Scouting for approximately four years. While some Scouts had less than one year experience, others had more than ten years experience. Six in 10 of the Scouts interviewed were in elementary school.

Leaders. Fifty-six of 206 randomly selected volunteer Scout Leaders returned a self- administered mailed survey. Of these 56 leaders, three-quarters are male. Leaders ranged in age from 19 to 69 with an average age of 45.

On average, leaders had been involved in Scouting 7.6 years. Some respondents have less than one year of experience while others had as many as 40 years of experience. Three- quarters of leaders surveyed report serving Scouts from single parent families, nearly half serve youth with disabilities, and 20 percent serve youth of color.

Results: parent perspectives

Parent views: benefits of Scouting Nearly all parents surveyed feel that Scouting exposes their child to positive adult role models “almost always” or “most of the time.” Parents were asked to describe in their own words the area in which Scouting had produced the greatest impact for their child. The following were the top five categories cited by parents in 2005: 1. Opportunities to make new friends 2. Opportunities to learn new skills and have new experiences 3. Increase confidence and self esteem 4. Learn teamwork 5. Learn how to set goals

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 2 Wilder Research, December 2005 Parent views: increased skills and areas of change „ 89 percent of parents observed an increase in their child’s ability to work as a team member.

„ 67 percent of parents observed an increase in their child’s skills in three areas: willingness to carry out responsibilities, getting along with other youth, and self- esteem.

„ 66 percent of parents observed an increase in their child’s ability to get along with adults and their ability to make good decisions.

„ 65 percent of parents felt that their child was more willing to help others due to Scouting.

Between 1999 and 2005, an increased percentage of parents observed skill improvements for their children in 16 out of the 20 areas addressed by the survey. The three areas that showed the most significant change (using a statistical test that shows that the differences are unlikely to occur by chance) were:

„ Ability to get along with adults other than parents (up 12 percentage points since 1999 from 54% to 66%).

„ Use of peaceful means to resolve conflict (up 11 percentage points since 1999 from 33% to 44%).

„ Ability to work as a team member (up 9 percentage points from 1999 from 80% to 89%).

There was only one area in which parents in 2005 gave a statistically significant lower rating than parents surveyed in 1999. This was in ability to set goals (down 11 percentage points since 1999 from 55% to 46%).

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 3 Wilder Research, December 2005 Results: Youth perspectives

Overall experiences with Scouting „ 98 percent of youth feel Scouting has taught them to know when to ask for help.

„ 93 percent of youth feel they can talk to their leader about things that are important.

Youth views: increased skills and areas of change At least two thirds of youth observed increases in their own skills in the following areas:

„ Increased ability to work as a team member (79%)

„ Increased willingness to help others (76%)

„ Increased appreciation for outdoor activities (75%)

„ Increased willingness to carry out responsibilities (74%)

„ Increased ability to get along with other youth (71%)

„ Increased ability to get along with adults other than parents (70%)

„ Increased ability to make good decisions (67%)

Between 1999 and 2005, an increased percentage of youth observed skill improvements in 13 out of the 20 areas. Two areas showed significant change over time (using a statistical test that shows that the differences are unlikely to occur by chance). Both changes were in a positive direction and included:

„ Increased appreciation for outdoor activities (up 18 percentage points since 1999 from 57% to 75%).

„ Increased self-control when frustrated or angry (up 9 percentage points since 1999 from 47% to 56%).

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 4 Wilder Research, December 2005 Results: Leader perspectives

The vast majority of leaders surveyed report increased skills for their Scouting troop in all areas. The highest ratings were given to increases in youth willingness to help others, youth ability to carry out responsibilities, youth skills in dealing constructively with adults, youth’s ability to feel good about themselves, and youth self-control when frustrated or angry (more than 95% of leaders saw increases in these areas).

Leader responses to these items have not changed much since 1999. There was one major exception: involvement in leadership activities (up 13 percentage points since 1999 from 79% to 92% of leaders seeing an increase in youth skills). This was a statistically significant increase from 1999.

Conclusions

Overall, this study shows that parents and Scouts see the Scouting programs offered by the Voyageurs Area Council as positive and effective in helping youth to carry out responsibilities, solve problems, build confidence and self-respect, set goals, and work as a team member. Generally, parents and youth saw marked improvements in youth development in many areas due to the Scouting experience. In most areas, these improvements were greater than those noticed by parents and youth in 1999 when the first evaluation was conducted.

In addition, Scout Leaders expressed their sense of achievement from watching youth grow and recognize their accomplishments. When asked, parents, youth, and leaders gave helpful suggestions for improving their Scouting experience. These commonly included: strengthening parent involvement, more guidance and support from the Council, and conducting outreach to include more youth.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 5 Wilder Research, December 2005 Background

In 2005, more than 310 Scouting units and their chartered partners, together with 8,784 Scouting youth and 2,215 adult volunteers participated in Scouting in the Voyageurs Area Council. These numbers have grown in recent years. There were 275 Scouting units and 8,350 Scouting youth in 1999 – when the previous evaluation report was published.

The mission of the Voyageurs Area Council is to make available to all youth the opportunity to participate in a program of character building, citizenship training, leadership development and physical fitness training. In addition the Council seeks to instill values in young people, prepare them to make ethical choices over their life time and help youth to achieve their full potential. The values central to the activities of the Council are based on those found in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. The Scout Oath: On my honor, I will do my best to do duty to God and my Country, and to obey the Scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

The Scout Law: A Scout is: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

The Voyageurs Area Council was formed in 1994 by the merger of the Boy Scout Council in Hibbing and the Boy Scout Council in Duluth Minnesota. The map on the following page shows the entire service area of the Voyageurs Area Council and includes Northern Minnesota as well as northern parts of Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan.

The Voyageurs Area Council provides training, camping facilities and information, Scout registration, professional staff support, insurance coverage, and scholarships to youth in need. In addition, the Council offers services to the leaders of Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Explorer Posts, and their Chartered Partners. The Council serves both young men and women in their Learning for Life program.

In 2004, 2,918 rank advancements were issued for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts including 74 Eagle Scout awards. The 2004 operating budget for the Voyageurs Area Council was $900,000 and approximately 7 percent of that funding was provided by United Way agencies within their service areas.

In 2005, the Voyageurs Area Council contracted with the Wilder Research to conduct a second outcome-based evaluation study of the Scouting programs delivered within the three states and 18 counties served by the Voyageurs Area Council. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Voyageurs Area Council’s Scouting programs on its youth members, parents and Scouting Leaders, and compare recent results to those obtained in a similar study conducted in 1999.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 6 Wilder Research, December 2005 Map of Voyageurs Area Council

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 7 Wilder Research, December 2005 Evaluation design

This study was undertaken to measure the effectiveness, value, and impact of the Scouting programs delivered by the Voyageurs Area Council. The Executive Board of the Voyageurs Area Council wished to identify the extent to which their programs strengthened:

„ Interest in and appreciation for the outdoors

„ The ability of young people to solve problems on their own

„ The respect young people show for their families and others

„ Self control young people show when frustrated or angry or facing difficult circumstances

„ Their willingness to carry out responsibilities, set goals, and make good decisions

„ The ability of young people to see themselves as role models for other youth

„ Their ability to resolve conflicts

„ Their ability to work as team members

„ Their ability to form strong, trusting relationships with Scout leaders

The Council wished to examine each of these areas based not only on responses from Scouts, but also on responses provided by their parents and leaders.

Methods This report describes the results of two telephone surveys with parents and youth and compares results to similar surveys completed in 1999. In addition, some leaders completed a mailed survey that adds some helpful descriptive information to the study.

Parent survey Wilder Research conducted a telephone survey of 176 parents of randomly selected Scouts served by the Council in 2004. The surveys were conducted during May and June 2005. Interviews were completed with 163 of 176 respondents for a response rate of 93 percent.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 8 Wilder Research, December 2005 Youth survey At the time of the telephone interview with parents, parents were asked if they would give permission for their child to be interviewed over the phone. All but 7 of the 163 parents agreed to allow their child to participate in the youth interview. Telephone interviews were completed with 151 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers, and Ventures. The response rate was 93 percent – based on the original sample of 163 eligible cases.

Leader survey The Voyageur Council sent mailed surveys to 206 randomly selected volunteer leaders. Of these, 56 leaders returned a self-administered questionnaire for a response rate of 27 percent.

Because of the low response rate, the characteristics of respondents were compared to the characteristics of the entire sample of 206 randomly selected volunteer leaders. The comparison showed that survey respondents are slightly older (average age 45 versus 42.4) and slightly more likely to represent more senior and experienced leaders. Results should be interpreted with these differences in mind.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 9 Wilder Research, December 2005 Characteristics of survey participants

Parents surveyed

Of the 163 parents who participated in the telephone survey, most were White and live in a two-parent household.

„ 94 percent of parents are White or Caucasian. This is similar to the demographics of this part of the region – 95 percent of residents of St. Louis County are White (2000 U.S. Census).

„ 2 percent are American Indian. This is the same as represented in St. Louis County Census figures (2000 U.S. Census).

„ 2 percent are of mixed racial backgrounds. Again, this is similar to the 1 percent in St. Louis County Census (2000 U.S. Census).

„ 1 percent are Asian (same as Census for St. Louis County).

„ 1 percent are Hispanic.

„ 86 percent live in a two parent families and 14 percent live in single parent families.

In the last year, 10 families (6%) have moved at least once. One family surveyed (1%) had been without permanent or stable housing. This information was not collected in the 1999 survey.

With regard to their children who participate in Scouting:

„ 4 percent of parents report that their child has a physical disability

„ 16 percent say that their child has an Individual Education Plan (compared to 10 percent of youth in the Duluth public schools overall)

„ 91 percent of parents report that their children receives mostly A’s (51%) or mostly B’s (40%) in school

„ 99 percent of parents report their children attend school on a regular basis, that is missing 20 days or less during the school year. This information was not collected in the 1999 survey

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 10 Wilder Research, December 2005 Parents report that during the school year, their child attended all Scouting activities (38% in 2005, 43% in 1999) or most Scouting activities (51% in 2005, 47% in 1999). Most families have little (32%) or no (53%) difficulty paying for Scouting expenses (not asked in 1999). However, 15 percent report difficulty paying for Scouting expenses.

Parents involvement with Scouting The vast majority of parents are actively involved with the Scouting program. Eighty percent of parents surveyed report that they have volunteered time for Scouting during the past year. Eighty-nine percent report that they have attended a Scouting function during the past year (the same as in 1999). Ninety-three percent have spoken with their child’s Scout leader at least once during the past year (the same as in 1999).

Of the parents who assisted in Scouting activities:

„ 21 percent participated in campouts.

„ 18 percent participated in outdoor activities.

„ 15 percent participated in the Pinewood Derby or Regatta.

„ 10 percent participated in community service (up from 5% in 1999).

„ Other areas in which parents have participated include meetings (8% in 2005, 25% in 1999), banquets (7%), fundraisers (6% in 2005, 11% in 1999), fieldtrips (5% in 2005, 20% in 1999), the Scout Expo (4%), arts and crafts (4% in 2005, 12% in 1999), badge work (3% in both 2005 and 1999), educational activities (3%), and competitions (2%).

Scouts surveyed

Of the 151 Scouts who participated in the telephone survey, 49 percent were Cub Scouts and 51 percent were Boy Scouts, Ventures, or Explorers (in 1999, 60% were Cub Scouts and 40% were Boy Scouts). This reflects the approximate distribution of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Ventures, and Explorers within the overall Council. The following are characteristics of the youth surveyed:

„ 93 percent of the Scouts interviewed are boys and 7 percent are girls (in 1999, 100% were boys).

„ 59 percent are in grades one through six, 19 percent in grades seven through nine, and 2 percent are in grades 10 through 12 (not comparable to 1999).

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 11 Wilder Research, December 2005 The typical Scout interviewed for the survey had been involved with Scouting for approximately four years (the same average length of time involved as 1999). Some Scouts had less than one year experience and others over 10 years experience.

In terms of overall experiences with Scouting:

„ 79 percent of Scouts report that they like their leader “a lot” (89% in 1999).

„ 98 percent feel Scouting has taught them to know when to ask for help (not asked in 1999).

„ 93 percent feel they can talk to their leader about things that are important (same as in 1999).

„ 99 percent feel they can ask for help if they need it (97% in 1999).

When Cub Scouts were asked about the Cub Scout Oath, 70 percent said they knew it and 67 percent of these Scouts could recite all or most of it. When Scouts were asked about the Boy Scout Oath, 90 percent said they knew it and 84 percent of these Scouts could recite all or most of it. (In 1999, these questions were asked in a different format.)

Volunteer Leaders surveyed

Fifty-six volunteer Scout Leaders returned a self-administered mailed survey. Compared to the total sample of 206 randomly selected leaders, those who returned the survey are slightly older (45 versus 42.4) and slightly over representative of the more senior leadership positions (Scout and Cub Masters).

Of the 56 volunteer Scout Leaders who returned the self-administered mailed survey:

„ 75 percent are male and 25 percent are female.

„ 98 percent are Caucasian and 2 percent are Hispanic (in 1999, 98% Caucasian, 1% Hispanic, and 1% multi-racial).

„ Leaders ranged in age from 19 to 69 with an average age of 45.

„ 38 percent were Assistant Scout Leaders.

„ 18 percent were Scout Masters.

„ 17 percent were Cub Masters.

„ 7 percent were Den Leaders.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 12 Wilder Research, December 2005 „ 5 percent were Assistant Den Leaders and 5 percent were Explorer Advisors.

„ 2 percent (1 each) were Assistant Cub Masters, advisory committee members, and District Finance Chair. Two people had multiple roles as leaders for more than one age group.

On average, leaders had been involved in Scouting 7.6 years and had been in their current position 4.1 years. Some respondents have less than one year of experience while others had as many as 40 years of experience.

„ 75 percent of leaders surveyed report serving Scouts from single parent families.

„ 47 percent serve youth with disabilities.

„ 20 percent serve youth of color.

„ Scout Leaders rate the training events as “good” (23%), “very good” (52%), and “outstanding” (16%).

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 13 Wilder Research, December 2005 Results Parents views about the purpose and benefits of Scouting

Purpose of Scouting from the parents’ perspectives Parents were asked to define the main purpose of Scouting. These responses, given in their own words, were categorized by Wilder researchers. According to parents, the purposes of Scouting include: learning values and life skills, socializing with others, and learning new things and having new experiences. Parents feel that Scouting also provides opportunities to learn survival skills, learn about community involvement, work as a team, increase self-esteem, and provides opportunities to have positive adult role models.

The following are selected parent responses about what they think the purpose of Scouting is, in their own words:

It gives kids a good place to learn good values, good character, and fun activities.

For boys to get together and have fun and stay out of trouble.

Teaches him about the outdoors and to be a decent person.

It helps to develop leadership skills.

The teaching of independence and critical thinking, a sense of obligation, and teamwork.

To learn discipline and honor, and to work with others.

Prepare these boys for the future. Teach them moral values. Have fun in a structured environment with other boys, and teaching leadership skills.

Character building and morals; it is something they don’t get anywhere else.

I would say to build self-esteem and leadership skills. self awareness, and self sufficiency.

A social kind of thing – being around men. Since I’m a single mom, it is good for him. Also the outdoors is a good experience for him.

To create individualism in themselves and to gain competence. And knowledge of camping, snow shoeing, and other good stuff. Physical and mental exercise.

Gives boys an alternative to getting into trouble.

Scouting teaches them a sense of community and country. It helps them meet other boys and do and learn things together.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 14 Wilder Research, December 2005 Benefits of Scouting from the parents’ perspectives Nearly all parents surveyed feel that Scouting exposes their child to positive adult role models “almost always” or “most of the time” (97% in 2005 and 100% in 1999). Parents were asked an open-ended question in order to collect their views about the one greatest areas of impact of Scouting for their child – in their own words. Responses from 1999 and 2005 were categorized. The following were the top ranked categories in 2005, in order by the percentage of parents who gave this type of response:

1. Opportunities to make new friends (23% in 2005, 25% in 1999).

2. Opportunities to learn new things/skills/experiences (15% in 2005, 13% in 1999).

3. Increased confidence/self esteem (14% in 2005, 23% in 1999).

4. Learn teamwork (11% in 2005, 5% in 1999).

5. Learn how to set goals (9% in 2005, 30% in 1999).

6. Learn values/life skills (6% in 2005, 13% in 1999).

7. Father and son interaction (4%, not mentioned in 1999) and learning outdoor/survival skills (4%, 13% in 1999).

8. Exposure to positive adult role models (3%, not mentioned in 1999), learning leadership skills (3% in 2005, 3% in 1999), and looking at and learning a profession (3% in 2005, 3% in 1999).

9. Learn community involvement (2% in 2005, 8% in 1999) and opportunities for volunteering (2% in 2005, not mentioned in 1999).

The following are selected responses about parents’ views of the greatest area of impact for their child:

Working together with other kids towards a common goal that is not necessarily his own personal goal.

Positive role models. He gets along great with the adults and likes the adults.

His confidence level, he is more willing to do things on his own. Now, going away on a Scout outing, away from us, for four days is a “no brainer,” whereas before he wouldn’t have felt comfortable with that.

Made more friends.

Teamwork element to achieve goals. Working with others to complete goals. His Eagle Scout project is one example.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 15 Wilder Research, December 2005 Understanding what morals are. What’s required of him to be a good citizen.

Being in a stable environment where adult guidance has been consistent.

The opportunity to spend time with his peers and with his father.

Learning responsibility with excellent role models, he’s more positive now and does not give up easily now.

Learning how to interact and do things with other kids outside of school.

Make more friends – meet others in his class and older.

I think being around other people – learning to get along in a group.

Appreciation of the outdoors.

I’ve noticed that he cares for other people’s feeling and how his actions affect them.

Exposure to a variety of activities that we would not normally do as a family.

That he chose his career as a result of what started in Scouting – journalism.

His eagerness to get out there and help other people has increased.

I would say it’s helped him blossom, more outgoing, communication. He’s more a “keep to himself” kind of guy, so it’s helped him a lot.

In addition, parents were asked about their child’s response to Scouting.

„ 52 percent felt their child’s response has been “very favorable” (78% in 1999).

„ 41 percent felt that their child’s response has been “favorable” (20% in 1999).

„ 6 percent of parents (2% in 1999) felt that their child’s response to Scouting has been neutral.

„ 2 percent of parents report that their child’s response to Scouting has been unfavorable.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 16 Wilder Research, December 2005 In their own words: What youth like best about Scouting

Scouts were asked an open-ended question about what they thought was the one best part of Scouting. Their responses were categorized and compared with 1999 responses. In their view, the best part of Scouting includes camping (27%), being with friends or socializing (11% in 2005, 9% in 1999), and outdoor activities (11% in 2005, 48% in 1999).

In addition, some Scouts appreciated best activities and events (9% in 2005, 43% in 1999), arts and crafts (9%), learning and educational activities (8% in 2005, 3% in 1999), Pinewood Derby (7%), playing games (5%), working with others (5%). A few Scouts also mentioned archery (2%), fishing (2%), helping people (1%), learning values (1%), getting badges (1% in 2005, 3% in 1999), and learning what police do (1%).

The following are selected responses to what youth like best about Scouting:

Going on camp outs and being with my friends.

My leader – because he is a really nice guy and we get along.

The learning I get from merit badges.

Camping – going on canoe trips, fishing, and just hanging with the guys.

The activities, canoeing, bike riding, and other outdoor activities.

I like the fact that the program teaches you and helps you learn about certain topics and develops a respectful and knowledgeable person.

The people who are in it. They are almost like family.

Understanding a lot of stuff – nature, people, and things around you.

Racing Pinewood Derby cars.

I like it when we go outside and find frogs.

Doing all the different day camps and trips.

Camping. I get to go fishing.

At school I try to look my best and I think Scouting has helped me that way – presentable and look good on my resume.

I like working with people and being in leadership positions. I guess all the leadership I have learned.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 17 Wilder Research, December 2005 Meeting new people. I am the only one from my town in that group. I am a friendly outgoing person and talkative.

I like doing outdoor things with a group. Before I had to do outdoor activities by myself now I can do it with my Scouting group.

Camping. I fell in love with the outdoors. It’s so peaceful.

Just the fact that boys get together to learn new things.

It is a chance for me to get out of the house rather than just sitting around watching TV. It is a chance to do things with other kids that I enjoy being with.

Parent and Scouts’ views about the impact of Scouting

Parents and Scouts were asked a series of questions regarding the Scout’s experience and the impact of those Scouting experiences. For each item, they were asked whether or not the Scout’s interest and/or skills had increased, decreased, or stayed about the same since their involvement in Scouting. The next table compares the percent of parents and Scouts who report an increase in their child’s interest or skills in various areas, and compares the most recent survey with the 1999 study. These areas are ranked from the Scouts’ perspective from highest are of impact to lowest.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 18 Wilder Research, December 2005 1. Impact of Scouting reported by parents and Scouts

Percent of parents reporting an Percent of Scouts increase in Scout’s reporting an interest and/or increased interest skills and/or skills 1999 2005 1999 2005 Study Study Study Study Area of impact (N=232) (N=163) (N=227) (N=151) Ability to work as a team member 80% 89%* 78% 79% Willingness to help others 67% 65% 77% 76% Interest in and appreciation for outdoor activities 47% 52% 57% 75%*** Willingness to carry out responsibilities 59% 67% 67% 74% Skills in getting along with other youth 60% 67% 64% 71% Ability to get along with adults other than parents 54% 66%* 67% 70% Ability to make good decisions 60% 66% 72% 67% Knowing right from wrong 53% 58% 66% 66% Ability to solve problems on own 52% 64%* 62% 65% Ability to set goals 55% 46%** 60% 64% Respect for family members 37% 42% 60% 64% Ability to see self as role model for younger youth 52% 58% 64% 60% Understanding of the consequences of behavior 53% 56% 60% 59% Feelings of self-esteem 65% 67% 61% 58% Showing self-control when frustrated or angry 35% 42% 47% 56%*** Use of peaceful means to resolve conflict 33% 44%* 53% 54% Interest in extracurricular activities outside of Scouting 36% 38% 44% 53% Involvement in leadership activities 47% 44% 48% 50% Enthusiasm for school 33% 29% 41% 48% Ability in getting along at home 29% 36% 45% 48% Note. Items with an * were youth improvements that showed a statistically significant increase from 1999 to 2005 as rated by parents (p<.05). This means that the increase is more than what can be attributed to chance. ** represents one area of statistically significant decrease ratings by parents from 1999 to 2005 (p<.05). This means that the decrease is more than can be attributed to chance. Items with an *** were youth improvements that showed a statistically significant increase from 1999 to 2005 as rated by youth (p<.05). This means that the increase is more than what can be attributed to chance.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 19 Wilder Research, December 2005 Parent views: increased skills and areas of change The table above shows that parents observed many increases in their child’s skills due to their child’s involvement in Scouting.

„ 89 percent of parents observed an increase in their child’s ability to work as a team member.

„ 67 percent of parents observed an increase in their skills in three areas: willingness to carry out responsibilities, getting along with other youth, and self-esteem.

„ 66 percent of parents observed an increase in their child’s ability to get along with adults and ability to make good decisions.

„ 65 percent of parents felt that their child was more willing to help others due to Scouting.

Significant increases in parent scores between 1999 and 2005

In 16 out of the 20 areas, an increased percentage of parents observed skill improvements for their children. This was particularly true for three major areas. In these areas, there was a statistically significant change from 1999 to 2005 in positive parent responses. The areas that showed the most significant change (using a statistical test that shows that the differences are unlikely to occur by to chance) were:

„ Ability to get along with adults other than parents (up 12 percentage points since 1999 from 54% to 66%).

„ Use of peaceful means to resolve conflict (up 11 percentage points since 1999 from 33% to 44%).

„ Ability to work as a team member (up 9 percentage points from 1999 from 80% to 89%).

Other positive trends between 1999 and 2005

In addition to these statistically significant increases in parent ratings between 1999 and 2005, there were several areas that showed a positive trend of increases in percentage of parents answering affirmatively. These changes show a positive trend, but are not more than can be attributed to chance. They include:

„ Increased ability to solve problems on his/her own up 12 percentage points from 1999 (from 52% to 64%).

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 20 Wilder Research, December 2005 „ Increased ability to work as a team member Increase in willingness to carry out responsibilities up 8 percentage points since 1999 (from 59% to 67%).

„ Increased ability to showing self-control when frustrated or angry up 7 percentage points from 1999 (from 35% to 42%).

„ Increased ability to get along with other youth up 7 percentage points since 1999 (from 60% to 67%).

„ Increased ability to get along at home up 7 percentage points since 1999 (from 29% to 36%).

„ Increased ability to make good decisions up 6 percentage points since 1999 (from 60% to 66%).

„ Increased ability to see him/her self as a role model for younger youth up 6 percentage points since 1999 (from 52% to 58%).

„ Knowing right and wrong up 5 percentage points since 1999 (from 53% to 58%).

„ Increased respect for family members up 5 percentage points since 1999 (from 37% to 42%).

„ Interest in and appreciation for outdoor activities up 5 percentage points since 1999 (from 47% to 52%).

Significant decreases in parent scores between 1999 and 2005

There was only one area in which parents in 2005 gave a statistically significant lower rating than parents surveyed in 1999. This area was:

„ Ability to set goals (down 11 percentage points since 1999 from 55% to 46%).

Differences between youth and parents’ views of increased skill areas Scouts appear much more likely than their parents (a difference of 20% or greater) to feel that Scouting has helped them to increase their interest in and appreciation for the outdoors (75% of Scouts versus 52% of parents) and respect for other family members (64% of Scouts versus 42% of parents).

More Scouts than parents said they have increased enthusiasm for school (48% of Scouts versus 29% of parents), increased their ability in setting goals (64% of Scouts versus 46% of parents), increased skills in extracurricular activities outside of Scouting (53% of Scouts versus 38% of parents), increased self control when frustrated or angry (56%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 21 Wilder Research, December 2005 versus 42%), better at getting along at home (48% versus 36%), and increased skills in using peaceful means to resolve conflicts (54% versus 44%).

More parents than Scouts felt that Scouts have an increased ability to work as a team member (89% of parents versus 79% of youth) and feelings of self-esteem (67% of parents versus 58% of youth).

Youth views about increased skills due to Scouting The majority of youth observed increases in their skills in every Scouting goal area evaluated except two areas. Just under half of the youth surveyed observed increased enthusiasm for school and increased ability to get along at home due to Scouting.

At least two thirds of youth observed increases in skills in the following areas:

1. Increased ability to work as a team member (79%)

2. Increased willingness to help others (76%)

3. Increased appreciation for outdoor activities (75%)

4. Increased willingness to carry out responsibilities (74%)

5. Increased ability to get along with other youth (71%)

6. Increased ability to get along with adults other than parents (70%)

7. Increased ability to make good decisions (67%)

Areas of change between 1999 and 2005 responses from youth

Significant increases in youth scores between 1999 and 2005

In 13 out of the 20 areas, an increased percentage of youth observed skill improvements. This was particularly true for two major areas. In these areas, there was a statistically significant change from 1999 to 2005 in positive youth responses. The areas that showed the most significant change (using a statistical test that shows that the differences are unlikely to occur by to chance) were:

„ Increased appreciation for outdoor activities (up 18 percentage points since 1999 from 57% to 75%).

„ Increased self-control when frustrated or angry (up 9 percentage points since 1999 from 47% to 56%).

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 22 Wilder Research, December 2005 Other positive trends between 1999 and 2005

In addition to these statistically significant increases in youth ratings between 1999 and 2005, there were several areas that showed a positive trend of increases in percentage of youth answering affirmatively. These changes show a positive trend, but are not more than can be attributed to chance. They include:

„ Increased interest in other extra curricular activities up 9 percentage points since 1999 (from 44% to 53%).

„ Increased enthusiasm for school up 7 percentage points since 1999 (from 41% to 48%).

„ Increased ability to get along with other youth up 7 percentage points since 1999 (from 64% to 71%).

„ Increased willingness to carry out responsibilities up 7 percentage points since 1999 (from 67% to 74%).

There were no areas in which youth gave statistically significant lower ratings from 1999 to 2005 (a decrease that can not be attributed to chance. All other areas had similar percentages of youth responding that they had increased their skills in those areas between the 1999 and 2005 time periods.

Volunteer leaders’ views about the impact of Scouting

Twelve of the 20 questions asked of parents and Scouts regarding the impact of Scouting were also asked of leaders. However, the question was formatted in a different way and asked leaders to indicate the extent of their agreement with statements that would apply to “most of the youth in their Scouting unit.” Because of this, the responses are not directly comparable. As the table below shows, the vast majority of leaders saw increased skills for their Scouting troop in all areas with the highest ratings given to increases in youth willingness to help others, youth ability to carry out responsibilities, youth skills in dealing constructively with adults, youth’s ability to feel good about themselves, and self-control when frustrated or angry (more than 95% of leaders saw increases in these areas).

The table also shows that leader responses to these items have not changed much over time. A similar percentage of leaders gave an affirmative response in 2005 as in 1999.

There was one major exception: involvement in leadership activities (up 13 percentage points since 1999 from 79% to 92% of leaders seeing an increase in youth skills). This was a statistically significant increase from 1999.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 23 Wilder Research, December 2005 No other changes in leader responses between 1999 and 2005 were statistically significant in this survey. It should be noted that only 56 leaders returned a survey, compared to 125 in 1999. So, it is not known what changes would have been noticeable if more leaders would have responded to the questionnaire.

2. Impact of Scouting on youth performance according to Leaders

Percent of Scout leaders responding strongly agree or agree 2005 During the past year, most of the youth in my Scouting unit 1999 Study Study have shown an increase in their: (N=125) (N=56) Willingness to help others 93% 98% Ability to carry out responsibilities 91% 96% Skills in dealing constructively with adults 95% 96% Ability to feel good about themselves 96% 96% Self-control when frustrated or angry 96% 96% Ability to work as a team member 98% 94% Ability to see and understand consequences of their behavior 95% 94% Decision-making skills 95% 94% Use of peaceful means to resolve conflicts 96% 93% Involvement in leadership activities 79% 92%* Problem solving skills 92% 92% Ability to set specific and concrete goals 79% 88% * Leader ratings of youth showing an increase in their involvement in leadership activities show a statistically significant increase from 1999 to 2005 (p <.05), This means that the increase is more than what can be attributed to chance.

In addition, Scout Leaders were asked what they liked best about being a Scouting volunteer. Leaders gave a variety of response. Many (40%) reported they liked watching youth learn new things (up from 20% in 1999), watching youth grow up (25% in 2005, 31% in 1999), organizing events (23%), watching youth lean responsibility and leadership (15%), helping youth learn respect for the outdoors (12% in 2005, 6% in 1999), and watching youth have a good time (10%).

A few leaders also mentioned that they most enjoyed watching youth gain self- confidence (4%), being a positive role model (4% in 2005, 5% in 1999), and watching youth take pride in their accomplishments (2% in 2005, 12% in 1999).

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 24 Wilder Research, December 2005 The following are some selected responses from leaders about what they like best about Scouting:

The development of young men and the program allows “natural” activities to be used while developing strong character.

Enjoy working with youth and watching them learn and develop new skills.

Friendships made with other adults. Camping with the boys. Watching the boys grow and mature and learn new skills.

It has been a tremendous experience. I truly loved working with our local youth in developing personal skills. The joy came from the look on their faces as you could see their self sense of discovery.

Watching the boys grow mentally and physically. Watching them challenge themselves to take on responsibility and leadership roles.

Seeing the kids have fun in a safe environment with other kids. Being able to help the boys learn and see new things that wouldn’t have been able to do without joining Scouting.

Satisfaction of keeping teenagers on the right track.

I learn from each boy.

To interact with the boys and most of all to teach them respect for our great national treasure – the great outdoors.

Working with the kids. Helping them improve their skills and self esteem.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 25 Wilder Research, December 2005 Suggestions for program improvements Parents’ suggestions

Parents were asked to give suggestions for ways in which Scouting can be improved. About four of five parents gave feedback and suggestions. Their suggestions were categorized and compared with responses given by parents surveyed in 1999. The following are some suggestions given by parents. Note that some suggestions are given by a very small percentage of parents, but may be useful in program planning and brainstorming.

3. Top five suggestions for program improvement according to parents

Percent of parents Most frequent themes of suggestions in open-ended responses 1999 study 2005 study (given in parents’ own words) (N=232) (N=163) Strengthen parent involvement 17% 13% More instruction and support from the Council 4% 13% Recruit more youth 7% 9% More structure and organization 9% 6% More camping Not 5% mentioned Note. Parents were asked an open-ended question. Responses were categorized. Percentages of parents who responded in these categories are mentioned above.

The following is a sampling of parents’ responses in their own words:

I wish the younger Scouts had a more clear understanding of the badges and why they’re doing them and where it will lead them.

More parents involved. Communication, parents drop kids off, but you never see the parents. More help from parents.

Better communication with the Voyageurs. There is not a full-time professional district executive. Better administration and communication.

I guess, the other kids and some leaders swear a lot, we have brought this up to the troop.

I would change the amount of advertising it has. It is a positive program, and not that many boys seem to know about it. I would get the word out more, so more kids know about it and about its positive benefits.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 26 Wilder Research, December 2005 Get all the parents involved more, because I can see that the kids who drop out do so because their parents are not involved.

I would change their approach towards homosexuals. They should not have a national policy excluding homosexuals.

If they have the funding – have top leaders go the different troops in the area – give suggestions and help.

Training for the leaders.

More activities for little kids, council-wide, more camping experiences. Shouldn’t have the event where you have to have a dad to go, that’s unfair.

It’s getting too expensive. Every time I turn around I’m being hit for money. At the banquet or field trip we pay, at the annual sign up we pay, the uniforms and books are too expensive, monthly dues. The Voyageurs Council is at the banquet that I paid for asking for money!

I can’t think of anything. I’m very satisfied.

Parent involvement, parents treated leader as a babysitter – this is for parents to do with their kids. The parents quit Scouting, not the kids.

I would bring camping to the Cub Scouts and update the program to the 21st century, and not use equipment from the 1950’s. I used the same stuff when I was 10 years old.

Severely disorganized – meetings don’t start on time, etc.

I would take out the religious aspect of the program.

The organization between the Council and the Pack. It seems that one hand does not know what he other does.

More opportunities for fathers to participate. Because of work and long hours the dads can’t participate as much.

I would like to see the adult volunteers get more recognition. I feel that watching the volunteers put a lot of time into Scouting and not get recognition, even from the parents of the Scouts.

I would probably have more outdoor camping activities.

I would allow girls in because the rest of the world does.

I would like to see them do more activities during the summer.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 27 Wilder Research, December 2005 Youth suggestions

Youth were asked to give suggestions for ways in which Scouting can be improved. Most youth had no suggestions (37% in 2005, 51% in 1999). The suggestions were categorized and compared with responses given by parents surveyed in 1999. For those who did make suggestions, few items stood apart from all others. Only two suggestions were given by greater than five percent of youth. They were:

„ Better organization or structure (6% in 2005, 1% in 1999)

„ More or better activities (6% in 2005, 11% in 1999)

Responses given by a small percentage of youth include:

„ Better behavior of some kids (4% in 2005, not mentioned in 1999)

„ More camping trips (4% in 2005, not mentioned in 1999)

„ Shorter or fewer meetings (3% in 2005, not mentioned in 1999)

„ To not have to play games if you don’t want to (3% in 2005, not mentioned in 1999)

The following are a selection of suggestions made by Scouts:

Better equipment because in order to do an activity we need the proper equipment and sometimes it’s not available. The leadership is there.

This one kid is really mean to me I wish he would be nice because I have never done anything to him.

Some of the camps we go on for the younger kids . . . if the young Scouts get homesick the camps can be emotionally distant – for young Scouts from their families.

I think that kids should get their parents involved in the activities, like camping, and the meetings.

Well the amount of camping camps. Me and all the other kids want to go more often.

I would do more art projects – not just using the book and talking about things.

I like everything so I wouldn’t change anything.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 28 Wilder Research, December 2005 Definitely improve communication to us about things that are going on or will be coming up. Sometimes you don’t get notices of things until too late so you cannot plan for things or participate. For example, you might not hear about a campout that is planned for the Council or District until it is too late to plan and participate.

Training for adults. Training in general. It is all classroom training and that’s a stupid way to train somebody for this. The training should be hands-on training and interactive.

In my troop the Scouts should be more active or take part in planning and organizing the trips instead of the parents telling us what, where, and when we’re going to have an activity.

Volunteer leaders’ suggestions

Scouting leaders were also asked whether or not they had any suggestions for improving the Voyageurs Area Council Scouting Program. Again, their responses were categorized and ranked below.

4. Top five suggestions for program improvement according to volunteer Leaders

Percent of parents Most frequent themes of suggestions in open-ended responses 1999 study 2005 study (given in Leaders’ own words) (N=125) (N=56) More Council involvement at local level 13% 14% More parental involvement at local level 10% 7% Provide more training 6% 4% More Council help in getting parental involvement Not 4% mentioned More support from police chief and command staff Not 4% mentioned Note. Leaders were asked an open-ended question. Responses were categorized. Percentages of leaders who responded in these categories are mentioned above.

The following are suggestions made by selected leaders, in their own words.

More support from the Council to the units. I don’t hear from the council unless they have an issue to deal with.

Increase adult awareness of the importance of training.

You guys (and gals) are doing a great job. Keep it up.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 29 Wilder Research, December 2005 What I would want to change would be at the national level. Policy on Homosexuals, women, i.e.,: Just let them all in. I would also like to see the outdated and uncomfortable uniforms changed along with some of the other outdated things in Scouts, at the same time bringing Scouting back to its roots.

I feel that North Border District is ignored. I don’t see real council involvement or directions

More camping places and I would like to have more training activities closer to all units not just up north zone in Pine County.

Call on new leaders more to see if they need assistance.

Scouting is for the boys plain and simple. All fund raisers should go 100% to the boys. Scouting will be a dying breed if things don’t change.

There are plenty of program activities throughout the year. Camporees, Webelos camp, merit badge camp, summer camp, through adventure outings, etc. Sometimes it almost seemed too much for the troop to prepare for some or all of these activities leaving too little time for only troop sponsored activities.

Communication between the Council and our Pack. We need more help and within our pack.

I feel that no improvement is needed.

To find a better way to get parents involved.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 30 Wilder Research, December 2005 Conclusion and considerations

This study was conducted to examine the extent to which the Scouting programs offered by the Voyageurs Area Council have strengthened youths’ interest and appreciation for the outdoors, their ability to solve problem on their own, respect for their families and others, ability to show self-control when frustrated or angry, willingness to carry out responsibilities, set goals, and make good decisions, and ability to see themselves as role models, resolve conflicts, work as a team member, and form strong relationships with Scout Leaders.

In 2005, 88 percent or more of Scout Leaders felt that most of the youth in their Scouting unit had increased their interest or skills in all of the areas mentioned above. While there was little change between improvements in youth observed by Leaders in 1999, there was one exception.

„ There was an increased percentage of leaders who felt that youth were more involved in leadership activities due to Scouting (from 79% of leaders in 1999 to 92% in 2005). This increase in leadership activities was statistically significant. This means that the increase is more than what can be attributed to chance.

In 2005, 79 percent of Scouts reported that they liked their Scout Leader “a lot,” 93 percent can talk to their leader about things that are important to them, 98 percent feel that Scouting has helped them know when to ask for help, and 99 percent feel they can ask for help if they need it. This indicates that the Voyageurs Area Council was able to reach their goal of helping youth form strong relationships with Scout Leaders.

In 2005, Scouts were much more likely (a difference of 20% or more) than parents to feel that Scouting has helped them increase their interest in and appreciation for outdoor activities and respect other family members. In comparing Scouts’ scores related to increased skills due to Scouting between 1999 and 2005, two areas showed a significant change (using a statistical test that shows that the increases between 1999 and 2005 are unlikely to occur by to chance). These were:

„ Increased appreciation for outdoor activities (up 18 percentage points since 1999 from 57% to 75%).

„ Increased self-control when frustrated or angry (up 9 percentage points since 1999 from 47% to 56%.)

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 31 Wilder Research, December 2005 In 2005, parents rated most items about the same or slightly higher than in 1999. The areas that showed the most statistically significant change were:

„ Ability to get along with adults other than parents (up 12 percentage points since 1999 from 54% to 66%).

„ Use of peaceful means to resolve conflict (up 11 percentage points since 1999 from 33% to 44%).

„ Ability to work as a team member (up 9 percentage points from 1999 from 80% to 89%).

The one exception was the parents’ perceptions of their children’s ability to set goals, which decreased from 55 percent in 1999 to 46 percent in 2005 (a statistically significant decrease). Almost all (97%) parents report that Scouting exposes their children to positive role models, and 93 percent report their child’s response to Scouting had been favorable.

The Voyageur Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves a large volume of youth from a variety of circumstances. Information reported by a random sample of parents surveyed shows that 18 percent of youth served have a disability or individualized education plan at school.

Overall, this study shows that parents and Scouts see the Scouting programs offered by the Voyageurs Area Council as positive and effective in helping youth to carry out responsibilities, solve problems, build confidence and self-respect, and work as a team member. Scout Leaders expressed their sense of achievement from watching youth grow and recognize their accomplishments. When asked, parents, youth, and leaders gave helpful suggestions for improving their Scouting experience. These commonly included: strengthening parent involvement, more guidance and support from the Council, and conducting outreach to include more youth.

If future evaluations are conducted, it will be important to attempt to ensure a greater response from leaders to the surveys. In 2005, only 27 percent of leaders who were sent a questionnaire completed and returned it. This low response rate is common for mailed questionnaires. Wilder Research will make efforts to improve future response rates by using one or more of the following methods: providing incentives for participation (sending $1 cash with the questionnaire has been found to increase response rates significantly), sending reminder post-cards to non-respondents, calling non-respondents, or a web-based option. The emailed or web-based survey with automated reminders tends to illicit increased participation by persons involved with several programs that we evaluate.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 32 Wilder Research, December 2005 Appendix

Parent telephone interviews: tables of responses Scout (youth) telephone interviews: tables of responses Volunteer Leader self-administered survey: tables of responses Parent survey: open-ended responses Scout survey: open-ended responses Leader survey: open-ended responses

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 33 Wilder Research, December 2005

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 34 Wilder Research, December 2005 Parent telephone interviews: tables of responses

A1. Length of time child has been in Scouting program

Length of time youth has been in Scouting Number Percent Less than one year 15 9% One year 23 14% Two years 27 17% Three years 27 17% Four years 17 10% Five years 15 9% Six years 8 5% Seven years 10 6% Eight years 4 3% Nine years 4 3% Ten or more years 13 8% Total 163 100% Average length of time youth has been in Scouting 3.9 years Median length of time youth has been in Scouting 3 years

A2. Monthly participation during school year

In a typical month during the school year, did your son/daughter participated in: Number Percent All scheduled Scouting activities 62 38% Most of the scheduled Scouting activities 83 51% Some of the scheduled Scouting activities 17 10% None of the scheduled Scouting activities 1 1% Total 163 100%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 35 Wilder Research, December 2005 A3. Parents’ perception of Scouting program’s purpose

Parents’ perception of Scouting purpose Number Percent Learn values/life skills 68 42% Provides socialization opportunities 27 17% Provides opportunities to learn new things/skills/experiences 24 15% Provides leadership skills 14 9% Teaches outdoor/survival skills 8 5% Teaches community involvement/citizenship 6 4% Teaches teamwork 5 3% Builds confidence/self-esteem 5 3% Provides positive adult role models 4 3% Provides opportunities for volunteering 1 1%

A4. Parents’ view of impact of Scouting on their son/daughter

Percent Percent Percent Area of Impact increase same decrease Interest in and appreciation for outdoor activities 52% 48% 1% Interest in extracurricular activities outside of Scouting 38% 61% 1% Ability to solve problems on his/her own 64% 35% 1% Respect for family members 42% 57% 1% Ability to get along with adults other than parents 66% 34% - Self-control when frustrated or angry 42% 57% 1% Understanding of the consequences of (your) behavior 56% 44% - Willingness to carry out responsibilities 67% 32% 1% Enthusiasm for school 29% 67% 4% Willingness to help others 65% 35% - Skills in getting along with other kids 67% 32% 1% Involvement in leadership activities 44% 56% - Ability to see himself/herself as role model for younger youth 58% 42% - Feelings of self-esteem 67% 31% 2% Ability in getting along at home 36% 63% 1% Use of peaceful means to resolve conflicts 44% 55% 1% Ability to make good decisions 66% 33% 1% Ability to set goals 46% 54% 1% Knowing right from wrong 58% 42% - Ability to work as a team member 89% 11% -

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 36 Wilder Research, December 2005 A5. Parents’ perception of child’s response to Scouting

In your opinion, had your child’s overall response to Scouting been: Number Percent Very favorable 84 52% Favorable 66 41% Neutral 9 6% Unfavorable 3 2% Very unfavorable - - Total 162 100% Missing 1

A6. Parents’ opinion of child’s exposure to positive adult role models

Do you feel that you child had been exposed to positive adult role models in their Scouting experience? Number Percent Almost always 119 73% Most of the time 39 24% Only occasionally 4 3% Seldom, if ever - - Don’t know 1 1% Total 163 100%

A7. Parents’ opinion of the most important benefits child has experienced as a result of Scouting

Most important benefit experienced by Scout Number Percent Socialization opportunities 38 23% Opportunities to learn new things/skills/experiences 25 15% Increases confidence/self-esteem 22 14% Learn teamwork 18 11% Learn how to set goals 14 9% Learn values/life skills 10 6% Father and son interaction 7 4% Learn outdoor/survival skills 6 4% Exposure to positive adult role models 5 3% Learn leadership skills 4 3% Looking at and learning a profession 4 3% Learn community involvement/citizenship 3 2% Opportunities for volunteering 3 2% Don’t know 4 3% Total 163 100%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 37 Wilder Research, December 2005 A8. Parents’ participation in Scouting activities

During the past 12 months, did you: Number Percent Talk to your child’s Scout Leader 152 93% Attend a Scout meeting 140 86% Volunteer time for Scouts 131 80% Lead or participate in a Scouting activity with your child 131 80%

A9. Scouting activities in which parents have participated (For those parents reporting participation in a specific activity)

Activity Number Percent Campouts/day camp 28 21% Outdoor activities 23 18% Pinewood Derby/Regatta 20 15% Volunteer work/community service 13 10% Meetings 10 8% Banquets/cookouts 9 7% Fundraisers 8 6% Field trips/outings 7 5% Everything 7 5% Scout Expo 5 4% Arts and crafts 5 4% Badge work 4 3% Educational activities 4 3% Competitions 3 2%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 38 Wilder Research, December 2005 A10. Parents’ suggestions for improvements

Suggestions Number Percent No changes 26 16% More/better instructions and support from council leadership 19 13% Increase parental involvement 18 13% Expand program/more kids 13 9% More structure/organization 9 6% More camping 7 5% More communication between parents and leaders 5 4% More summer activities 5 4% More enthusiasm for program 4 3% Shorter/fewer meetings 4 3% More emphasis on learning and badges 4 3% Better behaved children 4 3% More funding 4 3% Ask the kids what they want to do 3 2% Less expensive 3 2% Scouts should change diversity policy (homosexual and girls) 3 2% Longer/more meetings 2 1% Better written instructions in Scouting manuals 1 1% Parents need to focus on kids 1 1% Take out religious aspect 1 1% More volunteer work/community service 1 1% Better Scout Leader 1 1% Less focus on outdoor/survival skills 1 1% More opportunities for parents to participant 1 1% Less paperwork 1 1% More evening activities 1 1% More recognition of adults who volunteer their time 1 1% Better moneymaking fundraisers 1 1%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 39 Wilder Research, December 2005 A11. Parents’ racial or ethnic background

Racial or ethnic background Number Percent Caucasian 154 94% American Indian 3 2% Mixed racial background 3 2% Asian 2 1% Hispanic 1 1% Total 163 100%

A12. Family type

Family type Number Percent Single parent family 23 14% Two-parent family 140 86% Total 163 100%

A13. Affordability of Scouting activities

How difficult is it for your family to afford the cost of Scouting expenses for your child? Number Percent Not at all difficult 86 53% Not too difficult 52 32% Somewhat difficult 21 13% Very difficult 2 1% Total 161 100% Missing 2

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 40 Wilder Research, December 2005 A14. Parents’ report of child’s school grades

On average, what grades does your child typically get in school? Number Percent Mostly A’s 80 51% Mostly B’s 62 40% Mostly C’s 14 9% Mostly D’s 1 1% Total 157 100% Missing 6

A15. Parents’ report of child’s school attendance

Does your child have regular attendance at school, meaning he/she misses 20 or fewer days in a school year? Number Percent Yes 159 99% No 2 1% Total 161 100% Missing 2

A16. Individual Education Plan for child

Does your child have an Individual Education Plan? Number Percent Yes 26 16% No 136 84% Total 162 100% Missing 1

A17. Child’s disability status

Does your child have a physical disability? Number Percent Yes 7 4% No 156 96% Total 163 100%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 41 Wilder Research, December 2005 A18. Times family moved in last 12 months

In the past 12 months, how many times has your family moved? Number Percent 0 times 153 94% 1 time 9 6% 2 times 1 1% Total 163 100%

A19. Experienced being without stable housing in last 12 months

In the past 12 months, has your family been without permanent or stable housing at any time? Number Percent Yes 1 1% No 161 99% Total 162 100% Missing 1

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 42 Wilder Research, December 2005 Scout (youth) telephone interviews: tables of responses

A20. Child’s gender

Gender Number Percent Boy 141 93% Girl 10 7% Total 151 100%

A21. Child’s grade in school

School grade Number Percent First grade 15 10% Second grade 18 12% Third grade 18 12% Fourth grade 13 9% Fifth grade 16 11% Sixth grade 9 6% Seventh grade 11 7% Eighth grade 6 4% Ninth grade 12 8% Tenth grade 3 2% Eleventh grade 10 7% Twelfth grade 18 12% Total 149 100% Missing 2

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 43 Wilder Research, December 2005 A22. Scouting level

Scouting level Number Percent Tiger 14 9% Wolf 17 11% Bear 16 11% Webelo 27 18% Scout 4 3% Tenderfoot 9 6% Second Class 4 3% First Class 8 5% Star 8 5% Life 10 7% Eagle 6 4% Venturer 13 9% Explorer 14 9% Total 150 100% Missing 1 1%

A23. Knowledge of Scout Oath (asked only of Boy Scouts)

Do you know the Scout Oath? Number Percent Yes 45 90% No 5 10% Total 50 100%

A24. Ability to recite the Scout Oath (asked only of those who report knowing the Scout Oath)

Rating of Boy Scouts’ ability to recite the Scout Oath Number Percent Respondent knew all or most of the Scout Oath 38 84% Respondent knew some of the Scout Oath 4 9% Respondent knew very little or none of the Scout Oath 3 7% Total 45 100%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 44 Wilder Research, December 2005 A25 Knowledge of Cub Scout Promise (asked only of Cub Scouts)

Do you know the Cub Scout Promise? Number Percent Yes 51 70% No 22 30% Total 73 100% Missing 1

A26. Ability to recite the Cub Scout Promise (asked only of those who report knowing the Cub Scout Promise)

Rating of Cub Scouts’ ability to recite the Cub Scout Promise Number Percent Respondent knew all or most of the Cub Scout Promise 34 67% Respondent knew some of the Cub Scout Promise 11 22% Respondent knew very little or none of the Cub Scout Promise 6 12% Total 51 100%

A27. Impact of Scouting on Scouts

Percent Percent Percent Area of Impact increase same decrease Interest in and appreciation for outdoor activities 75% 24% 1% Interest in extracurricular activities outside of Scouting 53% 46% 1% Ability to solve problems on his/her own 65% 35% 1% Respect for family members 64% 36% - Ability to get along with adults other than parents 70% 30% 1% Self-control when frustrated or angry 56% 43% 1% Understanding of the consequences of (your) behavior 59% 40% 1% Willingness to carry out responsibilities 74% 26% 1% Enthusiasm for school 48% 50% 2% Willingness to help others 76% 24% - Skills in getting along with other kids 71% 29% - Involvement in leadership activities 50% 48% 2% Ability to see himself/herself as role model for younger youth 60% 39% 1% Feelings of self-esteem 58% 41% 1% Ability in getting along at home 48% 52% - Use of peaceful means to resolve conflicts 54% 45% 1% Ability to make good decisions 67% 33% - Ability to set goals 64% 36% - Knowing right from wrong 66% 34% - Ability to work as a team member 79% 21% 1%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 45 Wilder Research, December 2005 A28. What Scouts liked best about Scouting

What is the one thing about Scouting that you like the most? Number Percent Camping 40 27% Socialization 17 11% Outdoor activities 16 11% Activities and events 13 9% Arts and crafts 13 9% Learning/educational activities 12 8% Pinewood Derby 10 7% Play games 8 5% Working with others 8 5% Archery 3 2% Fishing 3 2% Helping people/volunteering 2 1% Learning values 2 1% Getting badges 2 1% Learning what police do 2 1%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 46 Wilder Research, December 2005 A29. Suggestions for improvements

Suggestions Number Percent No changes 56 37% Better organization/structure 8 6% More/better activities 8 6% Better behavior from some kids 5 4% More camping trips 5 4% Let kids decide what to do and where to go 5 4% Shorter/fewer meeting 4 3% Not have to play game if you don’t want to 4 3% Meet more kids 3 2% Have more big Pack meetings 3 2% Work more on Badges 3 2% Less rituals (Oaths) 3 2% Teach more camping/survival skills 2 1% More/longer meetings 2 1% More arts and crafts 2 1% More enthusiasm 2 1% Less kids in venture Crews 2 1% Get parents more involved 1 1% Better equipment 1 1% Camp food 1 1% Shorter length camps for younger Scouts 1 1% Teach us how to prepare better campouts 1 1% More sports 1 1% A better leader 1 1% More council participation 1 1%

A30. Views of Scout Leader (asked only of those whose mother or father was not a Scout Leader)

When you think of your Scout Leader, would you say you like him or her: Number Percent A lot 84 79% A little 21 20% Not too much 1 1% Total 106 100% Missing 2

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 47 Wilder Research, December 2005 A31. Learning to know when to ask for help

Overall, would you say that your experiences in Scouting have taught you to know when to ask for help? Number Percent Definitely yes 56 37% Probably yes 91 61% Probably not 2 1% Definitely not 1 1% Total 150 100% Missing 1

A32. Feelings about talking to Scout leader

Do you feel that you can talk to your Scout Leader about things that are important to you? Number Percent Definitely yes 62 42% Probably yes 79 53% Probably not 8 5% Total 149 100% Missing 2

A33. Feelings about asking Scout Leader for help

Do you feel that you can ask your Scout Leader for help if you need it? Number Percent Definitely yes 106 70% Probably yes 43 29% Probably not 2 1% Total 151 100%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 48 Wilder Research, December 2005 Volunteer Leader self-administered survey: tables of responses

A34. Scout Leader’s position

Scout Leader position Number Percent Assistant Scout Master 21 38% Scout Master 10 18% Den Leader 8 14% Cub Master 5 9% Assistant Den Leader 3 5% Explorer Advisor 3 5% Assistant Cub Master 1 2% Advisory Committee member 1 2% District Finance Chair 1 2% Scout Master. Assistant Explorer Advisor, Venture Leader 1 2% Den Leader, Cub Master, Webelos Leader 1 2% Webelos Leader, Scout Master 1 2% Total 56 100%

A35. Number of years Scout Leader has been in current position

Years Number Percent Less than one year 1 2% One year 10 18% Two years 16 29% Three years 8 14% Four years 6 11% Five years 3 5% Six years 4 7% Eight years 2 4% Ten years 2 4% Thirteen years 1 2% Fifteen years 2 4% Twenty-four years 1 2% Total 56 100% Average number of years in current Scouting position 4.1 years

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 49 Wilder Research, December 2005 A36. Number of years as an adult Scouting volunteer

Years Number Percent Less than one year 1 2% One year 3 5% Two years 8 14% Three years 5 9% Four years 3 5% Five years 4 7% Six years 6 11% Seven years 4 7% Eight years 5 9% Nine years 2 4% Ten years 4 7% Eleven years 2 4% Twelve years 2 4% Fifteen years 3 5% Seventeen years 1 2% Nineteen years 1 2% Thirty years 1 2% Forty years 1 2% Total 56 100% Average number of years in current Scouting position 7.6 years

A37. Scout Leaders’ rating of training events

Ratings of training events Number Percent Outstanding 9 16% Very good 29 52% Good 13 23% Okay 3 5% Did not attend any training event 2 4% Total 56 100%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 50 Wilder Research, December 2005 A38. Scout Leaders report of impact of Scouting on their Scouting unit

Percent Percent strongly Percent Percent strongly Area of Impact agree agree disagree disagree Increased problem-solving skills 22% 70% 8% - Increased their skills in dealing constructively with adults 24% 72% 4% - Increased self-control when frustrated or angry 6% 90% 4% - Understanding of the consequences of their behavior 14% 80% 6% - Increased ability to carry out responsibilities 17% 80% 4% - Increased willingness to help others 19% 79% 2% - Increased involvement in leadership activities 14% 78% 8% - Increased ability to feel good about themselves 28% 68% 4% - Use of peaceful means to resolve conflicts 13% 80% 7% - Increased their decision-making skills 24% 70% 6% - Increased ability to set specific and concrete goals 17% 71% 12% - Increased ability to work as a team member 25% 69% 6% -

A39. Scout Leaders report what they liked best about Scouting

What do you like best about being a Scouting volunteer? Number Percent Helping youth learn new things 21 40% Watching youth grow up 13 25% Organizing events 12 23% Watching youth learn responsibility and leadership 8 15% Helping youth learn respect for outdoors 6 12% Watching youth have a good time 5 10% Seeing youth improve their self-esteem/confidence 2 4% Being a positive role model 2 4% Watching youth take pride in their accomplishments 1 2% Total 52 100% Missing 4

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 51 Wilder Research, December 2005 A40. Scout Leaders suggestions for improvements

Suggestions Number Percent More council involvement at local level 8 14% More parental involvement at local level 4 7% No changes 3 5% Provide more training 2 4% More council help getting parental involvement 2 4% More support from police chief and command staff 2 4% Treat all districts the same 1 2% More consistent support from council 1 2% More free materials/books 1 2% More council/district wide events 1 2% Less council/district wide events 1 2% Provide support for units that need or have lost sponsors 1 2% Work harder on getting more Webelos into Boys Scouts 1 2% Local units should get 100% of fundraising 1 2% More involvement in the community 1 2% Need more Scout owned camping areas 1 2% Change policy on letting homosexuals into Scouting 1 2% Don’t keep youth on rosters who are no longer involved 1 2% Less paperwork 1 2% Provide more training activities 1 2% Find ways to keep costs down 1 2% Get rid of outdated and uncomfortable uniforms 1 2%

A41 Scout Leaders age

Age Number Percent 19 year 2 4% 20-29 years 2 4% 30-39 years 9 16% 40-49 years 24 43% 50-59 years 16 29% 60-69 years 3 5% Total 56 100% Average age 45 years

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 52 Wilder Research, December 2005 A42 County of Scout Leaders residence

County of residence Number Percent St. Louis 24 43% United States a 10 18% Carlton 7 13% Itasca 4 7% Douglas 4 7% Koochiching 2 4% Pine 2 4% Gogebic 2 4% Clearwater 1 2% Total 56 100% a It is clear that the respondent misread the word ‘‘county” as ”country” on the self-administered survey.

A43. Gender of Scout Leader

Gender Number Percent Male 42 75% Female 14 25% Total 56 100%

A44. Racial or ethnic background of Scout Leader

Racial or ethnic background Number Percent Caucasian 55 98% Hispanic 1 2% Total 56 100%

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 53 Wilder Research, December 2005 A45. Serve youth with disabilities

Do you serve youth with disabilities in your Pack, Den, Troop, or Venture Crew? Number Percent Yes 26 47% No 29 53% Total 55 100% Missing 1

A46. Serve youth of color

Do you serve youth of color in your Pack, Den, Troop, or Venture Crew? Number Percent Yes 10 20% No 41 80% Total 51 100% Missing 5

A47. Serve youth from single parent families

Do you serve youth from single families in your Pack, Den, Troop, or Venture Crew? Number Percent Yes 41 75% No 14 25% Total 55 100% Missing 1

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 54 Wilder Research, December 2005 Parent survey: open-ended responses

Responses to Question 2B: “In your own words, what do you see as the main reason of Scouting?” Gives kid’s a good place to learn good values, good character, and fun activities.

To learn life skills and establish self confidence.

For boys to get together and have fun and stay out of trouble.

Teaches him about all the outdoors and to be a decent person.

To build character and make better people and our guidance to become an adult.

Meet some kids, because we moved from a bigger to a really, really small town.

To get together with other people and socialize, have fun.

Try and make them responsible.

To build strong morals and values.

Basically, to teach him things like building things, survival, and how to work together.

Develop boys potential.

I would say it helps to develop leadership skills.

Teacher leadership skills.

Learn more stuff that you may not get at home. Camping and outdoors.

To learn values.

The teaching of independence and critical thinking. Sense of obligation and teamwork.

Learning how to deal with others.

Building character, values, problem solving.

In my mind, it’s to train children in the way they should go – values, morals. It’ll encourage him in the same way we want them to go.

Growing kids up to be well rounded individuals.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 55 Wilder Research, December 2005 A way of my son forming his independence, morality, integrity, his compassion for others. Definitely working as a team – teamwork.

Building character.

Life skills, something you cannot learn in school.

It teachers kids organization, leadership and working as a team.

To develop life skills and things to take with him and go from there.

Character building.

Character building. Living the Scout law and building that character through the living of the Scout law.

To build leadership and cooperation skills in boys.

Is to form the personality and values of a young boy into a young man for the sake of the community.

To further the goals of Scouting. Appreciation for outdoors. The Scout law, values and learning about everyday life.

To learn discipline and honor. To work with others.

To provide structured outdoor experiences.

Learning the different things for the badges and interactions with the other Scouts and leaders.

Prepare these boys for the future. Teach them moral values. Have fun in a structured environment with other boys, teaching leadership skills.

Is to – create like a brotherhood within the group of Scouts.

Instilling values in people.

To serve as a guideline for a child to help them grow up to learn right from wrong.

More the leadership or helping them build self confidence.

Character building, morals, it’s something they don’t get any where else.

Keeps them off the streets. He enjoys the outdoors and it’s good for him.

It’s helping kids to mature and he’s turning into a nice young man/adult.

Growth, individual growth.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 56 Wilder Research, December 2005 To help boys become leaders.

The group activities where parents can do with their kids, to keep out of trouble.

I look at it as to meet other people, self confidence.

He has contact with other kids his age.

Teaches them good values. Age appropriate fun with other boys.

To learn good life skills, keep him busy with activities and a social outlet, and variety of people and things to do.

I would say to build self-esteem and leadership skills and self awareness and self sufficiency.

Teamwork and community.

Make children more aware of the world around them.

Teaches them respect and to help do things. Responsibility.

I think it teaches kids to learn different things.

To learn group activities, be with other kids.

It teaches the boys crafts, how to make things, how to take care of themselves.

Learning to get along with other Scouts. Learning about your country. Learning about getting your different badges and about the different levels of becoming a Boy Scout. Learning about the community and about volunteering for community activities.

To teach values and morals, self respect.

Teaches discipline, and a learning activity and responsibilities.

Getting him involved in different aspects and getting his parent involved.

For him to learn skills, outdoorsy stuff.

Leadership and examples set on how to behave.

Well, I guess it teaches children respect, sharing, playing and socializing.

It’s for the development of mental, physical and social.

It teaches kids to be more responsible and aware of his community around him. It’s also encouraging.

To teach they boys to be self-reliant and to be good citizens.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 57 Wilder Research, December 2005 Development of manhood skills, responsibility, leadership.

I would say it’s to teach them responsibility and structure, basic good things that good boys should do.

Many different things – the things they get to experience, that they wouldn’t normally do. Things outside the normal activities of a child.

To develop leadership, respect and communication skills.

To help young boys become productive citizens with a positive role model.

I guess to prepare them for other things in life. To get to know camping and get along with Scouts and other adults.

Building strong moral character in young men.

A chance to be with other boys doing good things. At Heart Land Christian Academy the Scout is Christian based.

To teach kids skills they need for life.

Probably helping boys gain confidence.

Volunteering and learning outdoor skills.

(His leader) Scout master instill camaraderie with others (kids). Outdoor based and moral code – self reliance.

Teaches them a sense of community and country. Helps them meet other boys and do and learn things together.

To learn how to be a good citizen.

To build character and improve their thinking for boys.

I would say to teach the kids things – they trips and camps, things they can’t experience otherwise.

Interacting with other kids and the team learning – working together.

I think it’s a great learning experience for the kids and gives them a chance to get involved with a variety of different projects.

To build strong leadership skills in him and to learn new things and to work together as a team.

To build some quality character traits like honesty, self sufficiency, and responsibility.

Primarily learning.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 58 Wilder Research, December 2005 Having some quality activities, to teach them different skills and stuff, and character development.

As a mom, the reason would be that he could meet and have a good healthy circle of friends, self awareness, knowing good and bad.

To teach them to be upstanding young men. Giving them outdoor skills and how to handle outdoors.

To keep kids active and to learn about different things.

Be a responsible, upstanding person, respect, that sort of thing.

It gives them something to do and exposes him to a lot of other ideas and thoughts.

Prepare boys for leadership. I guess the biggest thing is leadership skills.

Friendship and a healthy social organization.

As structured and character and development it gives the boys. The boys can feel solid attached too.

He’s making friends and getting creative.

To provide young boys with role models and leadership. Develop skills and to prepare them for life.

Development of young boys.

Educational and character building program.

I think learning how to be a good community member.

To make children better people.

I think it’s a great opportunity for him to be involved with his peers in a community. And also to spend time with his father.

It’s a service organization for child. Teaches positive male role models and it’s a good social experience.

To interact with other young boys doing safe and positive things.

Teaching.

Gaining maturity and learning to work with others.

Provide guidance in foundation and values.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 59 Wilder Research, December 2005 I would say to expose the boys to new things that otherwise they would not experience with their families. New skills and gain knowledge.

Helping kids learn and do things.

To help them develop life skills.

Enrich the boys – socially, personally.

Building the whole person.

Oh, I don’t know. Learn to get along and help people.

To teach kids values and learn some outdoor skills and get them involved in a group.

The biggest thing would be they learn moral skills. I like that the leaders include the kids on every decision, idea.

To make the boys good citizens.

I don’t know. To get involved with other kids.

I think it’s the activities he get to do.

To teach kids, give kids a chance to develop their skills that they wouldn’t at school or at home. Good citizenship and camping skills.

I guess the learning.

Character building, community building.

Learning teamwork, loyalty, respect for our country, respect of the outdoors.

To learn how to shoot a bow and arrow and camping skills.

A social kind of thing, so being around men, since I’m a single mom, it is good for him. And also the outdoors is a good experience for him.

Just to instill good values and make a good all around citizen.

Socialization and exposure to different experiences. Building self-esteem.

I guess building character and the boys are having fun.

To teach values and character.

To teach kids skills and become better citizens.

To get together with other kids his own age and involve them with activities that they normally would get.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 60 Wilder Research, December 2005 I think it helps a child group with teamwork with other children.

A social event and acquire skills, like “boy” skills.

Character development, relationship development.

To create individualism in themselves and to gain competence. And knowledge of camping, snow shoeing, and other good stuff. Physical and mental exercise.

To teach the boys healthy values – to be nice and helpful.

To give these young people to be good citizens , good values and morals. And also a work ethic.

Good quality and values for kids to learn and be around.

To enable youth to develop character and make good choices.

I have absolutely no idea.

Thinking, gaining new experiences that you would normally do as a youth. Networking, problem solving skills through experiences.

To provide boys opportunities to develop their personalities – by the Scout oath and rules, and promises. Leadership.

Bring together children (HS level) to participate in wonderful activities.

Venturing Crew – to give the kids a cool opportunity to do high venturing cool things that they would normally no do.

To develop character in young men and give them the opportunity of Scouting adventures.

To get together with other kids and enjoy the outdoors.

Socializing with community service combined.

Camaraderie, enjoys being with her friends.

Gives boys an alternative to getting into trouble.

More of a sense to responsibility. Getting things done as a teamwork effort for themselves and others.

Teaches them good skills, practical and leadership. Actually learning things for a field (firefighter) to go into.

Teaches life skills. Through the merit badge, they look at a variety of occupations.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 61 Wilder Research, December 2005 The explorer program is different from Scouting. It builds character, community, self-esteem, makes young men look and help others, stewardship.

Career wise – it helps focus his goals.

Build character.

Develop boys into leaders which provides them with necessary experiences for the future.

To learn more about firefighting as a career.

To further his career as a police officer.

To create a more well-rounded, balanced individual with high ethical and moral standards (which is paramount to me).

To develop their sense of self confidence and explore themselves as young people.

Boy Scouts – train boy leaders, leadership, confidence – dad is a Scout leader too. Outdoor skills – confidence, merit badges, to help them go ahead. Explorers is usually geared to one activity – fire department for him.

To show young boys that there are things that they can achieve and learn in a group and individual.

A good, positive thing with excellent role models. Be involved in the experience of law enforcement.

Leadership.

Responses to Question 6: “What has been the one most important benefit your child has experienced as result of Scouting?” Different things he has learned and a variety of opportunities to learn new things.

Increased life skills, cooking.

Probably working in a group instead of individual. Team work.

Taking charge of a project and completing it. Being in charge of the group and project, and motivating group members.

Being able to make a decision on his own.

Working together with other kids towards a common goal that is not necessarily his own personal goal.

Building self-esteem.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 62 Wilder Research, December 2005 I don’t know. Positive role models. He gets along great with the adults and likes the adults.

His interaction with other people – being able to do things with them.

Committing to do something, follow through with what he starts.

Completing goals.

Having the opportunity to participate in national activities like the National Jamboree, Philmont.

Getting along with others. Meeting new people and doing thing with them.

Teamwork.

Getting along with other people.

Commitment and obligation to fulfill them.

Working with others.

Setting a goal and achieving it.

Spending more time with dad and doing things that we may not normally do – camping, canoeing.

Expanded his idea of activities that would be fun.

His confidence level. More willing to do things on his own. Now going away on Scout outing, away from us, for four days is a “no brainer” whereas before he wouldn’t have felt comfortable with that.

I think to see him involved with the other kids. His wanting to be part or something.

New experiences.

The change to interact with other kids, experience things he wouldn’t otherwise.

Made more friends.

Teamwork element to achieve goals. Working with others to complete goals. His Eagle Scout project is one example.

Probably just getting involved with other boys outside of school. Interaction with other kids outside of school.

Understanding what morals are. What’s required of him to be a good citizen.

More father-son bonding.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 63 Wilder Research, December 2005 Discipline.

Friendships with kids his own age.

Being in a stable environment where adult guidance has been consistent.

The ability to work with other people, carryout plans. He works Tomahawk Reservation for a number of years.

His exposure to new things, like seeing an old fort at a small community.

Camaraderie.

The opportunity to spend time with his peers and with his father.

Probably the outdoors – I’m not an outdoor person. Dad goes.

Male bonding.

They are totally doing the things that he loves to do, the activities.

Learning responsibility with excellent role models, he’s more positive now and does not give up easily now.

The opportunity to take a leadership role. He certainly wouldn’t have done it without Scouting.

He’s learned about the need to motivate others.

Probably being able to get along with other people and children that have different personalities, so learning how to get along with others.

Interaction with other people.

He likes it, he knows it’s there every Tuesday. A preplanned activity, he has something to look forward to.

The process of the Pinewood Derby, his excitement in making his own car.

The social contact and variety.

The education that comes from earning his badges.

His self-esteem.

Increase in responsibility.

He knows he has to earn things, they won’t be handed to him.

Really cant say because he’s only been to four big meetings. Win and loose gracefully.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 64 Wilder Research, December 2005 Meeting the kids.

Teamwork.

Learning new things. Learning to read maps, going on field trips, learning about animals, learning about how a bank operates. He was just exposed to many different learning situations.

The whole team thing. Working in a group. And he’s talking a lot about the outdoors.

Pine Box Derby event, competition.

One-on-one time with the parents.

Pride (having a uniform) and he is proud of his accomplishments.

Doing projects together – teamwork.

Working together and seeing the outcome.

Adult role model, being exposed to adults.

Rifle, shooting the BB gun. It’s been a responsible learning experience in regards to target shooting. Safety and encouragement.

The ability to work with a team.

Ownership in his own activities.

That there are other kids his same age doing the same thing and it teaches them respect for why we’re doing this.

The positive attitude when he’s there at Scouting.

Exposure to new things and people.

He’s getting the same message from another adult, not just from mom and dad.

Just helped him take on a little more responsibility.

Father and son interaction, doing things together. Completing requirements together, a sense of bonding.

The popcorn sales, it really boosted his self confidence.

Learning new things that he would have not have learned if not in Cub Scouts.

I guess setting and accomplishing goals.

I think he has more of a sense of volunteering of why and what it does for others.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 65 Wilder Research, December 2005 Part of a group.

Learning how to inner-act and do things with other kids outside of school.

Learning like values and good morals in the Scouting books and meetings.

Camaraderie.

Spending time with other males.

Make more friends – meet others in his class and older.

Just how he gets along with others.

Improved self image and teamwork.

Increase in his self-esteem. Feeling good about himself.

Learning and the skills they go through to get a badge.

Working towards a goal and reaching or completing that goal.

That’s a tough one. Family time, camping without phones, TV, etc. We, as a family, have fun and share quality time together, lots to talk about.

The variety of things that the kids get – the wood working.

Exposes him to more good positive things.

Working well with others.

Exposure to the people around here. It’s different in Scouts.

Quality time with his leaders, which is me.

Friendships outside of school.

He knows what he wants and he gets it. His goals.

Independence.

Enjoying his youth with his friends.

The interaction with the older boys.

Father/son activities.

Get along better with others.

The learning of what else is out there.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 66 Wilder Research, December 2005 Opportunity to have friends and community.

He’s more independent and he’s more comfortable doing things with the group and without me.

He’s more comfortable in the things that he does. Completing the different tasks for badges and that behavior carry’s over to other areas in his life.

Teaching him responsibility. Helping him getting along with others. Following directions from someone else, that’s not the parent or a teacher.

Discipline of having to follow through with something from start to finish.

The extra curricular activities, doing things with other kids.

The feeling of achievement.

Competitiveness. The Derby’s – projects.

Pinewood Derby.

Socialization time.

Making new friends.

Just the getting along with others.

Planning ahead, working towards a goal.

Outside of school – helps socially in who he is being with, etc.

Keeping commitments, and following through with projects.

He has learned to build things, so he has to sit and figure out how to do it.

I think being around other people – learning to get along in a group.

Learning to get along with kids his own age.

I have to say the group involvement.

Being more cooperative with other kids and adults.

Hands on project (bird feeder).

Opportunities for outdoor activities.

His self-esteem. Being able to speak for himself.

The independence and decision making, they have really improved.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 67 Wilder Research, December 2005 Probably the appreciation of the outdoors.

I’ve noticed that he cares for other people’s feeling and how his actions affect them.

Giving and caring for others.

I guess being able to spend time with kids his own age.

Probably working as a member of team – teamwork.

Exposure to a variety of activities that we would not normally do as a family.

Constructive activities.

Doing things on her own. Taking charge.

I think maybe his sense of belonging to, being a part of a team that works together.

I would say setting and attaining personal goals.

Good leadership.

Probably his appreciation for living in the United States.

No idea.

It’s hard to say, but to participate in teamwork. Understanding the value of being a team member.

A variety of skills.

Participating in activities she probably wouldn’t be doing otherwise.

He attained the Eagle badge.

World jamboree.

Getting along with everyone.

I don’t know.

The camping and outdoors. We as a family haven’t done this.

Meeting new, and doing new things.

That he chose his career as a result of what started in Scouting – journalism.

The self confidence, self worth.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 68 Wilder Research, December 2005 Learning to be a leader. Many benefits he’s taken out of it.

Well, he’s looking at a profession, going to college to volunteer while in school.

I guess confidence in himself.

His eagerness to get out there and help other people has increased.

The experiences that he’s had, the opportunities.

It would have to be when she was captain. People looking up to her.

Connections he has made with police officers in order to further his career.

The social factors – the whole gamut of the social aspect of Scouting. He is someone very happy to just stay home doing his own thing.

Police skills, being exposed to on the job training atmosphere that the program offers.

Self confidence, leadership.

That the kids in general, boys and girls are looking up to her. She’s found her nitch in the boy Scouts.

I would say it’s helped him blossom, more outgoing, communication. He’s more a “keep to himself” kind of guy, so it’s helped him a lot.

Citizenship in dealing with other people, people in general.

Responses to Question 8: “If you could improve one thing about Scouting, what would you change and why?” A little more frequent meetings.

A minor thing – more precise correspondence, instructions are vague. Do we bring jello or soup? Does it really matter!

Adult Leadership Program. Accessibility to rural members. Tailored more to the area and their participants.

Adults at the parent meetings sometimes care more about themselves than the Scouts. They need to not lose focus on the child – I would do something that lessens the parent focus on themselves.

As a leader – it’s hard to go to next level, it’s confusing, the book is pretty tough and how they get new badges, etc., is confusing.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 69 Wilder Research, December 2005 Attendance – Venturing Crew because kids are unreliable when you’re dealing with high school. It’s difficult to have a Venture Crew meeting when no one shows up.

Better communication with the Voyageurs. There is not a full-time professional district executive. Better administration and communication.

Can’t really give an answer. (7 responses)

Change summer activities. There’s not enough summer activities, so that’s when kids looks interest and forget about Scouting.

Clearer directions and make sure the Scouts know what is expected and know what the next activity is.

Communication towards the staff and parents.

For the leaders to ask the kids what kid of activities they would like to do and follow that lead. More activities.

Get all the parents involved more because I can see that the kids who drop out do so because their parents are not involved.

Have it available for younger kids, like kindergarten instead of first grade.

Having things explained more to parents, some meetings too chaotic, didn’t know what to expect.

How the meetings were run. The organization of the meetings. A lot of times the Scouts were left with time and nothing to do. They could have learned more about the Scout pledge and why they learn it. There could be more to the meetings than just completing one single activity. There could be more supplemental projects or activities to go along with the specific activity in the book for that meeting.

I can’t really think of anything. I don’t see the necessity of having a bee-bee gun. I haven’t let my son get involved in that.

I don’t feel that the troops get enough support from the council. More activities to bring the troops together.

I don’t know – maybe more activities in the summer.

I don’t know anything. I guess I would give the kids more help with merit badges, I think they need more motivation.

I don’t know enough about the program to know about that.

I don’t know what I would change. (8 responses)

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 70 Wilder Research, December 2005 I don’t know yet, it’s only been one year. Maybe more time (contact time). They only meet for one hour per week.

I don’t know, our group is very active and organized. We did run out of food at the blue and gold.

I don’t know. I wish they had funding to do more activities. They have great ideas but don’t always have the funding.

I don’t think I could make a comment at this point and time because I have not been active or involved as much.

I don’t think I would change anything. It’s been around for a long time and it’s all worked out.

I guess – when you’re started out you’re lost – a main program for the leaders that gets you started out. Less confusion in the beginning.

I guess a more structured – a game plan – so they’re aware of what’s coming up.

I guess better organization. It depends on the volunteers.

I guess I would just hope that more boys would take advantage of this opportunity.

I guess I’d like to see, well nothing. It’s got right values to it. I like to see federal funding.

I guess if there was a way to make things clearer to understand for the parents, so they can understand things and explain better to the children.

I guess the only frustration I have is getting participation, more advertising, working with families in a better way. Boy Scouts can go into a school and make it part of their school day, like the Girl Scouts are doing at our school.

I guess the schedules, the time for activities. Most of the activities were scheduled or planned before I got out of work. During the day activities.

I guess, the other kids and some leaders swear a lot, we have brought this up to the troop.

I like how it is. I didn’t like the cake question. Some of the kids didn’t get to buy a cake back.

I like the way it’s set up. I can’t think of anything in particular.

I love what they are doing. I wouldn’t change anything.

I never received information from the program nor have I met the leaders, people in charge. So I would change that, that us parents be more informed, it’s mission, what’s my role in this program is as parent.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 71 Wilder Research, December 2005 I really can’t think of anything. Things are going well.

I really don’t think there’s anything. It has changed a lot since I was in it in 1957-1968. I was an assistant Scout master for paperwork in the 1980’s.

I see lack of reverence, less thankful for what they have and do. They take too much for granted and don’t appreciate what they do get to do and get to see.

I think maybe the need to work two kids at a time – to earn badges. I think it would be better to be one child/one adult.

I think my son would still be in Scouting if there was a Scouting group that met at his school. I think that the Scouting often lives or dies with the school’s connection. When we transferred schools, he still could have gone to his old group, but the new school got out 15 minutes too late.

I think the leaders are new and not very organized. We never know when a meeting will happen.

I think they do a fine job.

I wish I just had more time to help out. They do a great job but need some help, sometimes.

I wish more people would be involved.

I wish the Scouts had a more clear understanding (younger) of the badges and why they’re doing them and where it will lead them.

I wish they had clearing messages in the Scouting manual. Sometimes directions aren’t clear.

I would allow girls in because the rest of the world does.

I would bring camping to the Cub Scouts and update the program to the 21st century and not use equipment from the 1950’s, leave it to beaver. I used the same stuff when I was 10 years old, 36 years ago.

I would change that we need MEN in a group. In our den all we have are all women. Where are the “men?”

I would change the amount of advertising it has. It is a positive program, and not that many boys seem to know about it. I would get the word out more, so more kids know about it and about its positive benefits.

I would change the rowdiness of the kids, they are not very respectful and nothing is ever said.

I would change their approach towards homosexuals. They should not have a national policy excluding homosexuals.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 72 Wilder Research, December 2005 I would change their fund-raising. There are better and easier ways to raise money for their Scouting. Instead of popcorn, it’s not a money making fundraiser, let’s sell beef jerky, or other “things.” No one sells popcorn here.

I would have to say, less of classroom activities, more of hands on nature stuff.

I would improve the leaders having more control and more adults at the meetings.

I would include more activities geared towards getting outside. Just to give them a little more of they got.

I would like a fishing outing in the summer.

I would like to see packets given out to the leaders at the beginning of the year, with more on how to runt things, for a little guidance.

I would like to see the adult volunteers get more recognition. I feel that watching the volunteers put a lot of time into Scouting and not get recognition, even from the parents of the Scouts.

I would like to see them do more activities during the summer.

I would love to see more parents involved.

I would make it more activity oriented instead of school work after school. We need to make it more exciting for kids their age. General activities for their age group.

I would not change one thing. They are really good.

I would probably have more outdoor camping activities.

I would take out the religion aspect of the program.

I would think that some of the costs are high – jamboree. Regulations are to stiff – full uniform.

I would try to get more kids involved. Most of his friends are doing other things/ programs and my son wants to join them.

I would try to impress upon them to be more strict with the younger kids.

I would try to improve everything except Scouting. When I went to Scouting – it was very different and now it’s not like the kids are not really interested in competition. They don’t have a lot of interest in any of this. Even based in outdoors, etc., maybe it needs to be updated. I’m done with it too.

I would, during the summer – have every other week, too hectic.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 73 Wilder Research, December 2005 I wouldn’t change any of it. It’s pretty much what I expected. No, it’s perfectly fine.

I wouldn’t change anything. (5 responses)

I wouldn’t have so many events, because it’s too busy. Too many events going on within a month.

I’m not sure (2 responses)

If the district council would use some of their money towards the camps and other activities to help those who have a hardship coming up with the money. We live in a small town/community and it’s hard to do fundraisers.

If they could get the kids to follow through so they learn the things they don’t usually learn at school.

If they have the funding – have top leaders go the different troops in the area – give suggestions and help.

Improve the image – people feel it’s outdated and useless in today’s society.

In my mind I like to see more structure, but then it can take away their learning, adventurers activities, so I guess I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s good.

In our troop we should have meetings every other week instead of every week. That makes it hard for all the kids attendance.

It depends, as a den leader parents try to use you as a baby-sitter, and I did not let them – more parent involvement. R decided not to say more on this one.

It works fine the way it is. We set-up, take down. Our Scout group is just fine.

It would be nice to have a few more boys in the pack. It would add to variety and build community.

It’s a great program already. See a few more volunteers. I don’t now. Expand.

It’s getting too expensive. Every time I turn around I’m being hit for money. At the banquet or field trip we pay for them, at the annual sign up we pay, the uniforms and books are too expensive, monthly dues. The Voyageurs Council is at the banquet that I paid for asking for money!

It’s new to me, never involved before. I can’t think of any complaints.

It’s still dominated by a WWI mentality. It dwells too much on outdoor activities/camping and has not kept up modern technology/equipment.

Leadership and leadership training.

Maybe finding merit badge counselors easier.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 74 Wilder Research, December 2005 Maybe to increase council sponsor activities during the school year.

More activities for little kids, council-wide, more camping experiences. Shouldn’t have the event where you have to have a dad to go, that’s unfair.

More camping trips.

More leadership training within the troop.

More opportunities for fathers to participate. Because of work and long hours the dads can’t participate as much.

More parental involvement. Because it’s always the same parents doing everything.

More parents involved. Communication, parents drop kids off, but you never see the parents. More help from parents.

More participation by more parents (3 responses).

More participation. Incentives to get kids involved.

No summer meetings – school year only – too much to do for a 7 year old. No fund-raising in first grade.

Not so much as regards to my son. It seems the leadership is all on one person signing and leading things and there are no alternates to this.

Nothing. (3 responses)

Nothing, I’m happy with the way the program is now (2 responses)

Overall, I think it’s a real good program. I can’t think of anything right now.

Pack leader. I don’t think he knew what he was doing or care about what was going on – no schedule, no information.

Paperwork before we go on trips. Insurance for tour permits. It’s nonsense, too much time.

Parent involvement, parents treated me as a babysitter – this is for parents to do with thief kids. Parents quit Scouting, not kids.

Parent volunteers – it’s very hard to find parents to fill positions to keep the pack going.

Probably the order of the Arrow Election process. It shouldn’t be based on popularity but on qualifications.

Retention of the webelos, once they’re done they get lost, we need to change the numbers to increase.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 75 Wilder Research, December 2005 Severely disorganized – meetings don’t start on time, etc.

The adult leaders try to encourage more participation, so we can have different parents leading. More parent involvement.

The adult politics in a troop. Training would have to be requirement not just recommended. Mandatory to be trained.

The communication and organization of it.

The formal or structure of it. I would change that they would not wear uniforms at all.

The funding (explorer post). People don’t contribute enough, etc.

The kids should do more volunteer stuff – road clean ups, etc. Summer activities.

The leader problems, his troop has been having with their particular – pack meetings are good – other people have had to step in.

The local pack meetings, it’s disorganized.

The organization in general, better leadership skills. People who want to do it/or run it, and have time to do it.

The organization of or between the council and the pack. It seems that one hand does not know what the other does.

Their stand on homosexuality. My son is too young to talk to him about.

There needs to be more communication. We never get the information on time from the Council office. On a timely fashion to plan for the activity.

There should be more help from the council.

There’s nothing I can think of, my husband is the one that would know.

There’s nothing I would change with the program, but trying to get more kids involved and parent involvement.

They should wear the uniforms more because I had to when I was young.

Things are good just the way they are. I wouldn’t change anything.

This is a hard question, everyone is different depending where you live. But I would say the advertisement, trying to recruit members/boys.

To ensure that there’s proper leadership in each group level. To assign kids in the correct age level.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 76 Wilder Research, December 2005 To have it last longer and extend the ages to participants.

To have overnight camping, not just day camp. The Girl Scouts do it during first grade. The Scouts should provide supervision, trained older Scouts can run the camps themselves.

Training for the leaders.

Try to recruit more boys into it. I think there are kids out there that don’t know how much fun it is.

We would like to be more active as parents, if we had the time.

Wouldn’t change anything. Maybe not such late hours.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 77 Wilder Research, December 2005 Responses to Question 5B: “If you could improve one thing about Scouting, what would that be and why?” Activities.

Being able to sit still when somebody else is talking.

Better equipment because in order to do an activity we need the proper equipment and sometimes it’s not available. The leadership is there.

Boy Scouts – because it sounds and feels like a cult. The uniforms, the oath makes me feel that I’m worshipping or glorifying Boy Scouts. Venturing – more people interested in it.

Boy Scouts longer meetings.

Camping. I would bring warmer clothes.

Certain kids’ attitudes – adults yelling at the meetings.

Community involvement. The programs need to advertise their program to get others involved.

Definitely improve communication to us about things that are going on or will be coming up. Sometimes you don’t get notices of things until too late so you cannot plan for things or participate. For example, you might not hear about a campout that is planned for the council or district until it is too late to plan and participate.

Every time we have a meeting – tying knots.

For me this was a problem in my troop. The kids were out of control. They were doing things like bullying, fighting, and swearing. More unity, teamwork.

For people to stop talking. The meetings are too long. My dad doesn’t like it.

Get more merit badges.

Getting the council more involved and to interact with our unit/troop.

Have more fun. Have an all pack camp out, more camping.

Having other people know what Scouting is so more people would be involved and see what I see in Scouting.

I can’t think of anything/don’t know/like the way it is now. (36 responses)

Maybe the camp food.

Give younger Scouts more control, more say over what happens in your troop.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 78 Wilder Research, December 2005 I’d like to merit badges with a group.

Playing games. Play more games because it’s fun.

I don’t really care about reading out of the book. I’d rather listen to someone instead.

I think that kids should get their parents involved in the activities, like camping, and the meetings.

I would change like for the scientist to be changed. Fun to make motor cars/ rides.

I would change sleeping all day. If we fall asleep we wouldn’t hear what we have to do.

I would change the boats to space ships when we have our regatta.

I would change the line forms – lining up with the groups at the beginning. I don’t like to line up.

I would change the organization, maybe if we had a portfolio to keep track of personal Scout things, like requirements, merit badges, etc.

I would do better at bowling.

I would do more art projects not just using the book and talking about things.

I would keep it the same way it is.

I would make rocket things.

I would put a higher standard on language being used. I’ve heard more bad language at Scouts than ever before.

I wouldn’t really improve anything. I think it is a good thing.

I’d say there’s nothing to improve.

If we could go biking for Tigers and the Bears. It gives you exercise. If you were on a trail in the woods you could see a lot of beautiful nature things.

In my troop the Scouts should be more active or take part in planning/organizing the trips instead of the parents telling us what, where, when we’re going to have an activity.

Increase the number/membership in my area. Promote the name or program.

It is pretty good as it is. No, it is good.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 79 Wilder Research, December 2005 It’s a hard question. I don’t know. It’s so fun. It’s so new. I have not been in it long enough to want to change anything.

Kind of have longer meetings and do more stuff.

Length of meeting, just a little shorter.

Make different rules for the games.

Maybe everyone could start weaving their uniforms.

Maybe in my troop the leadership patrol can be more organized towards the other boys.

Maybe more camps.

Meetings, join together and do games.

More camping trips, to get more kids to join the Scouts.

More leniency in earning merit badges because some are too difficult for younger Scouts.

More of going into the woods and camping.

More responsibility for me.

My derby cars. I’m going to put new fenders.

Never always ask for snacks. I don’t know what I would change. Nothing.

Nothing. (30 responses)

Not playing duck, duck, goose.

Organization in our troop, the scribe and quarter masters are not always on task and the Scout master does nothing about it.

Probably change to add something new. To have new kids.

Probably more baseball because it’s my favorite.

Probably more responsibility for us. They don’t treat us according to our age, some helpers or Scout leaders treat us like little kids still.

Probably the Scout requirements aren’t as strict or intense as Venture Crew. And I think they should be to prepare the Scouts.

Some of the activities like drawing. I don’t like to draw. I like the outdoors.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 80 Wilder Research, December 2005 Some of the camps we go on for the younger kids. They’re pretty excluded so if the young Scouts get home sick the camps can be emotionally distant for young Scouts from their families.

Some people aren’t always enthusiastic about doing things and those things don’t get done.

Take away some of the citizenship badges. They’re really hard.

The leader because he’s boring and re-teaches or re-trainings the material over and over and feel that he should use more new stuff for us to learn.

The new leader should have been interviewed before we hired him. Hater he got in power seemed to go to his head.

The organization of my team. It’s too loose and unorganized. They need more structure.

The projects and some meetings, schedule at different time – only Monday.

The restrictions of some of the things the older kids can do. Change to less restrict for the older kids.

The schedule. I couldn’t make a lot of stuff because of the schedule.

There’s stuff that’s hard to do like the knot thing.

This one kid is really mean to me I wish he would be nice because I have never done anything to him.

To get out and do more outdoor activities.

To learn new and different activities, whittling chip to use a knife and learning how to tie different knots.

Training for adults. Training in general. Changing it to be all classroom training and that’s stupid way to train somebody for this. The training should be hands on training and interactive.

Venturing – age limit raised to 18.

We should have big meetings with all the packs or join them together.

Well the amount of camping camps. Me and all the other kids want to go more often.

Well up here we should have the meetings at people’s houses instead of at the schools.

Where we go to camp. Let the troop decide.

Working together to make more friends.

Would not change anything. (2 responses)

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 81 Wilder Research, December 2005 Your knots and lashing to do it quicker and easier.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 82 Wilder Research, December 2005 Scout survey: open-ended responses

Responses to Question 5A: “What is one thing about Scouting you like best?” The camp outs.

Going on camp outs and being with my friends.

Camping (10 responses)

Actually hanging out with my friends and having a good time.

Camping trips and different trips. Hmmm, let’s see wilderness trips, canoeing, I’d say the camping trips are the best.

My leader because he is a really nice guy and we get along.

The learning I get from merit badges.

Probably just the times like at camp when I can just hang out with friends when there is nothing pressing going on.

Getting to go on trips – Boy Scout summer camp.

Camping trips, being with other people.

Camping. I look forward to it every year. The camping, back pack trip to the Boundary Waters.

Camping – going on canoe trips, fishing, and just hanging with the guys.

Camping and other outdoor activities.

Going outdoors – camping.

Probably going to camps.

Summer camp, the chance to be alone and outdoors with a bunch of friends.

I like that I can learn different things. I want to be a lawyer – taken classes in Scouting about the law.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Being outside and seeing nature, getting fresh air, and stuff.

I like the advanced things and helping other people learn and do things.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 83 Wilder Research, December 2005 The activities, canoeing, bike riding, and other outdoor activities.

I like the fact that the program teaches you and helps you learn about certain topics and develops a respectful and knowledgeable person.

Being around my friends.

The camping. The trips like to Miami.

Going out on camp outs with other Scouts.

Going on the outdoor trips especially the fishing trips.

Usually trying new things. Archery.

The people who are in it. They are almost like family.

Camping – Philmount, a campout with my old troop. Road trip.

Meeting new people. Ton’s of cool people and being outdoors.

Getting merit badges.

Understanding a lot of stuff – nature, people, and things around you.

Doing sports. Riding the bikes.

Where we make things. Turn something in to something. A pop bottle into a bird feeder.

Pinewood Derby (I got 2nd race in all six races.)

Activities, to play marbles.

Projects.

To learn stuff. How to do things, like folding the flag. What to do when someone’s hurt or in shock.

Probably going through trails.

So far the Pinewood Derby car.

The activities. I built a ship.

Webelos Action camp.

Coloring the pictures when working for a badge.

I like learning about the maple syrup. Playing with my friends, hockey, and football.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 84 Wilder Research, December 2005 Making snow sculptures.

Get to go on trips to the governor’s fishing opener.

Racing Pinewood Derby cars.

Doing projects – birdfeeder.

Activities, Pinewood Derby.

Doing an obstacle course and following the directions. Doing this before advancing from one troop to the other.

The camps. The day camps.

Teamwork when we have to do something with a group or partner. We made a flag.

The Pinewood Derby.

They make projects inside or outside.

When we do fun outdoor activities.

Doing all the activities.

A lot of friends. Do activities with them outside and inside stuff.

Probably going to different camps. To go to the Webelos action camps.

All the activities, building rockets.

Building stuff. Bird house.

I like going places like the science center.

I really liked the Klondike Derby, build snow fort.

Some of the activities, archery, outdoorsman.

Playing the games. The plays (acting).

Helping other Scouts get their project done.

Making arts stuff and crafts.

Playing games.

Going to different camps and doing all kinds of stuff. Webelos Action camp.

Doing the pledge and learning all the stuff you have to know.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 85 Wilder Research, December 2005 Fun games.

When we did archery.

Probably all the activities, roller skating, I think is what I like the best.

Seeing friends there.

When we make stuff like paper frogs.

Being outdoors with my friends. One night camp.

I like doing Scout activities with my other Scouting friends. It’s really fun.

Being with my friends.

Playing games, croquet, volleyball, Pinewood Derby.

The rocket launching.

That we get to play games. Water balloon catch – sometimes you get wet.

Probably the scavenger hunts to find trash and stuff.

I like to go and have a lot of fun.

The campouts and awards. Two campouts. Awards haven’t won yet.

Going to fun places. I don’t know, probably going to the planetarium, camping and bowling were fun too.

Going on the trips. The haunted ship.

Pinewood Derby races.

Activities they do. Archery.

I like it when we go outside and find frogs.

Probably the hiking kind of stuff.

Doing all the different day camps and trips.

The outdoor activities.

Making hand-crafts like the napkin holders.

Cooking.

Actually get to do something instead of staying at home.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 86 Wilder Research, December 2005 Getting all the prizes from the ticket on the table.

Having fun – going to camp.

Crafts probably but I like the outdoor activities.

Sing a song before announcements.

Probably doing the trash pickup.

Camping. I get to go fishing.

Like being with my friends and having fun. Camping trip.

Probably the Pinewood Derby race.

The making stuff – tank, made a tank or going on field trips.

The camps.

You go to camps and it’s a lot of fun.

The team effort.

Going camping.

Going on trips like Valley Fair and other places.

The Den meetings.

Derby cars.

The bottle rockets. I like filling the bottles with water and then you shoot them through a compressor at National Guards.

Maybe snow shoeing.

Doing things together, learn from it. Outdoor cooking.

Probably the outdoor activities.

At school I try to look my best and I think Scouting has helped me that way – presentable and look good on my resume.

Just going on outings, trips, camping, etc.

I like working with people and being in leadership positions. I guess all the leadership I have learned.

Opportunities it provides on how to do things. Leadership skills.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 87 Wilder Research, December 2005 I really like the involvement with each other and parents with kids.

Meeting new people. I am the only one from my town in that group. I am a friendly outgoing person and talkative.

I like doing outdoor things with a group. Before I had to do outdoor activities by myself now I can do it with my Scouting group.

The High Adventure activities, caving, kayaking, dog sledding, rafting.

Camping. I fell in love with the outdoors. It’s so peaceful.

Getting outdoors and spending time with my friends.

Higher adventure, more bigger and exciting trips than those in Boy Scouts. Went to Tennessee.

Going camping, never have done that before.

Camping and trips. Jamborees.

Going on trips with my troop not the big camps but just my troop to hang out with my friends which [is] different than going camping with my family.

I like working as a team member.

Getting a general overview and the appreciation of what a police officer does and their commitment to their jobs.

Be around other people that have the same interest as myself. Having the different opportunities like camping and other outdoor activities.

Meeting new people with the same interest.

The stuff we learn, teamwork, I would say. Fun being around the same age group of people.

I don’t know. Probably being able to work with other people. If we were given a task or activity,

Just the fact that boys get together to learn new things.

It is a chance for me to get out of the house rather than just sitting around watching TV. It is a chance to do things with other kids that I enjoy being with.

Post competition situations of street activities based on situations in the real world.

I love the pine derby cars. I love making things.

Learning and appreciating of what cops do and what they do for us.

The ability to be in leadership position and take charge of what you’re in and doing.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 88 Wilder Research, December 2005 Getting out and learning do what older adults do/work in real life.

Just being able to be with my friends doing that they want to do.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 89 Wilder Research, December 2005 Leader survey: open-ended responses

Responses to Question 6: “What do you like best about being a Scouting volunteer?” Enjoy the youth, sense of contributing.

The development of young men and the program allows “natural” activities to be used while developing strong character.

Enjoy working with youth and watching them learn and develop new skills.

Working with the boys and their families.

Seeing the boys grow in their abilities and have fun within the troop.

Watching the kids grow and being happy and learning new things.

Watching the kids learn and improve in the skill taught.

Ability to positively and effectively have a positive impact on youth.

Friendships made with other adults. Camping with the boys. Watching the boys grow and mature and learn new skills.

Working with the boys.

Boy driven activities that the boy wants to see and do.

It has been a tremendous experience. I truly loved working with our local youth in developing personal skills. The joy came from the look on their faces as you could see their self sense of discovery.

Share a common goal.

The availability of the program as a primary outlet for youth.

Teaching skills and watching young boys develop into young men.

Being able to have a chance to work with the boys and helping them to become better citizens and people overall.

Watching the boys grow mentally and physically. Watching them challenge themselves to take on responsibility and leadership roles. High adventure trips.

The kids are great!

Enjoy seeing the good effects Scouting has on boys and how they grow up.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 90 Wilder Research, December 2005 Watching the Scouts evolve from Scouts up the rungs towards Eagle. It is interesting – the programs they make also working with the parents. We have a lot of great ones.

Working with youth, watching their growth and maturity.

The involvement with youth as they grow in leadership, skills, and social participation.

Helping the kids become better people.

It gives me greater opportunities to interact with my sons and the other members of the troop. I especially enjoyed seeing my sons and the other boys grow in their leadership abilities and other Scouting skills.

Working with the kids.

I like to see our post leaders taking pride in the post. Our post has changed dramatically in the past three years. Much credit for the improvement goes to our command staff kids.

Watching the boys evolve into honorable young men.

Working with the boys.

I enjoy organizing things. I also enjoy organizing functions for the kids and watch them have a good time.

Helping the boys to become good citizens and having fun with other adult leaders.

Have a special account to give packs that get new leaders a free Cub Scout book for the program that they are leading in. Example: Bear Leader gets a free Bear book.

Teaching the boys survival skills and in hope they remember them always and seeing the boys grow mentally into young adults.

Seeing the kids have fun in a safe environment with other kids. Being able to help the boys learn and see new things that wouldn’t have been able to do without joining Scouting.

Helping to expose youth to new things and places.

The activities and working with the boys.

Helping the boys learn new skills.

All the fun we have camping, canoeing, etc.

Being able to spend time with the boys. Keeping them off the street, teaching them skills of between right and wrong.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 91 Wilder Research, December 2005 Providing new skills to youth through badge work/demonstration by examples/ camping/team activities.

Interacting with Scouts especially during activities.

I like planning activities for our den meetings and I like seeing the boys enjoy doing the activities.

Leadership means following too. Scouting does this for all levels.

Working with the Scouts.

Satisfaction of keeping teenagers on the right track.

I learn from each boy.

Involvement is youth activities.

Helping the young boys on their road to maturity.

I enjoy the handbook but liked the fires, visit with Wildlife Bio.

Seeing young Scouts gain in confidence and abilities. Helping in development of leadership and citizenship quantities.

I can be a positive role model for my son.

Being able to provide a good program for the boys that will be the future leaders of our country.

To interact with the boys and most of all to teach them respect for our great national treasure – the great outdoors.

Working with the kids. Helping them improve their skills and self esteem.

No response. (4 respondents)

Responses to Question 7: “If you could improve one thing about the Voyageurs Area Council Scouting program, what would that be?” Assisting units in solving internal conflicts among leadership personnel, sponsors, and parents.

Attempt to attend local pack meetings to encourage more parental support and help in leadership roles.

Call on new leaders more to see if they need assistance.

Communication between the council and our pack. We need more help and within our pack.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 92 Wilder Research, December 2005 Communication.

Cut down the amount of paper information. Otherwise, doing a good job.

Don’t keep boys on our roster who quit Scouting.

Get the board more visible and with greater connection to programs.

Getting more Webelos to cross over into Scouts. We lose a lot of them in 5th grade before they ever get that far.

Helps on how to get parents involved in positive ways and control of participant costs (summer camp).

I feel that no improvement is needed.

I feel that North Border District is ignored. I don’t see real council involvement/ directions.

I would like more explanation about the Webelos program. I read through the book, but it is a bit complex and will take more time to completely understand.

I would like to see more opportunities for troops and packs to get together to interact in community activities other than just camporees and other annual get- togethers.

I would like to see the council encourage our police department chief and command staff to give more support to our post.

Improve support shown by department for Explorers program. Have clear and open communication with administration.

Increase adult awareness of the importance of training.

Increase efficiency of communication especially earlier notification of activities.

Infrastructure sponsoring units. With local schools closing/consolidating a new model structure for stable support of units is needed.

More camping places and I would like to have more training activities closer to all units not just up north zone in Pine county.

More consistent support.

More support from the council to the units. I don’t hear from the council unless they have an issue to deal with.

Not sure. Haven’t been involved long enough to make a judgment on that.

Nothing at this point.

Program focus.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 93 Wilder Research, December 2005 Provide more district/council activities.

The council and pack did a great job providing opportunities, functions, etc. My frustration was with individual parents treating me like a daycare provider and not stepping up to be involved in their sons’ activities.

The council to me is for the council. Scouting is for the boys plain and simple. All fund raisers should go 100% to the boys. Scouting will be a dying breed if things don’t change.

The planning skills of district leaders.

There are plenty of program activities throughout the year. Camporees, Webelos camp, merit badge camp, summer camp, through adventure outings, etc. Sometimes it almost seemed too much for the troop to prepare for some or all of these activities leaving too little time for only troop sponsored activities.

There’s no way we could possibly get everything done. I work too much and so do the other parents. Popcorn Deal: Don’t hand out (or give in 1st place) information regarding scuba diving, prizes, etc. unless you indent to make good on those promises.

To find a better way to get parents involved in Scouting.

What I would want to change would be at the national level. Policy on Homosexuals, women, i.e.: Just let them all in. I would also like to see the outdated and uncomfortable uniforms changed along with some of the other outdated things in Scouts, at the same time bringing Scouting back to its roots.

You guys (and gals) are doing a great job. Keep it up.

No response given by 21 respondents.

Voyageurs Area Council Boy Scouts of America 94 Wilder Research, December 2005