How does it help?

Seeing it is New Year and I'm wrapped up by the gas fire we might look really what this thing really is about beyond it's history and founder.

That is a simple summary of what it can do not least for those in their teens who often are bewildered by a seemingly endless set of choices, potential distractions and where peer pressure can replace careful thought and reflection in these matters.

Any notion of children being "chattle" has long gone socially and legally so you cannot "make" any child take any path be it to follow a cause, get involved in a specific interest or just do whatever as a parent or aunt or uncle you did.

Providing an opportunity to explore options, come up with a workable plan with support while they learn to take more responsibility for directing their own progress working towards achievements, badges and above all the confidence to take on challenges is what in scouting we can offer.

It's certainly possible to progress to poistions of real leadership in scouts but so much of what you do does translate well into things like seeing a course of academic or vocational training through or showing the kind of interest that helps secure a job.

That's why Scouts matters.

mm