As someone who earned the rank of Eagle Scout, Declan Birmingham always credits his parents for introducing him to the Boy Scouts. The lessons learned along the way to becoming an Eagle Scout set Declan Birmingham on a course for success. While only a small percentage of scouts stay within the organization long enough to reach the highest rank, Declan Birmingham believes every scout benefits from their time in a troop. Whether it be for a year or the better part of a decade.
Declan Birmingham on Why Kids Benefit from Joining The Scouts
Scouting programs have been helping children for more than 100 years. At its core, the Scouts are designed to teach essential life skills and instill values that reflect Scout Law. These values have remained relevant since they were established back in 1910. Declan Birmingham credits his early years in the Scouts for improving his social skills, academic prowess, and self-confidence.
Under the guidance of a troop leader, a scout is given everything they need to earn multiple badges and move up the ranks. Each badge is a self-confidence booster. Declan Birmingham also credits the Scouts for providing him with a passion for learning new things. Because so many elements of the world are introduced to Scouts, kids start to look forward to trying new things.
Every scout learns to prioritize being of service to those in need. Many of the lessons associated with the scouts, especially early on, emphasize the importance of community. Declan Birmingham learned at a young age that his actions could either help his community or hurt it. Understanding how one’s actions can impact others is a life lesson that all members of our youth can benefit from. Gaining a deeper appreciation for community service also sets a person up for a lifetime of volunteer work.
Being a kid in the digital world is no easy thing. With access to a world of information – and misinformation – it is imperative that kids have a strong foundation. Almost every child will face peer pressure either in-person or online. The scouts build up a young person’s self-esteem, so they become people who take personal responsibility for their actions. When difficult decisions have to be made, scouts have the tools they need to resist peer pressure and make smart decisions.
Kids growing up in the Scouts benefit from six main Scouting principles:
- Mentoring
- Lifelong Learning
- Faith Traditions
- Serving Others
- Healthy Living
- Character Building
Declan Birmingham credits his former scout leaders for being some of the best role models he could have asked for. Kids need positive adult figures in their life. As Declan Birmingham progressed through the ranks, he gained a greater appreciation for the constructive criticism of his Scout leaders. Understanding that parents want complete transparency regarding the adult figures in their children’s lives, the Scouts have taken many steps to ensure all adult leaders are properly vetted and trained before they interact with the children.
Scouts are taught from an early age to remain curious and prioritize learning. Scouting offers a platform for discovering, acquiring, and applying different skills. As someone who learned how rewarding it was to acquire new talents, Declan Birmingham has always loved to learn new things. This is a gift that the Scouts provided.
Ultimately, Declan Birmingham believes the biggest reason parents should introduce their kids to the Scouts is the sense of community the Scouts provide a younger person. Not only does each member become a part of a troop, they also gain a sense of their impact in the community. Everyone gathers skills that will not only benefit their own lives but enrich the lives of others. Declan Birmingham’s fondest memories involve projects that directly impacted the lives of fellow citizens. Being a force for good is one the fundamental rules of being a Scout. Being a part of a positive community in your younger years is a great way to mold healthy relationships with others, which is a skill that benefits scouts for a lifetime.