March 15, 1999
by MaryAnn Gardner

AIS - The Adults in Scouting Survey - First Report

Plus - Twenty Tips for Adults New To Scouting
(And Twenty More)

SCOUTER's Adults in Scouting Survey (AIS) came about from the many questions we receive from parents who are new to Scouting, or those who find themselves in a Leadership position for the first time. Since we believe no one can tell it like it is, better than those who have lived it, we asked you, the Scouting Community here at SCOUTER, to help.

Your response to AIS has been great. New parents and Leaders should find support and encouragement from your words. If they follow my continuing reports on this survey, they will discover that they are not alone - in their opinions, in their feelings about Scouting, in their reasons for becoming involved in the first place.

The man who was "volunteered" by his wife to be Cubmaster, the woman who decided to become a Den Leader so her son would have a Den, the Eagle Scout who wants to return some of the good he received - will each find someone, among our AIS respondents, who experienced the same thing.

As you read the tips from these Scouters, remember they are seasoned Scouters. Among the current AIS participants:

  • There is an average 11 years of adult volunteer service to Scouting.
  • 35% are Eagle Scouts.
  • 88% belonged to a Scouting Unit as a youth.
  • 9% are Girl Scout Leaders
  • 100% said Scouting was worth their time and effort.
  • 41% said they began their service in a Troop.
  • 58% said they began their service in a Pack.

Responses are grouped according to the question asked. The Leader being quoted is identified by Name or Initials (if available) and # years as a Scouter. Eagle Scouts are so designated.

For example: M. Smith - 10yrs, Eagle Scout

We asked: What advice would you give to new Scout parents and new Scout Leaders? So, if you are new to Scouting and feeling a bit overwhelmed, try reading what today's Leaders have to say in Twenty Tips for Adults New To Scouting & Twenty More Tips

Soon to Come: Watch for these Reports as Scouters Share:

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The AIS survey is ongoing.
Please Participate.

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