Resilience enables people to thrive and take on all that life has to offer, including the inevitable challenges. It’s about knowing our strengths and calling on them when needed.

Scouts empower young people to make decisions, take the lead and learn by doing, giving them a safe space where they can work with others to plan and embark on their own adventures, indoors and out. By building resilience in young people, Scouts are empowering them to be able to learn from their mistakes and to understand that failing is okay – it’s an integral part of the learning journey.

In 2019, Scouts Australia partnered with Resilient Youth Australia to explore the impact of Scouting on young Australians. Youth members across the country participated in the Resilience Survey, and after months of analysis, the results are in, and they show what Scouts, parents and Leaders see every day as youth members grow towards their potential.

It’s official – Scouting and resilience go hand in hand; and the data proves it.

What is the Resilience Survey?

The Resilience Survey, developed in partnership with the UniSA Justice and Society at the University of South Australia benchmarked the responses of young people aged 8-18 who attend Scouts with those around the country who do not, pointing to the positive impact of Scouting.

It asked Scouts 75 multiple choice questions on a range of areas including their strengths, life satisfaction, hopefulness, coping style, mental health and risk and protective behaviours.

Through the Resilience Survey there is now concrete proof that participating in Scouting gives young Australians the unique tools to thrive and take on all that life has to offer.