Losing Interest in Scouting? Scouting activities are planned to appeal to a
broad range of interests while meeting the goals of the program. Despite
this, there are many reasons why youth say they lose interest in Scouting:
“It’s no fun” or “It’s boring” or “It’s too hard”. There may be a conflict of
personality with others in the unit or a Scout might feel their unit is too competitive.
Whatever the reason given, there are as many good reasons for staying
in Scouting.
Certainly, real problems do occur, and if your child does not feel safe in this
environment, this needs to be addressed. But, if their interest simply begins
to wane, it’s important to remember that you and your child are on a path in
Scouting together, and any road to achievement and reward will have its ups
and downs.
You have great influence over making Scouting a successful experience for
your child— especially in Cub Scouting—but you’re not in Scouting alone.
If you sense your child is beginning to lose interest, talk with him or her to
find out likes and dislikes about Scouting. Talk with the unit leader and other
parents to see what they’ve experienced in this situation. Your situation
may be isolated or you may find that it’s time to review the unit’s program
and give it a boost. Whatever the outcome, it’s no coincidence that the units
that deliver the best programs are those that get the most support from parents
working together.