In a recent National Household Education Surveys Program study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, nearly two-thirds of parents listed either concern about school environments or a desire to provide religious or moral instruction as their primary reason for home schooling.

Scouting's Educational Programs

Cub Scouting activities involve the parents, adult leaders, and friends of the Cub Scouts in home-centered programs that teach life skills, habits, values, and positive attitudes. Cub Scout activities encourage character development, physical coordination, family unity, and enthusiasm for learning.

Boy Scouting encourages boys to develop physical, mental, and emotional fitness and to adopt and live by meaningful personal standards as a cornerstone for success in life. The values include the basic principles in the Scout Oath and Law. Activities include fitness and leadership training, wilderness adventures, and merit badge incentives for boys mastering hobby and career skills.

Venturing is an effective coed young adult program designed to improve character, citizenship, and fitness. Venturing offers a variety of challenging activities to teach real-world meaning of values, ethical decision making, and life skills. It teaches leadership and problem-solving skills to help youth mature into confident, successful young adults. Venturing crews organize around a special vocation or interest of the group.

Benefits of Scouting to Home Schooling

Provides a resource and support system for home schooling.
Incorporates small group interaction with hands-on learning approaches.
Encourages creativity and critical thinking.
Provides many exciting introductions to curriculum that can match the youth's abilities and learning styles.
Promotes real-world experiences.
Enriches the family.
Provides a fun learning atmosphere.
Provides service learning opportunities.
Provides socialization opportunities with people of varied age groups.
Scouting experiences are welcomed at colleges and universities.

Boy Scout Skills As They Relate to Sample Math Curriculum

Merit Badge Name	Requirement As It Relates to Math Curriculum
Citizenship in the Community	Study the local government budget.
Computers	Learn about programs.
Computers	Show how different things can be stored in computers.
Dog Care	Tell how much it costs to care for a dog for two months.
Electricity	Read an electric meter and figure out the bill.
Orienteering	Learn how to determine distances.
Personal Management	Discuss a financial goal with your family.
Personal Management	Prepare a personal budget.
Personal Management	Plan a personal financial goal or a spending/savings plan for living on your own.
Personal Management	Comparison shop for an item you want.
Railroading	Learn how to plan a trip using a train timetable.
Salesmanship	Keep track of money earned from a benefit or for yourself.
Surveying	Measure out a plot of land.
Surveying	Determine elevation.

More Information

For more information on Scouting support of Home Schooling, contact your Boy Scout council listed in the white pages under Boy Scouts of America.