Why Diversity Matters in Scouting
Scouting has always been about preparing young people for life—teaching values like trustworthiness, bravery, and kindness. But in today’s world, preparing young people also means helping them understand and appreciate the many different people, cultures, and backgrounds that make up their communities. That’s where diversity in Scouting becomes so important.
A Place for Everyone
Every Scout should feel like they belong. Whether you’re from a big city or a rural town, whether your family has deep Scouting roots or you’re brand new to it, Scouting is stronger when it’s open to everyone. That means making sure all youth—regardless of race, gender, ability, religion, or background—feel welcome and included in every activity, every pack, and every troop.
When Scouts learn and grow alongside people who are different from them, they develop empathy, respect, and understanding—qualities that help them become better friends, leaders, and citizens.
Learning Life Skills for a Global World
In the real world, we work, live, and lead alongside people from all walks of life. Scouting helps young people gain the tools they need to succeed by teaching them how to work together, solve problems, and lead diverse teams. From sharing stories around the campfire to working side by side on a service project, Scouts learn that differences are not obstacles—they’re strengths.
Scouting is for Every Family
Diversity doesn’t just benefit Scouts—it enriches the entire Scouting experience for leaders, volunteers, and families. When people from different backgrounds come together, we build stronger, more vibrant communities. We share ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow together.
At its heart, Scouting is about building a better world. And we can’t do that unless we build it together.
Let’s keep working to make Scouting a place where every child can explore, belong, and thrive. Because when every Scout is welcome, every Scout wins.
