Eagle Scouts:
A Legacy of Values-Based Leadership and Service
Through the Scouting program, Eagle Scouts build character and lifelong strengths that set them apart. To better understand these advantages, Scouting America partnered with The Harris Poll to survey thousands of adults and study how Eagle Scouts compare to people who have not participated in Scouting. Here is what the results of that research show.
01
Well-Being & Outlook on Life
Many people today feel anxious or lonely. Eagle Scouts feel happier and more hopeful than peers who were never Scouts.
[The best thing I got out of Scouting was] a sense of self-worth. The ability to set and accomplish goals. Belonging to something that is worthwhile and bigger than myself.
How They Feel Day to Day
↑ More Positive FEELINGS
Enjoyment
+18%
Gratitude
+11%
Sense of Purpose
+18%
↓ Fewer Negative FEELINGS
Loneliness
-12%
Sadness
-9%
Fear
-10%
0
%
Eagle Scouts are happier with who they are today.
vs 82% Non-Scouts
How They Feel About the Future
Optimistic About the Future
Eagles
Non-Scouts
Satisfaction With Different Parts of Life
02
Health & Activities
Scouting encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle. Eagle Scouts tend to choose healthier activities.
"[The best thing I got out of Scouting was] care for the community and understanding that making an impact by myself can have a ripple effect on those
around me."
0
%
EAGLE SCOUTS SET PERSONAL HEALTH GOALS
vs 58% Non-Scouts
Everyday Healthy Habits
Time Spent Outdoors
Healthier Choices
Less screen time
69%
vs 85% Non-Scouts
🖥️ Watch TV Daily
Less likely to drink
17%
vs 23% Non-Scouts
🍺️ Drink Alcohol
Far less likely to smoke
3%
vs 25% Non-Scouts
🚭 Smoke Cigarettes
03
Leadership & Civic engagement
Scouting teaches young people to step up and speak out. As adults, Eagle Scouts are far more likely to lead at work and in their communities.
[The best thing I got out of Scouting was] a sense both that the world is a big, diverse, awesome, scary place and that I, both alone and in leading others, can make a positive impact in it for the good of my family, my country, and all of humanity.
Leadership Behaviors & Community Involvement
Leaders at Work
0
%
vs 31% Non Scouts
More than 2× as likely to be the boss
Leaders in the Community
0
%
vs 11% Non Scouts
More than 3× as likely to lead locally
Caring For The Environment
Repairs Instead of Replacing
+22%
Picks Up Trash
+20%
Limits Plastic Use
+17%
04
Character & Values
Eagle Scouts live by strong personal values. They are more likely to be trustworthy, helpful, and willing to do the right thing.
"I think the best thing I learned is that helping others is most important, and when you help others, that kindness will eventually be returned to you.”
Core Character Traits
Trustworthiness
+21%
Loyalty
+16%
Helpfulness
+23%
Kindness
+12%
Hard Work
+19%
Courteousness
+34%
Strong Values
Scouting helps young people build habits of doing what’s right, even when no one is watching.
Always Does What's Right
Eagles
Non-Scouts
Accepts Consequences
Eagles
Non-Scouts
Leads by Example
Eagles
Non-Scouts
Considers Others First
Eagles
Non-Scouts
Willing to Help & Speak Up
Willing to Serve Their Country
81%
vs 71% Non Socuts
+10% difference
helps strangers in need
98%
vs 94% Non Scouts
+4% difference
speaks up for what they believe
91%
vs 63% Non Scouts
+28% difference
steps in to stop bullying
98%
vs 89% Non Scouts
+9% difference
calls out harmful behavior
89%
vs 77% Non Scouts
+12% difference
What the Study Found
Four areas. One clear pattern.
Well-Being
Happier and more hopeful
Health
Active, healthier choices
Leadership
2–3× more likely to lead
Character
Stronger values, daily
View the full Eagle Scout Study Report Here
Study commissioned by Scouting America · Conducted by The Harris Poll
