Time, money spent on youth development are good investments
Fall is a hectic time for most New Jersey families that are getting ready for the start of another school year. For families on a budget, finding the time and money to provide school supplies and enriching after-school opportunities is a battle.
Some parents feel like taxi-drivers, chauffeuring children from one activity to another. Others worry about “overbooking” their children with activities. Despite the time and money commitments, out-of-school time programs are very important for a child’s healthy development. Children, who are well-rounded, should participate in programs that foster their love of adventure, enhance their problem-solving skills, and give them the chance to develop their social and emotional skills.
School is essential for children to gain the life skills they need, but we all know that it is not the sole responsibility of a school district to educate a child and ensure that they are developing academically, socially and emotionally. We all have a part to play in developing our future leaders.
When you are deciding on what you and your children will be doing this school year, consider joining some youth development programs that will offer new and exciting experiences and make a difference in the lives of children. You will be surprised at the benefits for both you and your children.
Girl Scouts conducted its own research on the benefits of youth development programming. In a pulse poll this summer, 97 percent of parents say Girl Scouts has been a positive activity for their daughter; 95 percent of parents say their daughter has made more friends because of Girl Scouts and 89 percent of parents say their daughter is happier. In addition, parents found their daughters were offered new experiences and were able to try something new, felt special and important, felt more confident, and were not as shy — all because of Girl Scouting.
The benefits did not stop with the girls. The poll also found that 94 percent of adult volunteers made new friends in Girl Scouting; 92 percent felt they learned or shared something new; 88 percent believed their lives were better because of their involvement; and nearly two-thirds of Girl Scout volunteers believe that their volunteer experience has helped them professionally.
In addition to the benefits, the pulse poll also looked at the cost of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and the types of experiences girls receive. In comparison, 89 percent of parents felt their daughter received a greater variety of experiences from Girl Scouts than other extracurricular activities and the majority of parents felt that Girl Scouts was a great value for the money.
All youth development organizations offer a great service to our children. Unfortunately, the lack of adult volunteers jeopardizes many program offerings. In Girl Scouts, there are girls in every community who want to join Girl Scouts, but are still waiting for a caring adult to agree to mentor them.
As parents and members of the community, we owe it to our next generation to provide opportunities for them to explore, grow and learn — in a supportive and nurturing environment. As summer comes to a close and the new school year begins, take some time to investigate some of these opportunities for both children and adults. The time and money invested in youth development programs are well worth it.
By Betty A. Garger
President/CEO
Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey