Scouts Canada Reveals Concerning Survey Results on the Future Readiness of Canadian Kids
OTTAWA, ON – December 6, 2024 – This holiday season, Scouts Canada, the country's leading co-ed youth organization, is calling on parents to empower kids aged 10–21 with the soft skills they need to thrive in life. Through hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities, and mentorship, Scouts Canada believes kids can unlock their full potential and rise to every challenge.
“No one should ever be counting out the potential of Canadian kids,” says Kathryn Ashby, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for Scouts Canada. “While the challenges of COVID and an increasingly digital world have left their mark, this generation’s resilience and potential are undeniable. They just need the right opportunities to thrive.”
Survey Says: Are Canadian Kids Ready for the Future?
Scouts Canada’s survey of 1,000 Canadians uncovered some eye-opening insights into how Canadians view the future readiness of today’s youth. Here are the highlights:
- 34.3% of Canadians lack confidence that kids aged 10–21 will be able to get jobs and thrive as adults.
- A significant 91.2% are concerned that these kids are missing essential 'soft skills.'
- The most needed skills include: stress management, problem-solving, etiquette, and even the ability to say "thank you."
- Canadians identified the biggest dangers to kids today as social media (39.3%), followed by excessive screen time (25%) and peer pressure (16.2%).
- 94.7% of Canadians believe the challenges of COVID have left kids at a developmental disadvantage.
Helping Kids Thrive: The Scouts Canada Solution
The survey also pointed to solutions. Canadians believe that kids need more:
- In-person social experiences (31.6%)
- Opportunities to lead and problem-solve (19.8%)
- Parenting approaches that let kids solve their own conflicts (29.2%)
That’s where Scouts Canada shines. With programs designed to nurture leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork, Scouts equips kids with the tools they need to confidently tackle life’s challenges while having fun outdoors and building lifelong friendships.
Give the Gift of Skills This Holiday Season
Scouts Canada offers kids aged 5–25 the chance to grow, learn, and thrive through hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and community contributions. At just $270/year, membership provides access to experiences that develop resilience, creativity, and life skills.
“Canadian parents already know that kids need exposure to leadership opportunities, mentorship, and camaraderie,” adds Ashby. “That’s why Scouts Canada continues to grow, helping young people across the country build a brighter future for themselves.”
Join the Movement
If you know someone who could benefit from the skills and experiences Scouts Canada offers, share this with them. Give the gift of confidence, resilience, and growth this holiday season.
Registrations for the 2025 Scouting year are now open at myscouts.ca/ca/join. Programs run from January 1 to December 31, 2025, offering a year filled with adventures and personal growth.
This holiday season, let’s empower kids with the skills they need to thrive—not just survive.
