Arizona youth need to get back to basics; how we can get them there

Andy Price

Submitted photo

At the heart of it all are volunteers — parents, neighbors and mentors — who give their time to make these adventures possible. They’re the quiet heroes making sure every young person has a safe, supportive and inspiring place to grow.”

Today’s kids are growing up in a world full of screens that’s short on real-life connection. Too much time online and not enough time outdoors is leaving many young people struggling with confidence, leadership and basic face-to-face skills. Parents and teachers see it every day. 

The solution doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the best answer is to get back to basics. For thousands of families across Arizona, Scouting has been that reset button; giving kids a chance to unplug, get outdoors and grow into the kind of leaders our communities need. 

When most people think of Scouting, they picture campfires and merit badges. Those are part of the fun, but the real power goes much deeper. Building character, learning to lead and discovering the importance of service are timeless values, and they’re exactly what today’s youth need. 

Just as importantly, it helps kids build lasting friendships. In an era when many parents worry about their children feeling isolated, shared adventures, teamwork and service creates real bonds. Scouts don’t just make friends; they learn how to work together, support one another and feel connected to something bigger than themselves. That sense of belonging is every bit as important as the skills they gain. 

Through programs like Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Exploring, young people of all ages find adventure, leadership opportunities and hands-on ways to serve their neighbors. In Arizona, that might mean backpacking at Camp Geronimo, earning a conservation badge on the Mogollon Rim or completing an Eagle project that builds a community garden or improves a local park. Each step teaches responsibility, teamwork and pride in making a difference. 

What makes it work is that it's youth-led. Kids don’t just watch adults run the program, they take the lead. They plan outings, solve problems together and learn how to communicate and inspire their peers. Along the way, they discover what it means to live by the Scout oath and law: being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, brave and more. Those words aren’t just ideals on a wall, they’re lived out in service projects, leadership roles and everyday choices. 

The impact is real. Take Sarah, a Venturing alum from Phoenix, who told me, “Scouting helped me find my voice and gave me the confidence to lead.” Her story is one of thousands where Scouting shaped not only a young person’s future but also strengthened the fabric of our communities. 

At the heart of it all are volunteers — parents, neighbors and mentors — who give their time to make these adventures possible. They’re the quiet heroes making sure every young person has a safe, supportive and inspiring place to grow. 

It's about preparing kids for life — not just today, but for the challenges and opportunities they’ll face as adults. In a world that often feels complicated, Scouting brings it back to the simple but powerful basics: character, leadership, friendship and service. 

Editor’s note: Andy Price is CEO and scout executive of Scottsdale-based Scouting Arizona – Grand Canyon Council, which serves thousands of youths in the state. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.