Scouting America commissioned The Harris Poll to study the lasting effect of Scouting. Conducted for three months beginning October 10, 2025, the online survey of 3,178 adults asked for feedback on well-being, civic engagement, leadership and character development. Part 1 in this three-part series looks at well-being. Results of the survey were released at the Scouting America National Annual Meeting last month.
New research reinforces what members of the Scouting movement already know — becoming an Eagle Scout leads to a happier, healthier life long after achieving the rank.
Commissioned by Scouting America and conducted by The Harris Poll, the study included a survey of 3,178 adults and compared Eagle Scouts, non-Eagle Scouts and people who never participated in Scouting. Eagle Scouts experience positive emotions at significantly higher rates than non-Scouts, according to the results.
About 86% of surveyed Eagle Scouts say they feel enjoyment daily or frequently, compared to 68% of non-Scouts. About 84% of those Eagle Scouts feel gratitude (compared to 73% of non-Scouts), and 78% feel purposeful regularly (compared to only 60% of those who never joined Scouting).
“These findings affirm what Eagle Scouts have long experienced firsthand — the values learned through Scouting endure for a lifetime,” says Rich Pfaltzgraff, president of the National Eagle Scout Association. “Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is more than an achievement in youth. It helps shape confident, purposeful and resilient adults who continue to lead and serve throughout their lives.”
The numbers on the negative end of the emotional spectrum also favor Scouting.
Eagle Scouts are significantly less likely to experience loneliness, sadness and fear. Only 11% of Eagle Scouts report frequent loneliness, compared to 23% of non-Scouts — even after controlling for for income, education, age and other demographic factors.
Outlook on the future looks different too. About 62% of Eagle Scouts describe themselves as optimistic about what lies ahead, outpacing non-Scouts’ responses. And 95% of Eagle Scouts agree that they’re happy with the person they are today, versus 82% of non-Scouts.
The physical health picture also reinforces the benefits of Scouting. Eagle Scouts are more likely to set health goals, spend at least 30 minutes outdoors daily, eat a balanced diet and stick to routines. They’re less likely to drink alcohol frequently and smoke cigarettes.
Sean Magennis, Scouting America’s executive vice president of membership engagement, says the survey is a valuable tool for leaders and volunteers when it comes to recruitment and membership retention.
“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is more than an achievement — it is a proving ground for life,” Magennis says. “This study affirms what we see every day: Young people who commit to the Eagle journey develop a deeper sense of purpose, resilience and optimism that carries with them for decades. The path is not easy, and that is precisely the point. It calls young people to lead, to serve and to grow beyond what they thought possible.”
About the study
The Harris Poll surveyed 3,178 adults ages 18 andover, including 1,549 who were never members ofScouting America (“non-Scouts”). It surveyed 1,067 Eagle Scouts and 562 Scouts who did not achieve the rank (“non-Eagle Scouts”).