Resilient Youth Australia 2025
Insights from Scouts Australia x Resilient Youth Australia
Scouts Australia has partnered with Resilient Youth Australia to better understand the wellbeing and resilience of young people.
Using a statistically significant sample of Scouts aged 8 to 18, compared with 110,000 of their peers across Australia, the findings are clear:
Scouts are more resilient.
Resilient Youth Australia Findings
What is this
This research looks at how young people are really feeling and functioning across their everyday lives. It explores friendships, school, confidence, coping and connection.
Resilience is not treated as a single trait. It is understood as a combination of factors that help young people respond to challenges, build relationships and feel positive about themselves and their future.
What the research shows
The results point in a clear direction.
Young people in Scouting are more positive and better able to cope with life. They are more confident in themselves, more connected to others and more likely to step in and help. They are also better equipped to deal with challenges.
On average, Scouts report higher wellbeing across key measures compared to their peers.
This is not about one outcome. It is a consistent pattern.
Why this matters
Resilience is built through experience.
The research shows that when young people have the opportunity to connect with others, take on challenges, develop independence and be supported by trusted adults, they are more likely to feel confident, capable and able to handle life.
Where Scouting fits
The findings reflect what happens in Scouting every week.
Young people learn by doing, not just watching. They take responsibility and lead their own activities. They build friendships across diverse groups. They spend time outdoors and step outside their comfort zone. They are supported by adults who guide them.
These experiences are consistent, structured and intentional. They are making a measurable difference.
The impact over time
For older youth, the benefits continue to build.
Young people in Scouting report stronger connections, more positive attitudes and better coping skills as they move through their teenage years.
Built on proven foundations
Scouting combines more than 110 years of experience with a modern approach focused on outdoor adventure and youth-led, adult-supported leadership.
This creates real-world challenges that build confidence and capability.
Explore the full research
For a deeper look at the findings and methodology here
What this means
When young people are given the right environment, they do not just participate.
They grow, they connect and they thrive.