With more than 50 million members worldwide, scouting is an influential global youth activity where voluntary leaders make use of outdoor adventures to challenge young people to grow by developing their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social skills. Scouts argue, often very passionately, that scouting is beneficial to both themselves and their communities, and that this benefit outweighs the costs to society (such as public funding). On the other hand, others argue that scouting has no documented added value.
These conflicting perceptions have at times been a challenge for the national scouting associations when dealing with politicians, funders, and regulators. The Danish Guides and Scouts Association (DGSA) is aware of the dual reputational image of scouting and has recently launched several initiatives to bring in concrete evidence and strong real-life stories showing the positive impact of scouting on youth development, and society.
The DGSA is considering whether to conduct a study that documents and measures the positive effect of scouting on participating members and Danish society. Such a study could support the general promotion of scouting groups and their activities, as well as strengthen the image within Denmark of scouting as a formative youth activity. The DGSA asked Copenhagen Economics (CE) to review and prepare an overview of the existing research and literature on the value of scouting, the methodologies applied and their results. The aim is to help the DGSA make an informed decision on whether such a study would be useful and if so, how they should move forward with the study. CE accepted this request as part of our pro bono programme.
CE has identified and reviewed 78 studies on scouting and similar youth activities, which investigate whether the participation in these activities create value for the members and society. Of these 78 studies, CE found that 40 were not adequate to be used for a potential study, namely because they lacked objectivity, quantitative methodology and/or provided no insight into the impact of scouting or youth activities. Based on the 38 remaining studies, CE finds that commissioning a study would achieve the DGSA’s aim to highlight the benefit of scouting on participating members and society. In relation to next steps, CE recommends a study to be undertaken using Valuation Studies as the preferred method, and that this could be supplemented with Focus Studies.
A Valuation Study is a form of cost-benefit analysis adapted for activities with non-market-based prices, unpaid volunteer work, and significant private funding—commonly referred to as a Social Return On Investment (SROI) analysis. It assesses an activity, such as scouting, by calculating the monetary value of inputs (like time and funding), identifying the resulting outcomes, and assigning a corresponding monetary outcome based on, for instance, estimated public and private cost savings. Figure 1 provides an illustrative example of a situation in which inputs valued at 10 million DKK can be estimated to create outcomes valued at 38 million DKK. In the example, there are four steps that lead to his conclusion. In the first step, the costs of the resources (like funding and volunteer time) required to support the activities are estimated. In the second step, these activities (like “risky play”) are carried out by stakeholders. In the third step, the activities lead to an observable impact on the stakeholders (like leadership skills or reduced anxiety). In the fourth step, the value of that impact is estimated in monetary terms (by considering, for example, prospective higher future annual income or cost savings on mental health treatment). In Figure 1, the numeric example yields an SROI ratio of 3.8, meaning that the return for every DKK 1 invested is DKK 3.8 in social value. The SROI analysis provides decision-makers with a metric to evaluate project profitability and make informed decisions on which projects to support.
Figure 1
Value chain modelling is the core element of the SROI analysis
CE suggests using a Valuation Study as a preferred approach to measure the value of scouting to Danish society – these studies are widely accepted because they apply a standardised, data-driven methodology that translates social impact into credible monetary terms. Combined with its ability to capture both tangible and intangible value, it makes it a robust and persuasive tool for evaluating societal benefits.
Focused Studies aim to demonstrate how a particular activity benefits individuals by examining the activity’s impact on a specific outcome, such as education, health, or employment. Focused Studies are typically conducted by independent researchers. For example, a study conducted by an independent academic researcher could investigate the impact of playing “risky” games (such as climbing or sliding at full speed) on developing self-confidence and resilience among kids.
CE suggests complementing the research by using Focused Studies to identify the main activities undertaken by scouts and reveal how these activities would positively impact them. This evidence can then be used as an indication of broader societal benefits under the logic that improvements in individual outcomes—when seen at scale—translate into positive socio-economic outcomes, such as increased productivity or reduced public expenditure.
