Taking part in the scouts or guides appears to help lower the risk of mental illness later in life, a UK study suggests.
A University of Edinburgh study of almost 10,000 people from across the UK born in 1958 found a significant number of those who participated in the organisations as children tended to have better mental health at age 50.
In fact, 15 per cent were less likely to suffer from anxiety or mood disorders compared with others.
The likelihood of mental illness in those from poorer backgrounds was also reduced.
Scouts involves many outdoor activities and major events like Jamborees where children are away from home for up to 14 days, learning how to care for themselves and others.
The study, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council, was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Lead researcher Professor Chris Dibben says he was quite startled by their findings and believes the same benefits would apply to today's participants.
"Given the high costs of mental ill health to individuals and society, a focus on voluntary youth programmes such as the guides and scouts might be very sensible," Prof Dibben said.
Someone who's not surprised by the findings is Chris Bates, Scouts Australia's Chief Commissioner.
"Scouting is very inclusive. Young people can simply be themselves, without the pressures that can occur at school. Everyone is welcome, and supported by friends and trusted adult mentors," Mr Bates said.
Building resilient kids is also another big benefit of being involved in the scouts movement.
Resilience is the capacity to face, to overcome, be strengthened by and even be transformed by adversity.
TV personality and Chief Scout Bear Grylls says scouts provides young people with an opportunity to develop the skills they need to "deal with what life throws at them".
