Cub Scouting & Family Fall Fun!

Embracing Fall: A Season for Connection and Scouting

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, families are reminded of the joy that comes from shared experiences away from screens and schedules. In today’s fast-paced world, those moments of togetherness are more critical than ever. Scouting is the perfect way to make them happen.

This season, many families will spot flyers at school or see signs inviting them to join their local Cub Scout pack. Some may visit www.beascout.org just to learn more. What they may not realize is that they’re about to begin a journey filled with adventure, laughter, and lifelong memories. From weekend hikes to campfire stories, Scouting brings families together in meaningful ways, especially in the magic of fall.

The Power of the Outdoors

Engaging with the outdoors is not only enjoyable...it’s vital. Research indicates that outdoor activities enhance mental health, spark creativity, and strengthen family ties. Whether it’s hiking trails, enjoying roasted marshmallows by a campfire, or simply playing games in the fresh air, these shared moments forge lasting memories and deepen connections.

According to Mental Health America (2025), spending time outdoors reduces the risk of depression and mood disorders, improves mental health, and enhances focus and memory retention. The International Journal of Well-Being (2015) demonstrates that increased exposure to the outdoors in green spaces enhances connections to nature, community, and a sense of self. Studies have shown that connecting with nature creates a flourishing path to life (Capaldi et al, 2015)

Our Scouting program and camps offer extraordinary opportunities for families to engage in activities that go beyond traditional family fun during the fall.

Fall: Nature’s Playground

Playing is fun, but it's also good for your health and physical fitness. Studies by the University of Colorado have shown that outdoor play and activities provide opportunities to develop physical skills, including gross motor skills, gross locomotor play, balance, dexterity, and others (Oh, J. H., 2024). The outdoors offers the freedom to run, stretch, move, and play. The Fall months provide a cool, crisp atmosphere that makes play so much more enjoyable.

Add Scouting to the mix, Cub Scouts can play with their friends, climb a wall, navigate through an obstacle course, shoot their first arrow, meet their first goat, and enjoy all the fun games Cub Scouts get to play. Some of the adventures built right into the program include outdoor play and hands-on learning. From hikes to scaling climbing walls or trying new things, Cub Scouts are always on the go with their friends & family.

How Scouting Brings Families Together

Scouting provides structured opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors while acquiring new skills and values. From Cub Scout campouts to weekend adventures, Scouting events are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and family-friendly. Parents and children participate together, fostering confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.

Additionally, Scouting promotes service and stewardship while instilling in children the importance of caring for the environment and their communities. These values resonate powerfully during fall, a season of gratitude and reflection.

Families also meet other parents and grow bonds with shared experiences. It's not just your child sleeping below the deck of a retired battleship; it's you and other parents. You can feel like a kid again as you get to pet a llama or shoot a sling shot.

Join the Adventure

Whether you are new to Scouting or a long-time supporter, fall is an excellent time to get involved. Visit www.ctscouting.org to discover upcoming events and find out how your family can join in the fun.

Let this autumn be the season your family steps outside, reconnects, and experiences the joy of Scouting, together.

Already part of the adventure? Share your story christine.sedita@scouting.org

Capaldi, C. A., Passmore, H.-A., Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Dopko, R. L. (2015).Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature and its application as a wellbeing intervention. International Journal of Wellbeing, 5(4), 1-16. do i:10.5502/ijw.v5i4.449

Oh, J. H. (2024). The benefits of children’s outdoor play in naturalized play environments. Educational Research: Theory and Practice, 35(1), 118-132