Eagle Scout survey results....

Ok so today there was a post on the Scouting Magazine Blog about a recently completed survey that examined ways Eagle Scouts differ from other Scouts and non-Scouts in adult life. I was at first quite excited about the headline and to read the great ways that Eagle Scouts differ from others in society as they become adults. However, after taking some time to look over the survey again I became concerned.

The reality of Scouting is that the vast majority of our kids will never reach Eagle. From that perpective I read the survey again to mostly compare Scouts to non-Scouts and quite frankly many of the results are shocking. I may just be reading the results wrong of course so look over these I have pulled from the survey and tell me what you think.

Exercise every day for 30 minutes: Eagle Scouts are approximately 58 percent more likely than other Scouts but are not significantly different from non-Scouts.

Satisfied with the amount of leisure and free time they have: Eagle Scouts are 51 percent more likely than Scouts while there is no statistically significant difference between Eagle Scouts and non-Scouts.
Drink alcohol in the last seven days: Eagle Scouts are 25 percent less likely than other Scouts, although they are not significantly different from non-Scouts.

Report being extremely close with neighbors: Eagle Scouts are 97 percent more likely than Scouts. Eagle Scouts are not significantly different from non-Scouts.

Report being extremely close with their religious community: Eagle Scouts are 66 percent more likely than Scouts. Eagle Scouts and non-Scouts are not significantly different.

Have extremely close relationships with friends: Eagle Scouts are 60 percent more likely compared to Scouts. Further, Eagle Scouts are also 37 percent more likely to be extremely close with friends, compared to those men who never participated in Boy Scouts.

Report being extremely close with their co-workers: Eagle Scouts are 57 percent more likely than Scouts but are not significantly different from non-Scouts.

Report trying to use less water in their household: Eagle Scouts are 71 percent more likely than Scouts, while they are not significantly different from non-Scouts

Agree they work hard to get ahead: Eagle Scouts are 88 percent more likely than other Scouts, although they are not significantly different from non-Scouts.

Agree they always treat people of other religions with respect: Eagle Scouts are 109 percent more likely than other Scouts. Moreover, Eagle Scouts are 45 percent more likely than non-Scouts to agree they always treat people of other religions with respect.

Say it is important to show respect to the American flag: Eagle Scouts are 89 percent more likely than other Scouts. However, Eagle Scouts and non-Scouts are not significantly different in their attitudes toward the American flag.

Huh?  Some of these results seem to indicate it is actually bad to be a Scout vs Eagle Scout or non-Scout.

Are you reading it this way?