In my master's thesis, I researched the use of scouts in strengthening the mental health of young people, what are the needs for support and what are the effects. In the theoretical part, I initially defined mental health and then focused on the mental health of young people. I have presented various definitions of mental health and the problems that arise in mental health. I have identified the protective and risk factors that are present when talking about the mental health of young people. Then I presented the ways in which the mental health of young people in the world, in Slovenia and among scouts is strengthened. I added a presentation of the Slovenian Catholic Girl and Boy Scouts Association, their mission, organizational structure, membership, and the Scout Promise and laws. Finally, I presented the scout education and activities that take place as part of the scouts.
I was interested in the experiences of young people with the connection between scouts and mental health. I focused mainly on how their mental health is, what affects it, what kind of support they get from scouts and what their needs are in this area.
The results showed that male and female scouts who participated in the research had a very positive impact on mental health, using the game of supportive interpersonal relationships and the time they spent in nature as part of the scouts. Scout activities play a role primarily as a prevention in the field of mental health. Scouts are already talking about mental health as part of scout activities, but they would like to see even more of t in the future. For the most part, they are satisfied with the support they receive from scouts and believe that scout activities largely meet their mental health needs.
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