Page 1 of 2 Not an official resource page of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The materials have been taken from Official LDS Materials, the church’s website lds.org, and current materials from the Boy Scouts of America. The following page(s) are provided as a resource the Scouting Leaders and church members. Scouting in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsThe LDS Approach
and mental fitness. Under priesthood leadership, Scouting can complement the efforts of Aaronic Priesthood quorums and Primary classes in building testimonies in young men and boys. Scouting under Church sponsorship should become an extension of the home, Primary classes, and Aaronic Priesthood quorums. -Scouting Handbook for Church Units in the United States, p. 1.1, June 2012.
Using Scouting as an Outside ProgramThe church’s partnership with the Boy Scouts of America means that LDS Scouters have two responsibilities. First and foremost, they have priesthood responsibilities. Second, they have responsibilities to the Boy Scouts of America. They must agree to conform to BSA policies, standards, and procedures. This dual responsibility makes Scouting unique in the Church. A Bishop’s Overview of ScoutingScouting provides a tested, proven program for us to use in holding our young men close to the Church. It appeals to boys. Its trail to the Eagle rank helps a young man set worthwhile goals, then realize them. For some reason there is a direct correlation between young men who achieve the Eagle rank and those who serve missions. Elder Robert L. Backman, former Young Men General President Bringing Out the Best“Scouting brings out the best in each of us,” President Monson says. “You’ve learned much from Scouting. Live what -President Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church Sponsored Programs
• 11 Year Old Scouting for boys 11 years old. • Boy Scouting for boys 12 years old to 18 years old. Many wards separate Scouting programs by church quorums. • Boy Scouting is often allied with the Deacon’s Quorum.
• Venturing for boys 16 years to age 18 years old. Venturing is often closely allied with the Priest’s Quorum. 11 Year Old Scout ProgramA boy enters the Boy Scout program when he turns 11 years old. He becomes a member of the troop but participates in a separate patrol for 11-year-old Scouts. “Eleven-year-old boys meet separately from the Aaronic Priesthood-age Scouts because they are not yet part of a quorum” (LDS Scouting Handbook, 4). A newly called leader of the 11-year-old Scouts should understand the importance of this calling within the ward Primary and Scouting organizations and the significance this service can have in the life of a boy. The role of the 11 Year Old Scout Leader is to work with the Primary to achieve the rank advancements from Scout to First Class. The 12 month period will assist the boy in his transition from the Primary to the Young Men’s Program. Adult TrainingMost members called to serve in Scouting positions also function in related Young Men or priesthood assignments (for example, many Scoutmasters also serve as deacons quorum advisers). It is important to take the training required for members serving in Scouting positions at both the ward and stake levels. More details can be found on the lds.org website at www.lds.org/callings/aaronic-priesthood/leader-resources/scouting.
Church Training PhilosophyThe Church teaches, “Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence” (D&C 107:99). Carried out, this suggests that members serving in Church assignments—including Scouting—will learn the responsibilities of their calling and then fulfill them to the best of their ability. BSA Sponsored TrainingCub Scout Leaders Boy Scouting Leaders • Youth Protection Training • Youth protection Training • Leader Specific Training • Leader Specific Training • This is Scouting (optional) • Outdoor Skills Training • This is Scouting (optional) Troop Committee Varsity Leaders • Youth Protection Training • Youth Protection Training • Troop Committee Challenge • Leader Specific Training • This is Scouting (optional) • This is Scouting (optional)
Venturing Leaders • Venturing Youth Protection Training • Leader Specific Training • This is Scouting (optional) More details can be found on the lds.org website at www.lds.org/callings/aaronic-priesthood/leader-resources/scouting.
Whether one studies the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, or the Scout slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily,” they all add up to our finest character-building program. How fortunate are those who may participate in it and have their lives enriched thereby—boys and men alike. The boys and men with whom Scouting is concerned are made of eternal stuff; theirs is a divine destiny. Godlike men, men of character, men of truth, men of courage, men of goodwill—there, then, is our challenge. President Ezra Taft Benson President of the Quorum of the Twelve
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