Service

This is another of the requirements for my 100 years award. This letter was sent to the editor of the Elko Daily Free Press.

I joined the Cub Scouts 29 years ago. That started a lifelong learning process; I learned to be prepared and to do a good turn daily; I learned that camp counselors are flammable and that you should always pack your underwear in a waterproof bag; I’ve learned that it’s possible to receive an award you didn’t earn, but it’s nowhere near as satisfying as working for it; I’ve learned many virtues such as trustworthiness, loyalty, friendliness, courtesy, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, thrift, courage, cleanliness, and reverence.

I’ve also learned the importance of being helpful. I’ve been fortunate enough to be on both the giving and the receiving end of service. One of the highlights of my scouting career has been my association with the local Cub Scout Day Camp, which is usually held the first or second weekend of June. During Day Camp, I get to provide a service to the boys and the community and I get to receive the benefits of working with others. The boys have the opportunity to play games and complete items required for advancement. The adults have the opportunity to provide a good example and see the growth of the wonderful boys.

Our district has an amazing group of people that seem to be involved in all the big events. These people give of their time and talents to help our boys grow to be men we can be proud of as a community and as a country. I would encourage anyone that has the time (all other qualifications can be earned on the job!) to volunteer with a troop or pack or even with the district.

My Scout Hero

One of the items on my "To Do" list for the 100 Years of Scouting award is to "Think of a Scouting leader (youth or adult) who made a positive difference in your life. Write a letter to the editor of a local publication about how that individual taught you about leadership."

When I think of great scouters, of great scout leaders, a few people come to my mind. I think of the people I went through Wood Badge with; I think of my nephews, the oldest of whom have already earned their Eagles; I think of the leaders that taught my National Camping School course (best training ever!!!); but the one person who rises to the top, who has affected me personally the most, is Julee Hicks. Her dedication, devotion, organization and enthusiasm to get the job done always has me in awe. She personifies the statement "above and beyond" with respect to scouting. And yet, she doesn't do it for accolades or for personal gain.

She doesn't limit her volunteerism to her local area. (She volunteered to come over 1000 miles to assist me with our district's Day Camp. Of course, I couldn't let her put herself out like that, but she would have come if I'd said yes).

When I was involved with her unit several years ago, she was the grease that kept the unit running smoothly. All the "i"s were dotted and all the "t"s crossed. One of my loftiest Scouting goals is to become more like Julee.

During my military service I was stationed at an NROTC unit and one of the primary ideals was that as future officers we should lead from the front. Julee does that. She's in the fray, making a difference. Thanks for your fine example Julee. You have no idea how your example has benefited many scouts where I live now.

Service Projects for Cub Scouts

The new Cub Scout delivery method encourages holding two regular den meetings a month and using the extra week for an activity or outing. One possibility, especially in the colder winter months, is to do a service project with the boys. It can be difficult, though, coming up with service project ideas for this age range. Here are some websites with suggestions:

366 Community Service Ideas from UNL

Community Service Ideas For Kids from Buzzle

Developing Service Project Ideas For Younger Children from Corporation for National and Community Service

Community Service Ideas For Kids Of All Ages from Kid Activities

Kidz4Troops

LDS Service Ideas from About.com

Service Projects For Kids from suite101.com

Pocket Flag Project

Boys this age can learn to tie quilts (a good reinforcement of square knot tying); read to younger children or the elderly; draw pictures and write letters (for troops, hospital children, rest home residents or missionaries); sign up to clean the church as a unit when it's your ward's turn (a good activity for involving families too); clean up trash in a neighborhood, park or canyon. If your area has a festival of trees you can plan ahead for next year. After Christmas artificial trees can often be found on clearance for a very low price. If someone in your pack is willing to get a tree and store it for a year, the boys would have a great time making ornaments and decorating a tree to donate next year. In the summer or spring an environmental service project can be tied in to the Leave No Trace Award. You can find suggestions for projects to meet the requirements for the award here. You'll need to contact the groundskeepers of local campgrounds and hiking trails to find out exactly what is needed.

You may need to call around to various organizations in your community to find out exactly what it is that they need that the boys can do. Some may prefer visits, while other may ask for drawings and letters or quilts. Try contacting your local senior center, hospital, museum, animal shelter, homeless shelter, foster parent association, schools or library.

Camping

Why do we use a program that places such a major emphasis on camping? This is something I have wondered for a long time. I have found several reasons the multitude of camping trips are beneficial to Boy Scouts.

The Boy Scout program relies on the patrol method. Boys are meant to be the leaders. They each have a position, and together, as a quorum, they plan the program. They should be the ones who decide on the activities and plan out what they will need. Weekday activities offer them some opportunities to practice this leadership experience, but there is nothing like a campout to really give the boys an opportunity to test their skills. In planning and executing campouts they will learn a lot about being prepared, using resources, meal planning, budgeting, cooking and how to get along with each other. These skills all directly translate to the mission field, where young men have to know how to take care of themselves, budget and get along with a companion and other roommates.

Recently I was listening to the audio version of Other Side of Heaven, the memoirs by John Groberg of his mission in Tonga (which the movie was based on). The first half of his mission was spent on a relatively primitive island. At one point there was a storm that knocked down most of the fruit trees and destroyed the crops. Remaining food was rationed out for five weeks, as another boat was expected before then. However, the boat didn't come for more than two months. As supplies got shorter and shorter, Elder Groberg found himself mostly sitting doing nothing to conserve energy. He would read scriptures or just think as he was sitting there day after day. He describes it as one of the most spiritual experiences he has been through and a wonderful chance to grow closer to God:

"It is possible, that in our busy, work-a-day world, one of the great blessings the Lord gives us is to put us in a situation where we must be quiet, without a lot of outside disturbance and pressures. Maybe then, we will study, ponder, and think of Him, His ways, His purposes.

"I reflected on the scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants: 'Be still and known that I am God.' I had always thought of that scripture as a statement to watch for his salvation after we had done all we could. Now I looked upon it more as a commandment, or better, an invitation and explanation of truth: 'Be still. Sit quietly. Get rid of outside pressures. Go to the temple, for example. Don't worry about this world, and know that I am God.' Or, 'Be still, so that you can know that I am God, and so you can learn of me and my ways.'

"If we aren't willing to be still, it's harder to know that he is God. If the purpose of life is to know and love God, than maybe one of Satan's best weapons to keep us from that knowledge is to keep us so busy, even doing good things, and so occupied with commitments and pressures, that we don't allow ourselves to be still so we can know that God is God."

Over the last few years, our lives have become increasingly dependant on technology. Most of us are rarely far from a phone (many of which allow sending and receiving text messages and checking e-mail or the internet), computer or television. In fact, addiction to this technology is becoming very common. Our drive to be constantly connected even results in poor judgement and dangerous behavior, such as people texting in cars, on bicycles or as they walk down busy city streets. Some scientists are saying this is causing a constant distraction in our minds, almost like a steady background noise that prevents us from spending time in real meditation. This interference may also make it difficult to really listen to the Spirit or find opportunities for deep reflection, to be still and know God. These scientists "argue that heavy technology use can inhibit deep thought and cause anxiety, and that getting out into nature can help."

It may be more crucial than ever for us to take opportunities to get away from technology for periods of time, to get out in nature and commune with God. Teenagers find it even more difficult to separate themselves from technology. Frequent campouts provide them the opportunity to not only get away, but to use that time productively to grow spiritually, physically and in maturity.

In Trails to Testimony, Bradley D. Harris explains how to help the boys really take advantage of this opportunity for spiritual growth by using Scout activities as a "laboratory" for the boys to practice the things they learn on Sunday:

"We often go canoeing on Utah Lake. One evening, in the summer time, we were out on the lake. It was very windy. The waves were very big, kind of scary on a canoe. We had several people out there. Some were better than others in canoeing, and we had to help those that were being blown to the north part of the lake. We were concerned. We finally got some of the stronger strokers to help them back in, and we were getting within the safety provided by the rock jetty, and we knew that we were going to do a reflection, because we had taught the young men this before. The wind in my face and the front of my canoe, I was trying to make headway back to the shore. I looked at the tree, a tree where I wanted to go, it was my destination, and I realized that if I concentrated on the tree, that I would get there quicker and get there better. Also I noticed that if I concentrated on my strokes, every stroke, the way I had been taught in the canoeing merit badge, to get the maximum power from each stroke, that I would make headway. If I did less than powerful strokes, it was almost as if I was standing still in the water.

"So we all made it safely on the shore, with our life jackets still dripping wet, and here's the rules of a reflection: It's got to be done immediately after an event, and you set the rules. No cut-downs; no put-downs. There's no right or wrong answers. Ask open-ended questions. You make sure the young men understand this, because if not, there will be boys who will poke fun or make fun of others suggestions. You want everybody to be involved and to feel equally involved in the communication.

"So I began this reflection by asking some open-ended questions. 'What did we learn from this event? How did some of you feel when this happened?' And so on. Then I said, 'Let's see if we can draw some spiritual metaphors into this event.' Then I told them my observation of the tree. Many times when you conduct a reflection, you're not sure where this is headed. I wasn't sure where this was going to go, but that's fine. I said, 'What might the tree represent in this experience we had, from a Spiritual perspective?' One of the youth said, 'Well, that could be the priesthood or Jesus Christ.' I said, 'That's sounds great.' I said, 'What about the wind and the waves in our face,the constant problems that we had to face to get here?' And he said, 'That could be the temptations of Satan.' I said, 'What about the canoeing and concentrating on strong strokes each time?' and again, I didn't know where this was headed. One of the young men said, 'Well that could be daily scripture study and prayer.'

"The bottom line is, these young men left this event saying to themselves, 'That was fun. That was hard. Oh, and by the way, I need to remember to read my scriptures, say my prayers, focus on Christ and avoid temptation.'"

At a Little Philmont Training Course in Orem, Utah, David C. Pack told participants, "We are on a journey in our callings to work with youth, to know how to change boys forever. I love 50 milers and what it does for a boy. Before the hike, as a quorum, they think they are so tough. Everything is perfect. Then on Monday, a few hours into the hike, they wonder who talked them into it. That night, they are so tired; they just climb into their sleeping bags and go to sleep. Tuesday morning comes and as they contemplate death, they wonder if they will ever see their mothers again. Tuesday night at the campfire program, you will never see a more teachable group of boys, never better. Someone needs to be there to teach them. Sunday lessons will never be the same. Each boy has accomplished the hardest thing in his life up to that point, which makes him able to do more. Outdoors is a wonderful place to test a boy. Help each boy with a significant away-from-home experience, so, when he gets on his mission, he will remember that he didn't give up on the 50-miler, so he won't give up then."

Incorrect Traditions and Spirit-driven Programs

An LDS-BSA newsletter article from earlier this year described a "Little Philmont" held in the Orem Utah Timpview Stake. The keynote speaker, David C. Pack, noted "Mosaiah 1:5 that talks about how the Lamanites lived according to 'the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct,' and compared it to how some do Scouting according to how they have seen it done by others, which is also incorrect. He related D&C 8:2-3 which promises that the Holy Ghost will 'tell you in your mind and in your heart' what you should do, but then reminded us with D&C 9:7-9 that Oliver Cowdry wanted to translate without studying and couldn't because he 'took no thought, save it was to ask.' Brother Pack then said, 'God cannot bless us with inspiration on something we know nothing about. We must study by reading the manuals, by going to roundtable, by attending basic training and Wood Badge. We need to become dangerously educated because the Young Men need us to receive personal revelation. Rise up and get the knowledge to do it.'"

I have frequently encountered the attitude in Ward leaders and Scout leaders of opposition to policy because, "This is the way we do things. This is the way we have always done things." Ironically, those are often the same people who are turned off by the Scout program because it "doesn't work."

I observed an extreme example of a Pack where these traditions were the major driving force for years. Issues covered a full-range from incorrect paperwork to improper attitudes. The program only vaguely resembled Cub Scouting. Occasionally an experienced Scouter would move into the ward and be called to help the program, or someone would receive a calling in Scouts and take the initiative to get the training. These well-meaning Scouters would then suggest corrections in the program to better it, to make it closer to what the BSA has designed and what the Church has told us to follow. Suggestions were constantly met with walls of, "That's not the way we do things," from the leadership, until the Scouters would each eventually be beaten down and quit or move away.

Contention grew between those who wanted to do things their way, and those who wanted to do things the Scout way. Meetings and conversations were filled with disagreement, and in some cases deep bitterness. In his recent Conference talk, Dallin H. Oaks, related a story about Joseph Smith. One morning, after the prophet had an argument with his wife, he found himself unable to do any translating. The Spirit was not with him. It wasn't until he had made up with his wife that he was able to translate. Even Joseph Smith could not feel the Spirit when angry or upset. Meetings full of contention are not being attended by the Spirit.

It is no surprise that many Cub Scouts in that ward were indifferent toward the program. Dens that had several active boys attending Primary on Sunday would only see two or three of those boys during the week at Den Meetings and Pack Meetings. Indifference was often carried into Boy Scouts as well.

In contrast, another Pack's meetings were orderly, always attended by the Bishopric. Everyone in the Pack was expected (and helped) to get the training appropriate for his or her position. Each had a copy of the Church Handbook on Scouting, and a section was read from the Handbook at every meeting. The program was not perfect. Occasionally something would be found out of line, but it was corrected. There was no contention. I believe that even when not 100% correct (and who is, really?) this Pack was blessed, because they were trying to do what the Lord expected, not trusting to their own wisdom.

I believe this is what the Lord wants from meetings in the Church: orderliness and a dedicated effort to following all of the programs in the way they are intended. We need to be careful not to confuse personal opinions about programs or policies with revelation related to our stewardships. We need to beware of incorrect traditions. Forget what you want and do the work necessary, study things properly, so that you can receive proper revelation to create what the Lord wants.

"That boys may still dream dreams and live to fulfill them."

From a talk by Thomas S. Monson in a special Aaronic Priesthood and Scouting Training Broadcast in 2007:

Several years ago a group of men, leaders of Scouts, assembled in the mountains near Sacramento for Wood Badge training. This has been an annual event where men camp out and live as do the Scouts they teach; it is a most interesting one. They cook, and then they have to eat their cooking. They hike the rugged trails, which age invariably makes more steep. They sleep on rocky ground. They gaze again at heaven's galaxies.

This particular group provided its own reward. After days of being deprived, they feasted on a delicious meal prepared by a professional chef named Dimitrious, who joined them at the end of their endurance trial. Tired, hungry, a bit bruised after their renewal experience, one asked the chef why he was always smiling and why each year he returned at his own expense to cook the traditional meal for Scouting's leaders in that area. He placed aside the skillet, wiped his hands on the white apron which graced his rotund figure, and told the men this experience. Dimitrious began:

"I was born and grew to boyhood in a small village in Greece. My life was a happy one until World War II. Then came the invasion and occupation of my country by the Nazis. The freedom-loving men of the village resented the invaders and engaged in acts of sabotage to show their resentment.

"One night, after the men had destroyed a hydroelectric dam, the villagers celebrated the achievement and then retired to their homes.

Dimitrious continued: "Very early in the morning, as I lay upon my bed, I was awakened by the noise of many trucks entering the village. I heard the sound of soldiers' boots, the rap on the door, and the command for every boy and man to assemble at once on the village square. I had time only to slip into my trousers, buckle my belt, and join the others. There, under the glaring lights of a dozen trucks, and before the muzzles of a hundred guns, we stood. The Nazis vented their wrath, told of the destruction of the dam, and announced a drastic penalty: every fifth man or boy was to be summarily shot. A sergeant made the fateful count, and the first group was designated and executed."

Dimitrious spoke more deliberately to the Scouters as he said: "Then came the row in which I was standing. To my horror, I could see that I would be the final person designated for execution. The soldier stood before me, the angry headlights dimming my vision. He gazed intently at the buckle of my belt. It carried on it the Scout insignia. I had earned the belt buckle as a Boy Scout for knowing the Oath and the Law of Scouting. The tall soldier pointed at the belt buckle, then raised his right hand in the Scout sign. I shall never forget the words he spoke to me: 'Run, boy, run!'

"I ran. I lived. Today I serve Scouting, that boys may still dream dreams and live to fulfill them."

Dimitrious reached into his pocket and produced that same belt buckle. The emblem of Scouting still shone brightly. Not a word was spoken. Every man wept. A commitment to Scouting was renewed.

It has been said that "The greatest gift a man can give a boy is his willingness to share a part of his life with him." Aaronic Priesthood leaders, Scout leaders, may you make the commitment to share your lives with our precious young men. They depend on you. Their very salvation may be at stake. You can build a bridge to the heart of a boy and can help to guide his precious soul back to our Father in Heaven.

May such be so, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Why do Mormons...?

Every so often I get in a conversation with a "traditional" (non-LDS) scouter and they often have a question or comment on how the Church conducts the scouting program. I'm afraid that most often, it's a (well-earned) criticism and it bums me out that the church's scout programs often have a bad reputation. This morning I got in a conversation with a fellow at our local scout shop. (OK, it's really just a tiny corner of a clothing store; they're just kind enough to also supply scout supplies). We were commiserating about the difficulties getting volunteers to help out with pack and District activities. I mentioned that I've been doing our local day camp for the last couple years and he grinned and said he'd done it four four years in Reno. He said something like, "No offense, but it's really hard to get the LDS packs to supply volunteers." I had to agree that it's often really difficult to get LDS volunteers. He offered several suggestions, but unfortunately, they wouldn't really work in our situation.

I think sometimes, in the Church, we tend to think that unless we have been called, we don't have to help out. Cub Scouts is treated as drop off child care and Boy Scouts as something to be studiously avoided. In addition to the Cub Scout program being the basis for preparing a boy to be a priesthood holder and preparing him for his mission, it is a program to train parents. Parents should learn early on (hopefully someone will take them aside when their oldest son turns eight and explain the Cub Scout program to them and what is expected of them) that they are an integral part of their son's scouting experience. Whether he succeeds or fails will be highly dependent on how well they lead him. The scouting program is also good for parents. How much easier is it for the parents of a young man that has been an active scout to send him on a mission than the parents whose son has never been away from home in his life? At least the scout's parents know he can survive a weekend in the wild and that he probably won't starve to death in his first few weeks in the field. (He might only be able to prepare a very limited menu of burned food and may be in danger of burning down his apartment, but at least he won't starve).

Sometimes my conversations with traditional scouters come around to how we as LDS groups tend to pencil whip the boys through the program. (To be clear, pencil whipping is when a requirement is signed off but the boy hasn't really fulfilled it or met the objective. This cheets both the boy and the leader). I generally have to agree that it does happen. A year or so ago, our District Eagle Scout Project coordinator passed away and the people that took it over were aghast at some of the projects he'd approved. I don't know if he was LDS or not, but it does seem that we put such a high focus on getting the Eagle that sometimes we lose track of the importance of the boy earning his advancements. The guidelines for being a merit badge counselor are pretty specific that the counselor can't change the requirements. Of course, there are occasionally rare instances where it is appropriate to fit the requirements to the individual's abilities, but it shouldn't happen very often. I've seen whole groups signed off when collectively the group barely passed the minimum requirements, let alone each individual. (One traditional scouter told me after last year's Day Camp that a number of LDS groups had given belt loops for the activities we'd done at Day Camp, even though we'd only superficially covered the requirements. The intent was to get them started and they could finish off the requirements at home or at Den Meeting). It's important to remember that a boy having a shirt full of decorations is far less important than his having the knowledge he gains from learning and doing on his own and his knowing he didn't slide by. Neither the scout nor his leaders can claim to be trustworthy when awards are given and not earned.

One big reason these kinds of conversations really burn me up is that the Scouting program is also supposed to provide missionary opportunities. Generally we tend to think that these opportunities are limited to the boys we might bring into the program (less-active or non-members). I'd guess in reality we make just as big of an impression on their parents and other scout leaders. Some of these people are really the salt of the earth, but because of the examples they see in our leaders and parents, they'll never desire to join the church.

I attended Naval Science Institute in the summer of 1998. In the first few weeks we identified some areas we thought the service was lacking in leadership. We agreed that our small group wasn't likely to make huge changes, but our motto was "Change Your 10%". We agreed that wherever we went, each of us would do our best to improve the 10% we had influence over. In the years since 1998, I've had other conversations that make me not-so-proud to be an LDS scouter. All I can do is agree that we [LDS scouters] should be doing things the right way, try to lead by example and change my 10%.

Scouting Ideals

One of the methods listed for both Boy Scouting and Cub Scouting is the Scouting Ideals. This year we celebrated 100 years since the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. The boy scouts originated in England in 1908. The movement was founded by Robert Baden-Powell. From the beginning, the idea of, "Do a good turn daily," was fundamental to Scouting. The scouting movement traveled to America with William D. Boyce. According to legend, he was visiting London and became lost in the fog. He was assisted by a boy scout and was so impressed that he decided this was something the U.S. needed too.

In his talk "Scouting Builds Men" Ezra Taft Benson had this to say about Scouting Ideals:

I would to God that every boy of Boy Scout age could have the benefits and the blessings of the great Boy Scout program. It is truly a noble program; it is a builder of character, not only in the boys, but also in the men who provide the leadership. And character, after all, is the priceless thing you build in this life and take with you into the next. I have often said that Scouting is essentially a spiritual program, a builder of men. It is established upon a deeply spiritual foundation.

In the first part of the Boy Scout Oath we declare, “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law.” Scouting emphasizes duty to God, reverence for sacred things, observance of the Sabbath, maintenance of the standards of the Church with which the boy is affiliated. As each boy repeats that pledge, usually at every Scout meeting or function, he says aloud in the presence of those whose friendship he values most highly, “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God.” It cannot help but make a deep and lasting impression upon him. It becomes the foundation upon which a noble character is built. The oath also pledges duty to country, and that too is basically spiritual.

Scouting stresses service to others, and again this has a spiritual base. The Scout pledges to help other people at all times. Was it not the Master who said, “Whosoever will be chief among you; let him be your servant?” The slogan “Do a Good Turn Daily” has become emblazoned upon men’s lives far beyond its place of origin in the Boy Scout movement. Scouting also emphasizes duty to self. How charged with spiritual meaning are the words “to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight!”

There is a tendency to think of fitness solely in terms of the physical, in terms of bodily strength. But to be truly fit, truly equal to the demands of life, requires much more than bodily strength. It involves the mind and the training of the mind, the emotions and their use and control. Yes, and it involves the soul and the spiritual growth too. And that is why Scouting challenges our youth to be physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

It seems to me that the most successful program of complete youth fitness ever known to man was described in 14 words. They are the words of the beloved disciple Luke in the New Testament. He uses just one sentence to cover a period of 18 years—the 18 years in which the Savior of the world, after returning to Nazareth from Jerusalem, prepared himself for his public life: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” There is the ideal of any program of youth fitness, to help our youth increase in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. It covers everything: physical fitness, mental fitness, social fitness, emotional fitness, spiritual fitness.

The Scout Law is fundamentally spiritual. The points of the law are expressions of virtues, of ideals; they are the basis of sound character. These virtues of trustworthiness, loyalty, bravery, helpfulness, kindness, obedience, cleanliness, reverence, and all the rest are what the past progress of the world is built upon.

A recent news article about an incident between Baptist and Mormon Scouters in Montana prompted many comments along the lines of, "Religion doesn't belong in Scouting. The BSA should not allow churches as sponsors." This sentiment has been around for years, as has the attitude many Church members have that, "Scouting doesn't belong in our religion." Scouting founder Baden-Powell said, "I have clearly stated that our objective in the Scout movement is to give such help as we can in bringing about God's Kingdom on earth." You could not get more in line with our goals as a Church than that. He also said, "We merely lay before the boys... the simplest fundamental ethics of religion, and get them to put these into practice...We put them as Christ taught them in their two simple forms: 'Love thy God with all thy heart; and the second is like unto it - Love thy neighbor as thyself.'"

Purposes and Methods of Cub Scouting

As I mentioned in the article about the Aims and Methods of Scouting, Cub Scouting has its own set of purposes and methods, but most are the same or similar to the Boy Scouts.

There are ten Purposes of Cub Scouting which leaders and parents should be working toward. Most don't need an explanation, or it would be redundant to the last post, so instead I will simply list them and point out a few differences. In looking at the differences, we can understand the Cub Scout program a little better. Every activity with the Scouts should relate to at least one of the purposes. They are:

Character Development
Spiritual Growth
Good Citizenship
Sportsmanship and Fitness
Family Understanding
Respectful Relationships
Personal Achievement
Friendly Service
Fun and Adventure
Preparation for Boy Scouts

According to the BSA's website,"These purposes help us achieve the overall aims of the BSA of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness." In a way, they are really just breaking down those three aims into more specific goals that are appropriate for boys 7-10.

Notice "Spiritual Growth" and "Family Understanding" are high on the list. Those are both things that the BSA wants to promote and we should keep in mind at our activities. The Church website has a table you can download that shows possible activity correlations between Cub Scouting and Faith in God. This chart can get you started in finding ways to combine Faith in God with your den meetings. The Faith in God book is also the guide for the religious knot that the boys can earn.

The final goal is preparation for Boy Scouts. Even starting at age eight we should be helping the boys prepare for missions. One things we can do at this age is give them a good Cub Scout program. If their enthusiasm for Scouting can grow and last until they reach Boy Scouts, their Boy Scout leaders will have a better opportunity to help prepare them in the next stage of their growth. Think of preparation for Boy Scouts as preparation for the priesthood.

The Methods of Cub Scouting are what we use to help meet the purposes. They are:

The Ideals - The Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack are very similar to those of the Boy Scouts. The boys are taught from this early age that they have a duty to their God, country and families. (When typed out like that, it's kind of reminiscent of Captain Moroni, isn't it? Alma 46:12)

The Den - The boys belong to a den instead of a patrol. They aren't running things like they will in Boy Scouts (although they love getting a turn to be denner), but it gives them a sense of camaraderie to belong to a den.

Advancement - Again, this is a method, not the goal. Advancement is important, but it is also only a means to an end, not the end itself.

Family Involvement - We see again that families are an essential part of Cub Scouting. The more involved parents and family are, the better a boy's experience will be. The program was designed to be done with parents, and we shouldn't miss this great opportunity to strengthen our relationships with our boys.

Activities - Having fun is what keeps the boys interested and coming back. They'll learn more when they're enjoying themselves.

Home and Neighborhood Centered - Here's something different about Cub Scouts. The emphasis is on home and neighborhood. The boys will enjoy getting to know the area they live in, and it will prepare them to be better able later to serve their community.

The Uniform - See previous post. At this age the boys are excited to wear a uniform. Take advantage of that. When they are older they will be more likely to want to wear a uniform if it was a positive experience in Cub Scouts.

Remember the article about Cheryl Lant at Philmont: "Bishops and branch presidents — want a deacons quorum filled with young men well prepared to perform their Aaronic Priesthood duties? Start first by building successful Cub Scout dens... Cub Scouts is another tool that local priesthood and Primary leaders can utilize to train and prepare boys to receive that 'preparatory' priesthood. 'Truly the work we are doing is the work of the priesthood.'"

Aims and Methods of Scouting

One of my purposes with the blog is to help members of the Church better understand the Scouting program. The "Aims and Methods" are the basic ideas on which the program is run. You will notice that the aims of both Boy Scouting and Cub Scouting are in line with our goals for our children in the Church and as parents. In fact, Church leaders have told us that our main goal for boys this age is to prepare them for a mission. The Aims and Methods of Scouting meet that end.

In this article I will cover the Aims and Methods of Boy Scouting. Cub Scouting is slightly different, but is designed to prepare boys to be Boy Scouts. I will cover those in another article.

The Aims of Boy Scouting are:

Character Development - "A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent." One of the things I think is a testament to the BSA is that in the anti-religion climate that seems to be growing in America, they have never taken, "do my duty to God," out of the Boy Scout or Cub Scout Promises. Boys are encouraged to understand and follow their religion, as well as develop the character traits listed in the Scout Law. How many youth organizations do you know of that can claim that (or would want to)?

Citizenship Training - To me, citizenship has two sides: knowing about and loving your country, and being a good neighbor. Scouting covers both. Boys learn about flag etiquette, history and government. Most importantly, though, they learn about service. Service hours are required for advancement in rank, and they are also required for some of the merit badges. As leaders and parents, we should be helping the boys understand that these service projects and hours are not just something to do because they have to for rank. Service should become part of life, something we look for opportunities to perform. That is one of the things the program is meant to teach. The original Scouting program was founded on the idea to, "Do a good turn daily," and that's still the attitude the boys should have. We should be preparing the boys to not just "go on a mission" but to serve a mission. One of most important parts of missionary work is service.

Mental and Physical Fitness - This is something we all want for our children, especially in a time when we hear terms like "obesity epidemic" and "educational crisis" tossed around so often. Even in the gospel, the importance of intelligence (the one thing, besides your testimony, you can take with you to heaven) and physical fitness (Word of Wisdom) are stressed. These are also important qualities for missionaries to have. Your ability to share the gospel will be hampered if you aren't fit enough to walk or bike around town.

The Scouting program uses eight methods designed to meet these goals. This is a brief overview. We will cover many of these more thoroughly in future articles. I am going to list these in the order Bradley Harris uses - the acronym PAUL SOAP:

Patrol Method - This is one of the fundamental ideas of Boy Scouting, and so naturally it is one of the things that is most often misunderstood and misapplied. The patrol method puts the boys together in a group, or patrol, which they are expected to run through cooperation. In so doing, they learn many leadership and personal skills. The Scoutmaster should be there only as a background figure whose job is to help the boys succeed. According to Charles Dahlquist, there may be times when the Scoutmaster needs to take charge long enough to demonstrate to the boys what to do, but then he steps back and lets them take the lead once more.

Advancement - This is sometimes the only part of Scouting that we see. The Church puts a heavy emphasis on earning the Eagle, because it has been shown that a boy who earns the Eagle is more likely to accomplish a number of things, including going on a mission. However, we need to remember that this is one of the methods, not one of the aims. The purpose of the program is not to achieve as many advancements as possible. Rather, advancement, when applied correctly with the other methods, helps meet the goal of growing boys into men.

Uniform - The uniform is often a controversial part of the program, but it really does help meet the goals. It gives the boys group identity and it affects their behavior. A group of boys in a uniform with uniformed leaders will act differently than boys in street clothes. The Church Handbook says, "No boy or young man should be excluded from Scouting if he is unable to purchase a uniform... The wearing of Scouting uniforms by adult leaders is optional, but it is encouraged where feasible." Uniforms are not required, but they should be encouraged. If a boy cannot afford to purchase a uniform, his leaders, his troop, his ward, should be able to find a way to help him get one. Units can have a uniform library. Old uniforms can be donated. Cheaper uniforms can be found on ebay, at DI or other local thrift shop. Working together, your unit should be able to come up with a way for every boy to be in uniform, so they can all feel like an equal part of the group. Think of this in terms of mission or temple. Missionaries have their own uniform, and there is a uniform in the temple. Each serves its own purpose. What does a ward do when a boy cannot afford to serve a mission or buy a suit? What about when situations make it difficult for a member to take themselves to the temple or purchase temple clothing?

Leadership Development - All of the methods of Scouting together are designed to build leadership. If leaders know when to step back and when to help, the boys will be able to develop necessary leadership skills. They will learn through example as well as practical application. Older boys should be given the opportunity to mentor younger boys, both in the their patrols and in opportunities like being a Den Chief. The culmination of all of this leadership training is the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project. The point of the project is more than a big service project - it's giving the boy a chance to organize and lead a major effort.

Scouting Ideals - These are contained in the Scout Motto, Scout Slogan, Scout Promise and Scout Law. Basically, Scouting teaches morality, citizenship, service and duty to God. It presents many opportunities to tie in the things the boys are learning on Sunday.

Outdoors - There are many reasons to give the boys plenty of opportunities to be outdoors - too many reasons to discuss well in just a brief paragraph. Camping and other outdoor activities provide room for the physical activity the boys need, opportunities to listen to the Spirit and grow closer to God, and a setting where the skills the boys have been learning can be practiced.

Adult Association - Bishop H. Burke Peterson said, "'The primary reason why we have youth activities is to give our youth opportunities to associate with men and women who have testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." It is important for the boys to have good leaders they can look up to, but Adult Association also refers to the merit badge counselors, another part of the program I have observed is often misunderstood and misapplied both in the Church and outside of it. Merit badges are meant to be earned through merit badge counselors, because those counselors are meant to be mentors for the boys, more examples of good men and women who contribute to society and share their time and talents with others. Boys should be contacting these merit badge counselors and setting up appointments themselves, as part of the path to personal growth.

Personal Growth - When a good program is provided, boys will increase in independence, spirituality and desire to serve others. Through Scouting and Young Men, we are helping "perfect the saints" (not that they will be perfect, but it's a good start) so that they can go on to "proclaim the gospel."

Keeping a proper balance of all of these methods, with the aims in mind, and more importantly the keeping the goal of "ensur[ing] that every deacon is prepared and worthy to be ordained an elder and serve a mission" (source) in mind will help Scout Leaders and Bishoprics accomplish the full potential of the Scouting program.

A little lightheartedness

I just came across a short article from the October 2002 Ensign titled, "Confessions of a Den Mother." I hope it will bring a smile to your face:

I first began worrying about being a Cub Scout den mother when my son was about 20 minutes old. After counting his toes in the delivery room, I fell into an uneasy sleep. I dreamed that 10 Cub Scout babies in disposable diapers were chasing me. I awoke in a cold sweat and spent the next eight years stewing over the inevitable.

When the day finally came for my first den meeting, I felt apprehensive but prepared. When the meeting ended at 4:30 p.m., I was sure my teeth were permanently clenched together under my smile and that my hearing had suffered irreparable damage. My own son had definitely been the loudest and worst.

I learned some basic truths quickly:

1. Under no circumstances should you hold den meetings in your own home if you have white carpeting or a nervous dog.

2. The three conditions of a Cub Scout uniform are (a) dirty at home, (b) dirty on the boy, or (c) clean but lost.

3. Two pairs of scissors cannot be equally divided among six boys.

4. If your own son is in the den, he will refuse to treat you as a den mother but will instead treat you simply as Mother.

5. The three conditions of Cub Scout books are (a) lost or forgotten; (b) in pieces, held together with rubber bands and paper clips; and (c) empty, as in devoid of any signatures or evidence of work. Several conditions may coexist at any given time.

6. Speaking of time, it’s relative. When you are reading a good book, an hour is hardly measurable. When you are in the midst of an unsuccessful Cub Scout craft project with nine boys ages eight to ten, an hour is hardly endurable.

7. An hour is sometimes longer than 60 minutes, since at least one mother is generally late to pick up her son after each meeting. This is especially true if the den mother has company coming for dinner exactly 60 minutes after den meeting.

Despite truth 6, the time, surprisingly, has passed; and my sanity, astonishingly, is intact. Den meetings held at the neighborhood school library, where there is no white carpeting or nervous dog, were mostly successful and often enjoyable.* My ears grew less sensitive to the enthusiastic noise, and now I clench my teeth only at night. Although the books and uniforms remained elusive, the rewards were tangible.

My son turned ten and advanced to Webelos. Content, I was ready to abdicate my responsibilities. Luckily, I had another son who would turn eight in a few weeks, and I confess I was happy to stay on as den mother.

*As a personal note, I am a big fan of holding den meetings at church instead of at home, but remember that as with any meetings held in the church, there should be priesthood somewhere in the building aware of your activities.

Learning and Teaching

I loved Brother McConkie's talk about teaching in General Conference. I thought it was just as applicable to being a Scout leader as teaching Sunday School or Primary. Here are some highlights I thought were especially relevant:

I am not going to talk about the “how” of teaching but rather about the “how” of learning. There can be a significant difference between what a teacher says and what those in the class hear or learn.

Think for a moment of a teacher who really made a difference in your life. What was it about him or her that caused you to remember what was taught, to want to discover the truth for yourself, to exercise your agency and act and not just to be acted upon—in other words, to learn? What was it about this teacher that set him or her apart from the rest?

A successful teacher and author said: “What matters most in learning is attitude. The attitude of the teacher.”

Note that what matters most in learning is not the number of years a teacher has been a member of the Church or how much teaching experience a person has or even the teacher’s knowledge of the gospel or teaching techniques. What matters most is the attitude or spirit by which the teacher teaches.

...

Successful gospel teachers love the gospel. They are excited about it. And because they love their students, they want them to feel as they feel and to experience what they have experienced. To teach the gospel is to share your love of the gospel.

Brothers and sisters, a teacher’s attitude is not taught; it’s caught.

Your attitude really does make the most difference in how well the boys learn and how well your meetings will go. Both your attitude toward each of the boys and your attitude towards Scouting will make a difference. That means you need to get to know both. Get to know each of the boys and learn to like them (yes, that's easier with some boys than with others). Learn about the program you are over and learn why the Church thinks Scouting is so important. I know when he said knowledge and techniques aren't as important you thought that meant you don't need training, but you do. You really need to know how the program works and what it's supposed to look like if you want to give the boys a good experience. And if you love the boys, you will want to give them the best possible experience.

How, then, do we develop the attitude necessary to be a successful teacher? I would like to discuss four basic principles of gospel teaching....

First, immerse yourself in the scriptures. We cannot love what we do not know...

Soon after I was called to be a stake president, our stake presidency received training from an Area Seventy. During the training, I asked a question to which he responded, “That is a good question. Let’s turn to the Church Handbook of Instructions for the answer.” We then went to the handbook, and there was the answer to my question. A little later in our training, I asked another question. Once again he responded, “Good question. Let’s turn to the handbook.” I did not venture to ask any more questions. I thought it best to read the handbook...

Second, apply in your life the things that you learn...

Third, seek heaven’s help. Appeal unto the Lord for His Spirit with all of the energy of your heart. The scriptures state, “If ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach." This means that even if you use all the right teaching techniques and what you are teaching is true, without the Spirit real learning is not going to take place.

When was the last time you knelt in prayer and asked the Lord to help you not just with your lesson but also to help you to know and to meet the needs of each student in your class? No class is so large that we cannot pray for inspiration regarding how to reach each student.

It is natural for teachers to have feelings of inadequacy. You must understand that “age and maturity and intellectual training are not in any way or to any degree necessary to communion with the Lord and His Spirit."

The promises of the Lord are certain. If you earnestly search the scriptures and treasure up in your minds the words of life, if you keep the commandments with all of your heart and pray for each student, you will enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost and you will receive revelation.

Fourth, brothers and sisters, it is of utmost importance that we exercise our agency and act, without delay, in accordance with the spiritual promptings we receive.

President Thomas S. Monson taught: “We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. When it speaks, wise men and women obey. Promptings of the Spirit are not to be postponed.”

Scout Leaders in the Church are blessed with the number of resources they have. We have the gift of training with the BSA and all of the publications and program helps the organization provides, plus we have a relationship with Heavenly Father. We can go to Him for inspiration on how to best teach and help each boy. If you take full advantage of all these things, you really can't go wrong.

His story about the handbook reminded me especially of Scouting. Most of your questions will be answered by reviewing the handbook that goes with your particular level of Scouting. If you question how a Scouting practice fits with Church policy, check your Church Handbook on Scouting (the "Green Book"). It is small, but it covers all areas of conflict between the two programs (probably because there are actually very few areas of conflict).

Attitude, study and listening to the Spirit will benefit you no matter what you're teaching.

The Importance of Your Calling in Scouting

In the last 15 years, I have taught many 8-11 year-old boys in both Primary and Cub Scouting. I think my biggest failing has been not understanding just how important the impact is that leaders and teachers of our boys and young men have. In his 2004 Open House talk, Charles W. Dahlquist made this clear:

"Shortly after April general conference, we met with the First Presidency to be set apart in our callings... President Hinckley placed his hands on my head and, among other things, said, 'Brother Dahlquist, I bless you that you might be almost consumed with the work of saving the young men of the Church.' And I tell you that in the months that have followed, I have learned a bit about what that means. But there is a greater extension of that blessing that I want to discuss with you tonight. In Moses 1:39 there is a great scripture that reads, 'For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.'

"I think we would all agree that if that is our Heavenly Father's work, it is our work too. In a corresponding manner, if it is my charge to become 'almost consumed' with the work of saving the young men of the Church, then it seems to me that is also the charge of every bishop; every bishop's counselor; every Young Men presidency; every quorum adviser; every Scoutmaster, Varsity Coach, or Venturing leader; every teacher of youth; and every parent.

"The objective and purpose of the Young Men general presidency is to assist parents and local leaders to strengthen the brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood—to prepare them to overcome the temptations of the world; to help them become spiritually and physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight; and to prepare them to become the greatest generation of missionaries, husbands, and fathers that this world has ever seen. Our objective is to help them become men who will lead with vision in their families, in their communities, and in their professions, men who live to bless those around them and in whom burns an almost consuming desire to 'bring to pass the immortality and eternal life' of those they serve.

"Our work is not easy, especially in the face of the onslaught of temptations being thrown continually at our young men. In a recent CES satellite broadcast, President Hinckley stated:
'What a frightening change has occurred in our culture. A great flood of sleaze has gathered and is washing over us. Language is used on our campuses that never crossed our lips back in the days of my youth. Pornography with all its titillating and vicious attraction is all about us. We have television, videos, DVDs, the Internet, and other means to deliver the filthy and the evil into our homes and lives. It is taking its toll. . . . This is the era of gutter-talk, of sloppy dress, of sloppy ways' (address to CES religious educators, Feb. 7, 2003).

"That which once was difficult for our youth to acquire now comes right into our homes on the Internet. If we are not careful, it will slip right into the minds of our youth. I was on an airplane recently as ABC News reported that if parents wish to take one more step in distancing themselves from their parental roles, they may consent to their children getting an 'R-card,' which allows them to enter any R-rated movie they wish without their parents. It is very apparent that a very real war for the souls of men is raging—a war especially for the souls of young men and young women. If we are not more vigilant than ever before, many of our youth will become prey to the wily darts of the adversary.

"Even in the face of all the temptations and challenges to youth of today, I believe in the strength of our youth. The young men and young women of today are stronger and more capable than ever before. Maybe that is why the adversary seems to have stepped up the onslaught. But in spite of the challenges and temptations, this is a glorious time to live! Speaking to the youth, President Hinckley said:

'There never was a time such as this. What a season in the history of the world to be alive! Never before has there been such a generation of youth. . . .

'You really are "a chosen generation." You are better educated. You desire to do the right thing. Many of you are trying to keep yourselves free from the corrosive stains of the world. In so many ways, you are remarkable! You are exceptional! I believe that as a group, you are the finest this world has ever seen.

'It is important for you to understand that you are part of a chosen generation. Limitless is your potential. Magnificent is your future, if you will take control of it and if you will decide now that you will not let your life drift in a fruitless and aimless manner' (Way to Be! [2002], 3–4).

"Now I say, in a corresponding way, 'Never has there been a cadre of leaders of youth than there is today. You are better qualified, better educated, better able to lead the youth of today than ever before. In so many ways, you truly are remarkable.'

"While we are pleased to report that many of the trends are improving, an alarming number of our young men fall into the ranks of the less active. We have a growing need for missionaries. We do not have enough missionaries even to fill our current needs, let alone future needs. Just think of it: When other countries open to missionary work, we will potentially need more missionaries for those countries alone than we currently have in the mission field worldwide.

"Unfortunately, in the face of that need, too many of our young men, particularly as they become teacher- and priest-aged, fall to the temptations of the world and are either unworthy to serve or have veered so far from the Church that they have lost the desire to serve or the hope that they can serve. Never has there been a time in the history of the world where there is a greater need for dedicated leaders of youth. Never before has there been a greater time for those who will, day after day, be so consumed with the work of strengthening our youth that not one goes astray.

"Soon after our call, we were in a meeting that included several members of the Twelve, the Presidents of the Seventy, and the Presiding Bishopric. In that meeting, as we stood to present our goals as a new presidency, Elder L. Tom Perry said, 'President, do you know what your task is?' I replied that I thought I did, to which Elder Perry stated, 'Your job is to ensure that every deacon is prepared and worthy to be ordained an elder and serve a mission. It's that simple!' I responded that we were devoted to doing all in our power to accomplish that task, to which Elder Perry stated, 'That's not good enough! Your work is to ensure that every deacon is prepared and worthy to be ordained an elder and serve a mission!'

"Not knowing exactly how to respond, I thought of a scripture in the book of Genesis that expressed our feelings. I do not have time to tell the sweet story of Joseph and his brothers, but emphasize only the words of Judah when he was confronted with the possibility of having to return home without his brother Benjamin: 'Thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father. . . . How shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me?' (Genesis 44:32, 34).

"And so my brethren, that is our charge: to do all that is in our power to prepare the lads of the Aaronic Priesthood to be worthy and prepared—to ensure that every deacon is prepared and worthy to be ordained a teacher, that every teacher is prepared and worthy to be ordained a priest, and that every priest is prepared and worthy to be ordained an elder and serve a mission.

"As leaders, our charge becomes even more vital as young men grow toward manhood. A Church study performed some years ago found that parents have the greatest impact on the 12- and 13-year-old boy in how he behaves and how he exercises his agency. However, as the boy grows, and particularly when a young man reaches 16 and 17 years of age, some major factors in his life are his peers and his leaders, particularly his bishop and his Young Men leaders."

If President Dahlquist's words don't give you a new perspective on your calling of working with the Young Men, I don't know what would. This isn't just about the older boys, though. I don't want those working in Primary and Cub Scouts to feel left out. In a message Cheryl C. Lant delivered at Philmont, she stressed the importance of Cub Scouting in the big picture. According to a Church News article which summarized the meeting:

"Bishops and branch presidents — want a deacons quorum filled with young men well prepared to perform their Aaronic Priesthood duties? Start first by building successful Cub Scout dens.

"That was the message shared here by Sister Cheryl C. Lant, Primary general president, during the recent Priesthood Leadership Conference at the Philmont Scout Ranch.

'Cub Scouts are part of the whole [priesthood] picture — it's where we lay the foundation,' she said.'

...

"Sister Lant said new Primary presidencies may not fully realize the importance of a well-run Cub Scout den.

'Priesthood leaders need to understand that these women need training so they understand [their callings].'

"In closing, Sister Lant shared her beliefs in the Scouting program and its role as the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood. Cub Scouts is another tool that local priesthood and Primary leaders can utilize to train and prepare boys to receive that 'preparatory' priesthood. 'Truly the work we are doing is the work of the priesthood.'"

The Four T's

In a Priesthood Conference in 1996, Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone first coined the "Four T's" of being a good Scout Leader:

"There are four things that are absolutely essential in a great Scout leader. I call them the four T's:

1 - Testimony—that they have a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, His Atonement, and that this Church is God's Church.
2 - Trained—they need to be trained, not only by the Church, but as well by Boy Scouts of America within the districts and council.
3 - Time—they need to have time to be a leader of boys.
4 - Tenure—short tenure if they don't enjoy the work and are not willing to put in the time necessary, and long tenure if they love the young men and want to serve them with all their hearts and souls."
(from LDS.org)

The details of that talk are not available. However, Charles Dahlquist covered the points thoroughly in a 2004 talk at an open house (I highly recommend reading the whole talk. It is excellent and will give you a new perspective on your calling to work with the youth.) President Dahlquist said:

"As we speak of strengthening and vitalizing the Aaronic Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood quorum, let me speak first of the leader and then of the boy.

"Priesthood and Young Men leaders are the vital link in the lives of these young men. Therefore, it is critical that men be called who can and will make a difference in the lives of our young men. I give you five guidelines for ensuring that every deacon is prepared and worthy to be ordained an elder and serve a mission. The first has to do with selecting youth leaders, and the remaining four have often been referred to as the 'Four Ts of Youth Leadership': testimony, training, time, and tenure.

"First, call good youth men to serve with the youth. Look for men who can be examples to your young men, who relate well to the youth and yet are able to keep a bit of a distance so they can still inspire them and lift them to greater heights. Look for men who can say, 'Come, follow me—to the temple and on a mission.' Listen for the promptings of the Spirit; you will know whom to call.

"When you call leaders, make it a memorable call. Take time to discuss your expectations and what is required of them. Talk to them about time commitments, training expectations, personal preparation, and the need for one-on-one contact with each boy. Have in your hand a list of young men in the quorum, and take time to discuss the needs of each boy with the new leader.

"If you are in the United States or Canada, teach leaders the role of Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing in supporting the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood and helping the young men of the quorum become men of character and strength. While our experience has shown that it generally works most effectively when the deacons quorum adviser is also called as the Scoutmaster and, where possible, has an able assistant (or assistants) to help, the bishop may call one individual as the deacons quorum adviser and one as the Scoutmaster (see Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 181). In such cases, however, the two must work very closely together to help the deacons quorum presidency accomplish the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood in the quorum. The same holds true in the teachers quorum and the priests quorum.

"Most importantly (and this comprises the first T), ensure that the new leader is a man of character who has a strong testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Bishop H. Burke Peterson, formerly the Presiding Bishop, stated in 1975, 'The primary reason why we have youth activities is to give our youth opportunities to associate with men and women who have testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.' And President Kimball often quoted Walter MacPeek in stating: 'Boys need lots of heroes like Lincoln and Washington. But they also need to have some heroes close by. They need to know some man of towering strength and basic integrity, personally. They need to meet them on the street, to hike and camp with them, to see them in close-to-home, everyday, down-to-earth situations; to feel close enough to them to ask questions and to talk things over man-to-man with them' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 71; or Ensign, May 1976, 47). Our young men need heroes today as never before, heroes who are men of character and who have testimonies of the gospel.

"Next, training. Along with testimony, training is essential to all we do. A recent graduate from a trade school must generally complete an apprenticeship before he can be employed. For a physician, it is called residency and internship. All jobs requiring competency require training.

"I was recently at Disney World and became acquainted with the Disney Institute, which is Disney's training school for Disney World employees, or cast members. All Disney World cast members receive training appropriate for their role in the Disney experience. Walt Disney himself once said, 'You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.' Those people must be trained in 'the Disney way.'

"It is no different in the Aaronic Priesthood. What makes us think that just because it is God's work, we don't need to be trained? The Prophet Joseph went through years of training at the feet of Moroni and other heavenly beings for his marvelous work (see D&C 128:19–21). So we too must become qualified for the work. The School of the Prophets was established to train and qualify the early leaders of the Church. In addition, in the Doctrine and Covenants we are instructed, 'Let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.' (D&C 107:99).

"When I was a mission president in northern Germany, Sister Dahlquist and I had a few minutes one day and took a short trip to the top of a little mount called Hercules, right in the city Kassel. At the top of Hercules, I saw a shepherd with his staff, sheep dogs, and sheep, and thought I would ask him the age-old question: 'When you move the sheep from one place to another, do you go in front of the sheep or behind?' His answer surprised me. 'It depends,' he said. 'If they are going a route they are familiar with, they go ahead, with the dogs watching out to ensure that none go astray. But if they are going to a place where they have not been before, I go ahead and they follow.' What a wonderful principle of leadership.

"As leaders we need to know where we are going, or else we will go astray. We must be trained and directed; we must catch the vision. It is the same with the young men. When they are charting unknown waters, we must be close to them, often leading the way so they can follow and so they can be prepared to lead the next time. The moment I was called as a Scoutmaster, I felt an unusual sense of urgency, one I had not had before. I remember discussing that with the bishop and also with the boys in leadership. I told them, 'Boys, I have a feeling we do not have long to accomplish all we must in this quorum. For the next couple of weeks, I will be doing some things that, after you have seen how it's done, you will be doing, so watch carefully!' Within several weeks they shouldered their proper share of the load, but only after they had seen it done and caught a vision of how things should go.

"In our young single adult branch, I would often tell the brethren in elders quorum, 'Watch how things are administered in the branch by the branch presidency. Watch how meetings are conducted, how brethren and sisters are set apart, how new officers and teachers are presented for sustaining, how a proper priesthood executive committee or branch council is conducted, and how the presidency ministers to and watches over the flock, for it will not be long before you will be in our shoes, presiding over the flocks of the Lord's kingdoms! Your on-the-job training has already begun. May God bless you that you may be ready!'

"Each priesthood and Young Men leader has the responsibility of instructing the leaders of his assigned quorum in their duties in the Aaronic Priesthood and helping them catch a vision for their calling and fulfill it. These duties are outlined in the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2 in the section on Aaronic Priesthood. This section also has some excellent resource materials for Aaronic Priesthood presidency leadership training.

"In the United States and Canada, we have a wonderful partnership with the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting in these countries provides a vital application phase of the learning process for our Aaronic Priesthood quorums. I have found an unexplained reluctance on the part of some priesthood leaders to implement fully Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing as the activity arm of their quorums and to become trained themselves. Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone once said, 'I do not believe that Varsity Scouting is on trial in the Church, nor is Boy Scouting, Cub Scouting, or [Venturing]. But rather it is my firm belief that bishops, and the ward leaders, the advisers, Scoutmasters, coaches, and [Venturing] advisers are on trial. The program will work if they will work and become trained and put into effect the things they have been trained to do' (personal letter to Thane J. Packer, Oct. 7, 1997, in Thane J. Packer, On My Honor: A Guide to Scouting in the Church, [1998], 57).

"My experience has shown that this is true. As a newly called Scoutmaster, I think I did a reasonable job. We accomplished much, advancement was passable, and we garnered a number of awards at our annual council Scout camp. But not until I finished my basic Scouting training and then Wood Badge training did I realize how much more we could have done to strengthen our boys.

"As a presidency, we believe training—both Aaronic Priesthood training and training in the Boy Scouts of America—is vital to the success of an Aaronic Priesthood experience. In fact, in those parts of the world where Scouting is not a feasible partner, we must develop efforts to simulate that which Scouting does so well to support the Aaronic Priesthood and help young men accomplish the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood. In that vein, Duty to God was not intended to take the place of Scouting but is intended to help young men of the Aaronic Priesthood become better prepared to go to the temple, serve missions, and accomplish the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood. Brethren, it is time we received the training that is there to help us become better priesthood and Young Men leaders and recognized that Scouting is a vital part of the Aaronic Priesthood activity program and can help greatly to build better-prepared missionaries, better husbands and fathers, help prepare our young men to receive the ordinances of the temple, and help reactivate those who have drifted.

"The other day I was at the checkpoint for a 100-mile endurance run. I noticed, not unexpectedly, that not one of the runners was competing in flip-flops. They all had quality footwear because, to a great extent, their footwear would either make or break their experience during a very grueling 24- to 36-hour experience.

"To even think that someone would compete in such an event or in an Olympic event in flip-flops is unthinkable. Yet sometimes I think that in the Aaronic Priesthood it is as if we have purchased a $200 pair of running shoes that we then place on a shelf and then try running the marathon in flip-flops. Wouldn't it make more sense to use the wonderful, tried, and tested program in the way it was intended? I challenge each of us in these next six months to get with the program. Get those $200 running shoes down from the shelf, get trained, and then apply the program in the right way.

...

"Third, time—it takes time each week to be an effective leader of youth. It is much, much more than an hour on Sunday in quorum meeting and an hour-or-so during the week. It takes preparation to make a difference in the lives of boys. It is also vital that you become fully engaged in their lives and their activities.

"Years ago, when I was a stake president, a young man called me who had not been in our stake for three or four years. He was calling for help in making some changes in his life. I asked him why he was calling me, since he no longer lived in our stake. He replied simply, 'Because I know you love me.'

"I thought back on what I had done as a stake president to give him that impression. I recalled hearing one day that he was competing in a track meet at the local high school. I decided to go to support him. I stood near the track, and as he completed his vault, I waved to him. He came over to me and said, 'President, how come you're here?' I told him, 'I'm here to watch you break the state pole vault record!' 'No," he replied, 'you must have a daughter cheerleading today.' I reassured him that our daughters did not cheer for track meets and the only reason I was here was to support him. With an unusual look in his eye, he grinned and returned to his pole vaulting. Little did I realize that this single exchange was sufficient to express a stake president's love and concern for one of his flock—enough to bring the lamb back to the fold years later. Be involved with the youth, and in time you will find that they will develop confidence and trust in you.

"Finally, tenure. When I was stake president, I would tell our bishops, 'In this stake, when we speak of youth leader tenure in callings, we spell it t-e-n y-e-a-r.' It takes time in a calling before the youth build what missionaries have called a 'relationship of trust.' That someone is qualified to serve in another calling is not sufficient reason to release a Scoutmaster to become a counselor in an elders quorum presidency or for any other calling. Unless the Spirit shouts, I have found it a good rule of thumb to leave Young Men leaders in their calling for a sufficient length of time to be trained, to apply what they have learned, and to make a difference in the lives of the young men they serve.

"It is often very difficult to find good leaders of young men. If they are good, leave them there. If you must change them, change them to another age group, but leave them where they can make a difference in the lives of young men and in the generations unnumbered that follow. I have a friend who was just released as Varsity Coach and teachers quorum adviser in his ward. I asked him how long he had served there. His reply was 'four years!' And then he added, 'I have just been called as ward clerk, but I know that in a few months the Scoutmaster position will open up, and I believe that shortly I will be back with the youth!' What a wise bishop to keep those who are great with youth serving with the youth! Bishops, carry on!"

Two-deep Leadership

Dear Bishops,

I know it can be hard finding people to fill all of the callings in a ward, but I want to stress to you the importance of two-deep leadership in the Scouting program.

First and foremost, this is a "Youth Protection" issue and a legal issue. It helps protect the Church, you and the leaders from litigation issues. More importantly, it helps protect the boys. I am sure you have seen news stories about lawsuits against Scout leaders, the BSA and the chartering organizations for untoward conduct. Many cases even involve LDS leaders.

There are other reasons, though, that two-deep leadership is essential. Running even a small den of three or four boys is difficult for one leader alone. Often there is a boy who needs special one-on-one attention for many activities, and an Assistant Den Leader can help with that. An Assistant Den Leader can also help make things run more efficiently. For example, he or she can check the boys' books and mark the records so that the Den Leader's attention doesn't need to be diverted away from the boys or the business at hand.

Consider also the "train your replacement" aspect that goes with any calling. Having two people working together ensures that if one needs to leave the calling, for whatever reason (which will happen eventually), there is still someone there who knows what's going on. This is why it's nice to even have positions like Assistant Cubmaster filled, as well as extra Committee Members.

If the pool of willing people in your ward is so thin that you absolutely cannot accomplish two-deep leadership for every den, it might be time to consider combining meetings with other wards in your building. I have seen these two and three pack committees work very effectively. Either that or parents can be encouraged (or even called) to take turns attending meetings until an Assistant Den Leader can be found.

Remember also the importance of having these leaders registered right away with the BSA and properly trained. Church Leadership has stressed the importance of these two things and has come out and said that no one should work with the boys until he or she is registered with the BSA.

Encouraging Family Involvement

I wrote about how Cub Scouting is meant to be a family-centered program, but what are you supposed to do as a leader when the parents don't understand that? Here are a few ideas for encouraging more family involvement in Cub Scouts:

Some wards use the Primary's Baptism Preview to also introduce the activity programs for 8-11 year-olds. A Cub Scout leader and Activity Days leader are each invited to speak for a few minutes about the programs. This is a great opportunity to introduce the idea to parents that they are an important part of the program. Let them know that their own attitude and involvement will have a big influence on their son's experience. Show them the parent guide at the front of the Wolf book and let them know they can and should work on many of the achievements with their son. Let them know they are invited to Den Meetings and that the whole family should attend Pack Meetings. You may even want to quote Elder Oaks' "Good, Better, Best" talk and point out that Cub Scouting can actually provide them with more quality family time.

I know of one Wolf Leader who even visits personally with parents who cannot attend the Preview and tells them all the things she wishes someone had told her when her sons started Scouts.

Once the boys have started the program, it can be a challenge getting them and their parents to remember to work on assignments during the week. Oftentimes fliers or e-mails are not enough for busy parents who have many things to worry about throughout the week. One Den Leader I knew used post-it-type sticky tabs to mark the pages in each boy's book where the assigned achievements were. It made them easier for parents to find and served as a visual reminder. It was a very effective system. It also made it easier for the leader to mark things off the following week. She then put tabs on the new assignments before giving the books back to the boys. Some parents may even be persuaded to add tabs to any extra achievements they work on at home, to make those easier to find for the leader marking them off as well.

Use your parents. Hopefully you already make use of parents in things like driving for field trips and providing refreshments for Pack Meeting. Parents can be involved in other ways as well. Find out what all of the boys' parents do for a living, what their hobbies are, whether they were ever Scouts, etc. Most likely you will find that most of the parents have some knowledge in an area related to one of the achievements, electives or belt loops. Invite them to a meeting to help with that activity and share their experience with the boys.

In the Primary manuals for the older children, many of the lessons have a suggestion at the end for the boys to teach their family what they learned that week in Family Home Evening. This same idea can be applied to Cub Scouting. See if you can find ways to make some of the activities something the boys can take home to share with their families or teach them. Maybe you could provide the boys with some kind of handout or activity they could do with their families.

Families can be encouraged to earn BSA Family Award. This is a special award that families can earn through setting goals and working together.

You may have seen the Mother's Pin ribbon necklaces. They are something moms can wear to Pack Meetings or Courts of Honor to keep their Mother's Pins on from when their sons earn rank. I recently came across this blog post, where a mom made her own, as well as several others, which she planned to give out to the other moms at Blue & Gold. If you have some women in your ward who enjoy sewing, maybe they could be persuaded to donate time and supplies to make some Mother's Pin necklaces for the moms in your ward. They could be given out at the Blue & Gold Banquet or when each boy turns eight. Receiving and wearing the necklaces might help the mothers feel even more like part of the program, as well as giving them a place to keep those tiny, little pins from getting lost.

These are just some ideas. Anything that you can do as a leader to help strengthen the family is a good thing.

Adding "Sparkle"

In the first training class we taught, there was a woman who said, "I don't know why they called me to this. I hate the stupid skits. I hate the stupid songs. I hate the stupid cheers. This is not the calling for me."

I cannot blame her. When I first started teaching this age group, I would always skip the "dumb" stuff, because they're going to think it's dumb too. Right?

I have since learned that boys this age, for the most part, do not think that stuff is dumb. They love it. There is nothing funnier to a boy than a skit with a groaner punch line. They love doing cheers, the more active the better. They even like the songs. I didn't think anyone would want to sing those goofy songs, but they really do.

I think realizing that the boys will actually enjoy that stuff and they won't think it's dumb is the first step to loosening up. If you're willing to relax a bit and have fun as a Scout leader, you'll find meetings becoming more enjoyable for both you and the boys. With enough practice, you too may someday find yourself in front of a large group of adults singing, "I'm a Little Teapot," to get their attention.

What many people aren't aware of is that in recent years the BSA has instituted some guidelines for things like skits and cheers. There are many resources online for skit ideas, but most of them come from old time Scouters who aren't aware of the guidelines (or choose to ignore them) so you need to be careful in selecting what you want to use. Just because it comes from a well-known site like USScouter doesn't mean it fits the guidelines.

The list the BSA has given of "some of the things that can make activities inappropriate and unacceptable," includes:

o Name-calling, put-downs, or hazing
o References to undergarments, nudity, or bodily functions
o Cross-gender impersonation that is in any way derogatory, rude, insulting, or lewd
o Derogatory references to or stereotyping of ethnic or cultural backgrounds, economic situations, or disabilities
o Sensitive social issues such as alcohol, drugs, gangs, guns, suicide, etc.
o Wasteful, ill-mannered, or improper use of food or water
o "Inside jokes" that exclude some of those present
o Cultural exclusion - emphasis on the culture or faith of part of the group while ignoring that of the rest of the group
o Changing lyrics to patriotic songs or to hymns or other spiritual songs

If you don't want to remember the whole list, just follow the rule, "When in doubt, take it out." If you think there's a chance it will offend anyone, or even make someone uncomfortable, find something else. In a way, this is kind of a nice cushion, because it gives you an excuse to nix things that make you uncomfortable: "I'm sorry. That sounds like a great idea, but it's against the rules."

My suggestion is to look through as many lists as you can, and compile from those your own lists of the skits, cheers and songs that you like best. Print these out and keep them in whatever it is that you take to den meetings and pack meetings, and in a pinch you can pull them out and have them ready. You may even want to keep a few extra gathering activities and game ideas in there as well, just in case.

Another popular idea for Cub Masters is to have a whole bunch of different cheers printed on slips of paper. Cut a hole for a hand to fit through out of a"Cheer" detergent box and keep the papers in there. Two or three times during a pack meeting, have different boys come up and take turns picking out a cheer for everyone to do.

However you do it, I strongly recommend you make use of skits, songs and cheers in your den meetings and pack meetings. They may take a little getting used to at first, but you'll be glad you did.

Monthly Pack Planning Meetings

The BSA updated a lot of things this year, including the training slide shows. There were only a few changes to the training class I give (Den Leader Specifics), but I really like them. They add some specifics that I think will be really beneficial to leaders, their dens and their packs.

One addition that I especially like is a more detailed look at Monthly Pack Planning Meetings. The training now includes a very specific outline of what a Pack Planning Meeting looks like:

1 - Evaluating the previous month
2 - Finalizing the current month
3 - Planning ahead
4 - Unit Leadership Enhancements
5 - Social time and fellowship

The notes include allusions to special committees reporting during parts 2 and 3 and den leaders turning in den advancement reports to the person in charge the awards for the next pack meeting during part 2. The suggestion for "Unit Leadership Enhancements" is that "the pack trainer should include one of the Unit Leadership Enhancement topics."

There are two reasons I like this so much. In the different packs I have observed and been part of, I have seen a big difference in Monthly Pack Planning Meetings, and the difference in the meetings reflected the difference in the overall quality of the programs. In the very best Cub Scout program I have seen, the Monthly Pack Planning Meetings looked almost exactly like this.

These meetings even included what I would call Unit Leadership Enhancements. Everyone had a copy of the Scouting Handbook in his or her binder, and at every meeting we would read a section out of the Handbook. I think this served several purposes. It kept the program in check with the standards set up by the Church. Even our knowledgeable Pack Chair or Bishopric member would occasionally find something he didn't know that needed to be changed. It reminded everyone what his job in the pack was. It let us know what everyone else's job, was and we didn't have to worry about whether anyone else was doing what he was supposed to. Finally, I think it gave everyone a sense of pack solidarity and that we all had a place there. I highly recommend LDS units consider adopting this practice of reading from the Handbook at planning meetings.

There are several other things about the way that pack held its planning meetings that I think helped its success. The meetings were held at the church, consistently on the same night every month, so everyone knew when to expect them (for example, everyone knows to try and keep the second Thursday of every month free). The meeting included all the Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders, the Cub Master, several Committee Members (including the Primary representative), the Committee Chair and the member of the Bishopric over the Scout program. Just as the involvement and support of parents have a big impact on a an individual Scout's experience in the program, my observation is that the involvement and support of the Bishopric makes a big diference in the Ward's experience with Scouting. Having a good Committee Chair is also important. If one isn't called, the Bishopric can act as the Committee Chair.

In contrast, I witnessed a pack in another state with very different meetings. The meeting time was not consistent. They were usually held on a Friday morning, whenever it was convenient for the person whose house they were at. Of course, most of the men in the pack couldn't make it to these meetings (there was one who worked 4-10's who was able to come). There was no Committee Chair and the Bishopric didn't attend or have much to do with the program at all. The meetings were usually made up of 2-3 people who would briefly go over plans for the next Pack Meeting. Often, meetings ended up in arguments over Church policy, whether the pack would be run the "right way" or "our way," and whether things like training and uniforms were really necessary.

Needless to say, the program was lacking in several areas. Very little was accomplished at the meetings. Most leaders were not trained. Mostly everyone in the pack did his own thing. There was no cohesion, a lot of contention, and the boys didn't get the kind of program they deserved.

I have also seen Pack's that were at some level in between, and whatever level they were at usually corelated with the amount of involvement and support from the Bishopric.

If you have a "lower level" calling in your pack, you may not think that there is much you can do about the way your pack is run. The best thing you can do is to remember that you are an important part of pack planning and that it is important for everyone to be on the same page. It is also important for you to have proper training for your position and to encourage others to attend the training as well.

Links

Some of these are in the sidebar, but I thought it would be nice to give a description of each. Also included in the list here but not in the sidebar are helpful links for general Scouting information (not LDS-specific).

AmericaJane.net - I just recently discovered this site. It is full of easy to follow explanations of all of the youth programs of the Church, including Boy Scout and Cub Scout basics. If you are brand new to the Cub Scout program (as a parent or leader) you might find her Cub Scout Cheat Sheet especially helpful. She also has a blog called America Jane Speaks, where she not only posts about Scouting and other youth programs, she posts about great FHE ideas and other relevant topics.

LDS Scouting Resources - This is a page put together by LDS Scouters in Virginia. It includes a PDF scan of the Scouting Handbook as well as some other helpful and inspiring resources.

LDS Scouting Relations - This is an informative site from the Francis Peak District of the Trapper Trails Council. It includes links to several Power Point presentations (some with PDF versions as well) including "Best Practices of Successful Scouting Programs" and presentations to give to parents of new Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

LDS_CSL Yahoo Group - If you don't mind creating a yahoo account (or you already have one) this group is definitely worth checking out. It is a great source of information, advice and encouragement for Cub Scout leaders in the Church. Members range from leaders brand new to their callings looking for advice to those that have been a part of Cub Scouts and the group for years, who are very helpful.

U.S. Scouting Service Project - This is a website you can spend a long time at without seeing everything. It is filled with general information, ideas, sparklers and sections like Ask Andy and Baloo's Bugle.

Boy Scout Trail - Another site with explanations and information about both the Boy Scout and Cub Scout Trails. This is a great site for information about Advancements as well as sparkler ideas. I like it when I need to look up requirements for belt loops or other special awards.

Kismif.org - "Awesome Cub Scouting" - This is another source for Baloo's Bugle. It also has a blog on the front page that offers tidbits that might be handy to Cub Scout leaders.

BSA Uniform Website - A new interactive website by the BSA with an easy interface for finding out exactly what goes where on uniforms for all ranks and ages.

The following are articles and files that I think are especially good and worth sharing with others in your Pack/Troop/Ward:

Message from the Young Men General Presidency (May 2010): Four reasons Scouting is used as the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood

Cub Scouting is the Foundation (Church News article featuring Cheryl C. Lant)

The Importance of Woodbadge Training by Charles W. Dalhquist II

Q&A on Popcorn Sales and Other Church Fundraising Policies

Church Policy Concerning BSA Registration

Here are direct links to Scouting resources on LDS.org:

Scouting

Cub Scouting

Information for Scout Leaders

Possible Activity Correlations for Cub Scouting and the Faith in God Award

Statements by Church Leaders in Support of Scouting

Requirements for Adult Religious Knot

If you have any links you'd like to add to the list, please leave a comment.