tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51074476932151707612024-03-13T11:47:27.915-07:00LDS ScouterEvensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-60819277296748610622015-10-17T06:13:00.001-07:002015-10-17T06:13:36.996-07:00Using Scouting As A Tool To Prepare Youth For MissionsI have a friend who recently served a mission with his wife. A few weeks ago, he was speaking with his mission president about what he felt were some of the biggest problem areas with the missionaries that served under him. My friend, also being an avid Scouter, noted just how closely these problems aligned with the purposes and aims of Scouting. Here's an abridged version of what my friend had to say about the conversation (he asks, though, that you "remember that these are areas that the mission president, his wife, and I observed and it should never detract from the work these wonderful missionaries are doing. They are good missionaries that did they best they could in a home or system (young mens/young women) that wasn’t perfect."
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"1. Many Elders and Sisters did not know how to budget so they would not go thru all their money in 1-2 weeks. Many times my wife received a call [from] a missionary stating they were out of money. They were not given any additional funds and had to 'leech' off their companion for the rest of the month. For those with wealthy parents, they had a personal credit card that they would use as their backup when they ran out of the church money they were given. This led to problems when one companion would spend like there was no tomorrow (using his/her personal credit card) and the other coming from a poor family and couldn’t afford such luxurious activities. We need to teach our youth to budget their money; one problem I see is that there are parents who don’t know how to budget either, thus creating a cycle of ignorance regarding finances.
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"2. Many of the missionaries did not know how to cook a simple meal (including oatmeal). Those that did, had problems in learning to cook within their budget (being creative with less costly food items).
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"3. The senior missionary couples, along with the mission president and his wife, had to keep drilling manners into the young missionaries. The missionaries frequently failed to thank their host for the meal or taking the time to let the missionaries in to teach, etc. On the first day in the mission field we advised the new missionaries they had better use good manners at the mission home dinner table and to thank the mission president’s wife for the meal. If they forgot, they were reminded before they could leave the dinner table. Manner, Manners, and Manners is a must, and too many of our youth lack such.
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"4. The parents of missionaries are creating a child that is dependent upon the parent(s) to do the work for the youth. As a result, the youth has a poor work habit and does not take responsibility for their actions (or lack of them). They have become codependent. The cause may be in that too many moms or dads have earned their son’s merit badges or built the sons pinewood derby car, etc. The parents need to let the son take responsibility and do the work.
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"5. In the mission we found a good percentage of missionaries that were not good at communicating. The missionaries first need to learn to listen, then speak (one of the topics the adult scouters are taught in Wood Badge). The missionaries need to learn to speak in public and be held to a high expectation. For example, a 5 minute talk by a Deacon is understandable; however, a 5 minute by a Priest is not. The Priest should be able to provide a 12-15 minute talk. Too many leaders are helping in the cause of missionaries sharing the gospel by allowing mediocrity to be the standard. We truly must raise the bar."
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I found it interesting how closely these relate to several of the "required" merit badges and to letting the youth learn to lead and do things on their own. My friend's observations/suggestions were:
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"First, a major key is that leaders must allow the YM to lead. Let them preside in their quorum, presidency meeting, report at the priesthood opening exercise. Quite frankly, we need to teach the adult leaders to stand back and be patient so the youth can lead. Either that or we muzzle the adults who try to lead without the proper authority :)
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"Second, we must never assume the young man knows what a council is or what we mean when we say “keys” (of the priesthood). A missionary actually advised the mission president he did not know what was meant by “keys” or “council” (as in ward council for example). Apparently he had never been part of a Bishop’s Youth Council or a Patrol Leaders Council.
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"Third, the young men must engage in the work and responsibilities of the Aaronic Priesthood. Parents need to support their son in this marvelous work. The goal of a scouter is to use scouting to help the young men fulfill the mission of the Aaronic Priesthood, not just get the Eagle rank.
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"Fourth, a good work ethic needs to be taught at home. Service projects are a weekly part in the missionary field. Having service projects that reinforce a good work ethic is important. (Planting flowers by young men is not very challenging and probably better left to the primary children; helping to fix an elderly member’s home is a more effective service project). Sacrifice should be part of the service project.
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"Fifth, adult leaders should start to correlate scouting merit badges and activities to help the young man become a better missionary. For example, cycling merit badge teaches a YM to ride a bike, repair it, and build up his endurance; automotive maintenance teaches the YM about taking care of a car and maintaining the vehicle in top notch shape; etc."
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The Scouting program really is the Lord's program for preparing young men to serve missions (and likewise, Personal Progress and Young Women are the Lord's programs for preparing young women with what they need). I think this list shows just how much of a disservice we are doing these young men when we do not use this inspired program exactly as it is laid out. What are everyone else's thoughts on this?
Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-62271547477122174242015-08-24T12:27:00.002-07:002015-08-24T12:27:34.853-07:00To Scout or not to Scout, that is the question.I have so many tools that I have to store them in two different places. I have auto mechanic tools, construction tools, mining tools, and specialty tools. With my tools I could rebuild and restore a car, build a house, dig a tunnel, or any of a number of other activities. I have tools I’ve never used and tools that are well past being worn out. There are any number of activities I could approach from different aspects using a number of different tools. Right now, the tool the Lord has instructed us to use to help our young men grow into self-sufficient missionaries, temple-going husbands, dedicated fathers, and responsible citizens is the Boy Scouts of America. Despite all that is going on in the political climate, the Lord has not yet retracted that guidance.
During a recent troop committee meeting, one of our committee members, a man I hold deep respect for, made it very clear that whether the church decides to stay with the BSA or not, if the recent vote by the BSA to allow homosexual leaders stands, he will no longer participate. I understand his viewpoint and don’t hold it against him. As we prepared for our upcoming annual planning meetings I reflected on how to approach this. It occurred to me that it is irrelevant which organization we call ourselves, it is the activities that the youth need to develop that are important and we’ll be doing those activities whether in BSA uniforms or in homemade activity shirts as a Deacons quorum. So this is the statement I read at the beginning of our planning meeting:
There are a lot of questions going on right now about the future of the relationship of the church and the BSA. Before we start planning our year let’s take a moment and think about what we’re really doing. We are NOT planning a BSA event; we are planning the activities that we hope will help the young men in our quorum become better priesthood holders, better missionaries, better fathers, and better citizens. The BSA is only the tool we are using to accomplish that. We know that activities that we are planning will, like the Mormon Battalion experience of the early church, prepare these youth for great things. I propose that whether the church stays with or separates from the BSA is irrelevant; we’ll still be holding these activities. It’s the experience that is important, not the organization. So let’s do our best to plan thoroughly and with due diligence.
I encourage you to keep the big picture in mind when you approach this delicate subject. Pray for direction and remember the Lord’s most recent counsel. Until He gives us new guidance, carry on as if nothing has or will change.
firebirdlvuerfirebirdluverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453221978638104150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-91057524735296068072015-08-02T10:44:00.000-07:002015-08-02T10:44:20.875-07:00Ward CampoutThis weekend was our ward campout, during which I ended up in conversations with more than one family about the future of Scouting in the Church. It is difficult not to speculate about what might happen, but it was interesting to hear different thoughts, and I found a common thread running through every conversation. In the end, no matter what our Church leaders announce, we can be assured it is the best answer to the situation. What a blessing it is to have living prophets who can tell us exactly what the Lord wants for us. What a blessing, also, that we have the opportunity to pray about it for ourselves as well and receive our own witness. No matter what happens, we will always have that.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-3461635351707626572015-07-12T09:46:00.001-07:002015-07-12T09:46:10.096-07:00A Week At CampI had an opportunity this summer that few LDS women get - I spent a week at scout camp as part of the camp "staff."
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For a long time, I have pondered why the Lord wants us to provide as many opportunities as we can for young men and young women to spend time outdoors. Over time, I have thought of a number of reasons, but this week of getting to see the scouts at camp showed me just how much of an impact it can have, especially when combined with a good program and good leadership.
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As I interacted with these young men and observed them during the week, I noticed a difference from when I had seen them outside of camp. It was almost as if being at camp gave them the freedom to be themselves for the week. They did not need to act tough or cool or any of the other things expected from teenage boys in their every day lives. Sometimes that meant extra silly or dangerous, but mostly I saw young men who were sincere, mature and helpful. I believe having this opportunity to be themselves helps them find the best in themselves.
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As I have reflected more on this, it came to me that I had the exact same experience at Wood Badge. I figured at the same it was related to severe lack of sleep, but at Wood Badge I know I acted differently than I do in my normal every day interactions as well. And I know the Wood Badge experience (including working on my ticket afterward) helped me to improve myself and find qualities I did not know I had. I guess Wood Badge mirrors the experience of the boys even more than I thought - at least, it did for me.
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Baden-Powell was right when he said that a week of camp life can teach more than six months in the classroom.
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Have you noticed a difference in the youth you know during camp or other outdoor experiences? What about the leaders?Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-80663566390645693052015-03-10T05:47:00.001-07:002015-03-10T05:47:28.231-07:00Mission StatementWe had University of Scouting this last weekend, where I spent quite a bit of time with our new Council Commissioner, one of the Assistant Council Commissioners, another commissioner from the other side of the state, and even a little bit with the new Council President (who all happen to be LDS). We had some interesting discussions about programs and how to help units and how to bring more youth into Scouting.
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Something I heard more than once from them was to use the mission statement of the BSA. I have been pondering for a while about how to help people better understand what Scouting is all about, how it's not just a camping club, how it's about building character and leadership. It's a message I feel we need to get out both to parents in the Church who don't understand why the Lord picked this great program for their sons, and people in the community who have not yet discovered Scouting for their kids. These brethren taught me that what I was looking for already exists in one simple statement:
<blockquote><b><i>"The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."</i></b></blockquote>
I am going to see how I can put it to better use.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-33778996737069913232014-11-09T05:56:00.000-08:002014-11-09T05:56:00.131-08:00"Wear Your Uniform"Do you follow the <a href="http://www.ldsbsa.org/lds-bsa-blog/">LDS-BSA blog</a>? They have regular posts these days. There was a great one a while back called, "<a href="http://www.ldsbsa.org/blog/wear-your-uniform/">Wear Your Uniform</a>!" with a story of successful recruiting.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-31356586952436718932014-11-02T05:53:00.000-08:002014-11-02T05:53:00.173-08:00Choose Wisely"I believe Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s inspired message distinguishing between 'good, better, best' provides an effective way to evaluate choices and priorities. Many choices are not inherently evil, but if they absorb all of our time and keep us from the best choices, then they become insidious.
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"Even worthwhile endeavors need evaluation in order to determine if they have become distractions from the best goals. I had a memorable discussion with my father when I was a teenager. He did not believe enough young people were focused on or preparing for long-term important goals—like employment and providing for families.
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"Meaningful study and preparatory work experience were always at the top of my father’s recommended priorities. He appreciated that extracurricular activities like debate and student government might have a direct connection with some of my important goals. He was less certain about the extensive time I spent participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He acknowledged that athletics could build strength, endurance, and teamwork but asserted that perhaps concentrating on one sport for a shorter time would be better. In his view, sports were good but not the best for me. He was concerned that some sports were about building local celebrity or fame at the expense of more important long-term goals."
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I love this part of <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/choose-wisely?lang=eng">Quentin L. Cook's talk</a> from the most recent Conference, because it sounds so much like what my husband recently told his scouts, when talking to them about planning their activities.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-80800833798849774592014-09-08T10:50:00.000-07:002014-09-08T10:50:05.076-07:00Change of HeartOver at the LDS-BSA blog, they have a new author who has promised weekly posts. His first installment is a real gem: <a href="http://www.ldsbsa.org/blog/gaining-vision-scouting-aaronic-priesthood/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gaining-vision-scouting-aaronic-priesthood">Gaining a Vision of Scouting and the Aaronic Priesthood</a>.
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He talks about a time when he did not understand why the Church uses Scouting. I can relate, as I have not always had the best attitude toward Scouting either (at least, not my involvement in it). Then his bishop told him basically the same thing I have wanted to tell many people, "This comes from the prophet."
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I am often caught between having patience for people, like others have had patience with me, and frustration with people who "follow the prophet" except when it comes to Scouting.
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I would love it if everyone read this article, though. I suppose, just like any other truth, in the end, it's something we all need to gain a testimony of for ourselves.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-71482107766990427282014-07-06T05:14:00.000-07:002014-07-06T05:14:00.325-07:00What is Little Philmont?With a Little Philmont approaching in our area, I have been getting many questions about exactly what it is. Here is what I have been telling people. If anyone has anything to add (or correct) please add a comment.
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<a href="http://www.philmontscoutranch.org/PTC.aspx">Philmont Scout Ranch</a> in New Mexico is the site of several premier scout leader training courses every year. Two weeks out of every summer (two sessions, one week each), the Church holds Priesthood Leadership Training at Philmont Scout Ranch, where the General Young Men Presidency and General Primary Presidency train Stake Presidencies in using Scouting in conjunction with the priesthood. Those Stake Presidencies are then encouraged to take what they learn back to their stakes and hold a "Little Philmont" - a one or two day conference about how Scouting fits with the Church and the priesthood. This is done under the direction of the Young Men General Presidency. In fact, I have heard there is often a member of the Young Men General Presidency, as well as members of the Board at the Little Philmont.
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Who should attend a Little Philmont? Everyone! Little Philmont is for anyone with a Scout-related calling, from direct contact leaders to committee members, Cubs through Venturing. It is for Young Men and Primary presidencies on both the stake and ward level. It is for bishoprics and parents of scouts. And, of course, commissioners serving LDS units would find it helpful. It is for anyone who could benefit from a better understanding of how the priesthood and Scouting fit together and why the Lord has asked us to use this program to raise His young men and train them to be missionaries (and beyond).
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There is a section on the <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/aaronic-priesthood/leader-resources/scouting/philmont?lang=eng">Church Website about Philmont and Little Philmont</a>, the link to which says, "The purpose of this conference is to help stake leaders better understand how Scouting can support the Aaronic Priesthood." It includes a suggested agenda for Little Philmont, in the middle of a lot of other great Scouting resources.
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For those in the Northern Nevada area: Our Little Philmont will be on August 23 at the Winnemucca Stake Center. You can e-mail me for more details (or ask your local leaders). The Stake President who is heading the effort was at Philmont Scout Ranch last week receiving his training. 11 stakes from Northern Nevada are being invited (not sure whether that includes Sierra District as well). I was told that the last Little Philmont in our council was eight years ago, so this is a rare opportunity, worth taking advantage of. I have also heard that there will be a member of the Young Men General Presidency there (hint: he's a Nevada native).Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-61224219976902044042014-06-27T16:56:00.000-07:002014-07-05T05:24:32.032-07:00"Scout Training Was The Answer"We have another Ensign article about Scouting! In the July 2014 Ensign is a fantastic article called, "<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/07/scout-training-was-the-answer?lang=eng">Scout Training Was The Answer</a>," where Christopher M. Grimes shares his testimony of how getting trained helped him, his ward's program and his scouts.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-90785153886219402612014-05-31T13:43:00.000-07:002014-07-05T05:23:24.745-07:00Another Handbook UpdateThe Church's Handbook on Scouting (the "Green Book") was updated again in May. You can find the <a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/english/young-men/35814_scout-handbook_eng.pdf?lang=eng">latest version here</a>. The biggest change, or rather addition, that I know is a new section on Unit Commissioners, giving new, more specific guidelines on how stake callings fit in with commissioner work and what the responsibilities are of those who are unit commissioners because of their callings.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-64607003103741978642014-05-14T07:40:00.000-07:002014-07-05T05:23:24.740-07:00May 2014 NewsletterLDSBSA.org has a new newsletter posted for May. You can find it on their <a href="http://ldsbsa.org/resources/newsletters/current-year-newsletters/">newsletter page here</a>. Some highlights of the newsletter are a message about Roundtable from the General Primary Presidency and a message about safety.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-60253079086133813942014-03-30T05:30:00.000-07:002014-03-30T05:30:00.325-07:00SafetyDid you know that LDS Scouting units average more fatalities during activities than other Scouting units? <a href="http://ldsscouter.blogspot.com/2011/09/sobering-thought.html">Charles Dahlquist</a> gave three reasons for this: "(1) lack of training, (2) lack of experience, and (3) failure to exercise good common sense."
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There was a fantastic article posted recently on the Utah National Parks Council blog about <a href="http://blog.utahscouts.org/inspiring-stories-of-scouting/leaders-can-keep-lds-units-safe/">safety in LDS Scouting units</a>. One of the things the article linked to was another new website from the Church: <a href="http://safety.lds.org">http://safety.lds.org</a>. I highly recommend checking both out. With warmer weather upon us, it is time to start heading outdoors with those boys. Let's remember when we do, the importance of following the guidelines in the Guide to Safe Scouting.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-1027199052987861332014-03-23T06:05:00.000-07:002014-03-23T06:05:00.621-07:00Youth Leadership<i>"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 I thought I would ask him the age-old question, 'When you move your 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.
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"As leaders, we need to know where we are going, or 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 be." (Charles Dahlquist, 2004 Young Men General Open House)</i>
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I love the story in the Book of Morning when the brother of Jared goes to the Lord and asks for his help lighting the boats that they would spend nearly a year shut up in, crossing the ocean. The Lord does not give him an answer. He tells the brother of Jared to let him know when he has a plan. Later, the brother of Jared comes back and asks the Lord for help lighting up the clear stones he has molten.
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Someone pointed out to me recently that the Lord probably could have come up with a better plan. He might have had something great in mind. So they might have had better light on the boat, but what would the brother of Jared have learned from that? What was more important, the light, or doing something fro himself?
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As a leader, it can be a lot easier sometimes to take the reigns ourselves. Someone in my "Scouting in the LDS Church" class a couple of weeks ago told a great story about being a Scoutmaster and allowing his scouts to plan and shop for a camp out. He said, "I have never eaten so much bacon in my life. When we were shopping, I kept trying to put bags of salad and things into the cart, but the boys would see them and say, 'Who put this in there?' and throw they out again." They may not have had a nutritionally balanced camp out, but it was definitely THEIR camp out.
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What is more important? Perfect activities that flow the way <i>we</i> would like or learning opportunities for growing young men into leaders?
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Some more from President Dahlquist: <i>“Now that we have spoken about the priesthood leader and the adult Young Men leaders, let's focus for a minute on the quorum president and the individual Aaronic Priesthood quorum member. In the Doctrine and Covenants, we are instructed that it is the DUTY of the president of a quorum of deacons to PRESIDE over twelve deacons and “to sit in council with them, and to teach them their duty, edifying one another.” Since our call to the Young Men general presidency, I have pondered this direction given by the Lord to the Prophet Joseph in Kirtland in 1835 and have wondered how long it will take us before we take this guidance seriously and begin treating Aaronic Priesthood presidents as priesthood leaders – as leaders of a priesthood that, in the Lord's own words, 'is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances.'
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“In many cases, the extent of their leadership experience is to stand, in the case of a deacons quorum, unprepared each Sunday, welcome the quorum members, ask for a volunteer to pray, ask for volunteers to pass the sacrament, turn the lesson over to Brother Johansen, and then ask for another volunteer to pray at the end. Then we wonder why they leave their Aaronic Priesthood experience unchallenged, untrained, and sorely unprepared to meet the challenges that await them."</i>
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Both the church and the BSA have tools for training these young men. You can find a page <a href="http://www.scouting.org/training/youth.aspx">here</a> with training that is meant to be given in a Troop, Team or Crew after every election cycle. I love the powerpoint presentations for creating an annual program plan found <a href="http://www.scouting.org/licensing/sitecore/content/home/boyscouts/programplanning.aspx">here</a> and <a href="http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/home/venturing/programplanning.aspx">here</a>, because are broken into two segments: one for the leaders to watch ahead of time and one for the youth to watch to help guide them through the process.
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There needs to be a balance between guiding them and standing back to let them take over. The leaders who I have seen struggle most with youth leadership do not seem to understand the principle of first training, then easing the boys into things. One thing that can help is to give the boys specific choices instead of leaving things wide open. For example: Instead of leaving an open, "What do you want to do for activities?" give them a selection of merit badges and say, "Which ones would you most like to work on as a group this year?" Then let them come up with a plan to help make that happen. Ask questions that will lead them in the right directions while still making the final ideas and decisions theirs. Provide opportunities for safe learning experiences (by "safe" I mean making mistakes in a situation that will not lead to epic failure and giving up). Deciding what is most appropriate for your particular group of boys may require a lot of prayer and listening to the Spirit.
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It would be great to hear more suggestions and thought on this from more experienced Scouters. What has worked or has not worked for you in helping your boys lead? What are some of your favorite stories about boy-led activities or scouts learning from their mistakes?Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-34646086976554336182014-03-09T05:18:00.000-07:002014-03-09T05:18:00.156-07:00Key 3As District Commissioner, I am part of the District "Key 3," and I can tell you, it has been an eye opening experience for me in a lot of ways. On the district level, the Key 3 consists of the District Executive, the District Commissioner and the District Chair. The three meet together once or more a month and stay in close contact throughout the month. They work together to set the direction of the district and keep things moving along as they should. I love the two other members of my Key 3. They are really great to work with, and it is pretty exciting to be a part of helping everything come together. I talk to both of them frequently, and we all keep each other updated on important things in our different areas of District Operation.
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On a unit level, the Key 3 consists of the Chartered Organization Representative (in LDS units, this is a member of the bishopric), the Unit Leader (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Varsity Coach, Venturing Leader), and the Committee Chair. Having seen the Key 3 concept in action, I can see now what a difference it makes whether a unit's Key 3 are working together closely to keep the unit on track.
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In all honesty, I have only ever seen this in one unit - the first pack I was ever involved in. I was only an Assistant Den Leader, and I had never heard of a Key 3, but even from that position, I could see how closely the Bishopric member, committee chair and Cubmaster worked together, and how they supported each other. It was obvious they were on the same page and they were coordinating their efforts. The Committee Chair ran the Committee Meetings, but the Bishopric member was always there, and the presence of his priesthood authority was felt, without taking anything away from the authority of the Committee Chair. Since these were actually combined Committee/Leader Meetings (which I know is common), the Cubmaster ran the portion of the meeting pertaining to Pack Meetings. Everyone knew their part, and the coordinated efforts of the Key 3 trickled down to the rest of us and affected how we approached our callings.
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The Church's Scouting Handbook states that every Scouting committee should have a member of the bishopric on it. I believe that bishopric member is most effective when he takes an active role, guiding and working closely with the Committee Chair and Unit Leader in everything. I do not know whether there needs to be a once a month meeting (the BSA does recommend once a month Key 3 meetings on a unit level). Even maintaining contact (e-mail, phone, touch base at church) throughout the month would make a huge difference, I think.
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I know in the units I have been involved in since that first one, it would have made a huge difference if the Bishopric representative had taken on that role and worked closely with the unit leadership. Most of the problems the units had would never have happened.
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This is another part of Scouting that draws a parallel to Church leadership. In every level of the priesthood (all the way up to the top; no I mean the step even above the First Presidency), there are presidencies of three. How well would a ward function if a Bishop did not meet with his counselors regularly and keep in close contact with them?Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-20002412534124783642014-03-02T06:02:00.000-08:002014-03-02T06:02:00.213-08:00I used to be a Bobwhite...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMCDmNJ2L8Y/UxKQ0hp-nOI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/gvf6kNu-etI/s1600/beading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMCDmNJ2L8Y/UxKQ0hp-nOI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/gvf6kNu-etI/s400/beading.jpg" /></a></div>
...a good ol' Bobwhite too.
Now I'm finished Bobwhiting, I don't know what to do.
I'm growing old and feeble, and I can Bobwhite no more,
So I'm going to work my ticket if I can!Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-16631121962143800942014-02-25T16:20:00.000-08:002014-02-26T07:27:53.115-08:00Updates at LDS.org and LDSBSA.orgThe LDS-BSA Relations office has a new newsletter out! You can <a href="http://ldsbsa.org/newsletters/current-year-newsletters/">find it here</a>. The first page (the YM Presidency message) is all about a new Church website focused on youth activities. There is an entire section on Scouting (which is even broken into Boy Scouts, Varsity and Venturing), <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/activities/category/scouting?lang=eng">which you can find here</a>. The rest of the newsletter focuses on the Celebration last October, with the final page covering five tips for recruiting scouts into your ward units.
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[Edited to add]: Don't know how I missed this, but I found out this morning that the Handbook (Green Book) was updated again last month. You can find a link to <a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/english/young-men/35814_scout-handbook_eng.pdf?lang=eng">the new Handbook here</a>.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-89790505751912953452014-02-23T05:35:00.000-08:002014-02-23T05:35:00.101-08:00Mining in SocietySome of our readers may remember a few years ago when firebirdluver <a href="http://ldsscouter.blogspot.com/2011/06/letter-to-robert-mazzuca-chief-scouting.html">posted a letter</a> he had written and sent to the Chief Scout Executive. The letter advocated a Mining Merit Badge, and the post was meant as an example of how we should be involved in these kinds of things, outside of the boundaries of our callings and our comfort zones.
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You may have heard that this week, at the SME's (the professional association mentioned in that letter) conference in Salt Lake, the new <a href="http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2014/02/03/heres-the-mining-in-society-mb-patch-and-first-two-requirements/">Mining in Society Merit Badge</a> will be launched. Firebirdluver will be there. Having been on the task force that put the merit badge together, he was not about to miss the official unveiling of it.
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He, of course, already has his name in to be a counselor for the merit badge in our district. There is a lot of excitement across the district about the merit badge, because mining is one of the two main industries here. A majority of the people who live in our town are involved in mining on some level.
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I know there is, and will continue to be, a lot of debate over whether this merit badge is redundant alongside a couple of the others, whether it is politically correct, or whether it is something the scouts really need. It is an opportunity, though, to open the eyes of scouts to an industry that we could not live without.
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So keep in mind, the next time you are thinking about whether your ideas are important enough to be listened to, or whether you should be involved in something that you feel is important, that you can make a difference, but only if you put forth the effort to do something.Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-87304010710543585512014-02-14T21:17:00.000-08:002014-02-14T21:17:00.335-08:00Calling All LDS Scouters: What would you do?Yes, my loyal readers, I need your help and suggestions. I have been asked to teach a session of the "Scouting in the LDS Church" class at our upcoming University of Scouting in a couple of weeks.
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What I would like is any suggestions about what you think is the most important thing to tell people about LDS Scouting? If you were in the class, what would you want to hear? What would you want to tell others taking the class? Throw out any and all suggestions. They will be much appreciated!Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-30247611327861035972014-02-09T05:41:00.000-08:002014-02-18T20:38:35.390-08:00What is a Commissioner?This is a question I hear a lot. Even experienced Scouters often do not know what a commissioner is, because they have never seen one, outside of maybe a red vest/jacket at a district or council event. Unfortunately, most districts do not have full commissioning staffs, and the commissioners do not always understand their jobs. I think that is a shame, because I really think commissioners can be a great support to a unit and help the leaders build a quality program.
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At the first commissioner staff meeting I attended two years ago, the District Commissioner explained to us that, "Unit Commissioners are home teachers to Scouting units." Since then, I have seen the same analogy used <a href="http://www.scoutingliahona.com/2013/01/home-teaching-scout-unit.html">here</a>, and I have learned personally that the analogy really is a good one. On the most basic level, Unit Commissioners are supposed to visit their assigned units once a month. They provide resources and act as a go-between for the unit and the district.
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You could even think of the different levels like this:
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Unit Commissioner - Home Teacher/Visiting Teacher<br>
Assistant District Commissioner - Home/Visiting Teaching Supervisor<br>
District Commissioner - President<br>
District Executive - Bishop<br>
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Just like the Bishop or president cannot visit every family or person under their stewardship every month (as much as they would like to), the DE or DC needs help serving all of the units. They need a team to help keep an eye on everything, build a relationship of trust with units, and let the district know when a unit is in trouble.
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Often the commissioner is the only real contact a unit has with the district. That is why it is so unfortunate when that contact fails to happen.
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According to the <a href="http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Commissioners.aspx">commissioner website</a>, a commissioner is a friend, representative, doctor, teacher and counselor. Honestly, I think it is one of the most fun jobs in Scouting. It is great to have the excuse to attend the activities of other units and just sit back and observe. It can be satisfying to watch unit leaders grow in their positions. It can be a challenge to know when to help and when to sit back and listen.
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On this year's Journey to Excellence forms, the gold level for the rechartering requirement includes inviting a commissioner and your charter representative to one of your activities. You can find out whether you have a commissioner assigned to your unit by contacting your district. If you do not have one, let them know that you would like one.
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If you love Scouting and do not currently have a calling in it, or you want to be ale to do more, you may want to look into volunteering as a Unit Commissioner. Check to see if the class "The Commissioner Concept" is being offered at your local University of Scouting for a better overview of what the position includes.
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And say hi to your friendly, neighborhood commissioner!Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-19434997977473280952014-02-02T05:15:00.000-08:002014-02-02T05:55:22.612-08:00Scout Law Scripture ChaseTrustworthy - D&C 82:10
<br>Loyal - 3 Nephi 27:13, Moses 1:39, John 10:2-15
<br>Helpful - Matthew 9:2-7, John 9:6-7, Luke 17:12-14, Matthew 25:40
<br>Friendly - Matthew 9:11, John 15:13-15
<br>Courteous - Matthew 5:37-45
<br>Kind - Matthew 19:13-14, Mark 9:20-27
<br>Obedient - 3 Nephi 11:11, Matthew 3:15
<br>Cheerful - Joshua 1:9, But: John 11:35 when His friends sorrowed, and He commands us Mosiah 18:9
<br>Thrifty - Matthew 6:28
<br>Clean - John 13:4-10
<br>Brave - Luke 22:42, Mark 5:36, 2 Timothy 1:7, D&C 121:7
<br>Reverent - Mark 11:15-17
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1 Corinthians 13:4-8 & Moroni 7:45-48
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A little something to occupy you on a Sunday afternoon (and happy Scout Sunday).Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-24855859315264000142014-01-26T05:50:00.000-08:002014-02-18T20:38:35.387-08:00Doing Hard ThingsI have been really enjoying the <a href="http://voluntoldscouter.blogspot.com/">Voluntold Scouter's</a> recent series of "Owl Posts." <a href="http://voluntoldscouter.blogspot.com/2014/01/owl-post-reaching-beyond-your-goals.html">This one about "Reaching Beyond Your Goals"</a> especially struck a chord with me, because I have found myself doing something I did not think I could do. So I thought I would share the story.
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I was recently contacted by our DE and informed that the nominating committee had nominated me to be the new District Commissioner. The position becomes official next week, and I have spent the last two months getting ready, trying to recruit some more staff, and learning as much as I can. I have already experienced a lot of frustration, sprinkled with small bits of progress.
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Occasionally it crosses my mind that in a room full of District Commissioners, I would probably stand out just a little. In fact, I attended a Commissioners Conference on the other side of our council last year, and I definitely stood out. The other seven participants were gray-haired men who introduced themselves with things like, "I have been involved in Scouting since I was a Cub Scout 60 years ago." When my turn came, I did not have much more to say than, "I have been involved in Scouting off and on for 10 years. I have three boys. The oldest is seven. We have many years of Scouting ahead of us."
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I know that in our district, you often have to take what you can get. Sometimes I wonder if that is what I am - what the District Nominating Committee could get - the first sucker to come along.
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I have to remind myself that it does not matter if that is why I am in this position. It does not matter how many Charter Reps or Scoutmasters roll their eyes when I try to say something. All that matters at this point is what I do with the position now that I am in it.
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For the last several years, I have had a wish that there was something I could do to help as many units as I could in our area improve their programs. That was the main reason behind creating this blog, as well as several resources I have put together. It has hit me that this position (though not something I would have chosen for myself) is exactly the opportunity I have been wanting. I cannot change programs, but I can put together a good commissioning staff and train them and send them out to help the units in our district. Even if it results in just tiny changes here and there, it will be a great thing.
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Just like the climber in the story, I know I am not alone. I have been reminded from the beginning that I have the power of prayer. This may not be a church calling, but that does not mean I cannot ask for God's help and allow him to guide me. I also have a supportive husband, a DE who is a great mentor and encouraging friend, a friendly and helpful District Chair, and another friend who I can sound off to when I need.
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It has also occurred to me many times in the last two months that Scouting is about doing hard things. That applies to the adults as well as the youth. In addition to making full use of my support system, I keep in mind what I think is the most important thing they taught us at Wood Badge: OMHIWDMB (On My Honor, I Will Do My Best.)Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-45709356264760067512013-11-16T05:56:00.002-08:002013-11-16T05:56:53.253-08:00HandbookJust by way of information, the Young Men General Presidency has decided to take down all links and references to the booklet, "Scouting in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." The booklet is outdated, and they would prefer that everyone refer instead to the latest edition of the Church's Scouting Handbook (a.k.a. the "Green Book"),which can be found on the <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/aaronic-priesthood/leader-resources/scouting?lang=eng">Church website</a>, downloaded from <a href="http://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/scouting-handbook-2012.pdf?lang=eng">here</a>, or located in the gospel library app under Other > Leadership > Guidebooks. (This information came through communication with the LDS-BSA Relations Office. They have asked that all links to the Scouting in the Church booklet have been removed. If you come across any on this website that I missed, please let me know.)Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-86435891002582142882013-10-20T07:44:00.003-07:002014-02-18T20:40:16.046-08:00So, you're a new Den Leader... (Scoutmaster, Varsity Coach, etc.)<blockquote>"Many have said that, 'Scouting is for the boy.' In reality, it is for the adult. Boy Scouts of America provides the training, programs, and resources necessary to help adults effectively prepare young men for today and their future." - Young Men General Presidency, <a href="http://ldsbsa.org/newsletters/current-year-newsletters/">May 2010 LDS-BSA Newsletter</a></blockquote>
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I have probably posted that quote before. It is one that I really love, because I know from experience just how true it is. I was reflecting on my past and realized just how much I have grown and changed in the last ten years. I am sure much of that has to do with being a mom and wife - growth is essential in those positions - but I know that a good part of it also came through involvement in Scouting.
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I believe that coming into a Scouting calling willingly, especially being open to training, learning from the boys and enjoying yourself, will make growth more easily attainable. You will become a better person, closer to the person God has in mind for you. Initially, I was not so willing, but I guess becoming more enthusiastic, as well and being more open to learning and growth, were some of the first ways Scouting helped me grow.
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In fact, I would say I was compelled by our committee chair more than anything to go to training the first time. Since then, the more training I have taken, the more I like it, and the more helpful I have found it (in fact, as many have said before me, I learn even more when I am the one teaching the training course). Trainers' EDGE especially helped me with teaching and presenting skills I use outside of Scouting just as much as in it. Of course, I think I grew a lot attending Wood Badge, and while I have been working on my tickets. I definitely have seen that change in others who attended that same Wood Badge course, just as I have seen fellow den leaders change after attending Leader-Specific Training.
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I cannot emphasize enough to new Scout leaders that the two best things you can do for yourself and for your scouts are to have a good attitude (or at least do your best to have a good attitude) and attend training. Then attend more training, roundtables, University of Scouting, etc. (And please don't think, "I was a scout; I know what I'm doing.")Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107447693215170761.post-23634920173541312172013-10-07T04:49:00.001-07:002013-10-07T04:49:22.331-07:00Article Everyone Should Read<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-grossloh/have-american-parents-got-it-all-backwards_b_3202328.html">Have American Parents Got It All Backwards</a>
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Thoughts?Evensporhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17005685575858296425noreply@blogger.com2