By Wayne and Roma Bishop—Chairmen, Vanguard Religious Awards Committee Over the years, we have been involved in a myriad of Scouting activities on the local, regional, national and international levels. Some of our richest and most rewarding experiences have come as we have served in different capacities at many National and World Scout Jamborees. A […]
Read moreStill Scouting … in Okinawa
Greetings! We are the Barrus Family from Okinawa, Japan. We are all involved in Scouting (two parents, one Scout, and two Cub Scouts) and continued because of our rich Scouting heritage. I (Makenna) was a little sister Scout tag-along, assisting my three brothers earn their Eagle Scout awards. Clay is an Eagle Scout with a […]
Read moreScouting – Stability Amid Change
Welcome to the first edition of The Vanguard Beacon – a regularly published web-based newsletter of the Vanguard International Scouting Association – designed to support Latter-day Scouts, Scouting families and adult leaders throughout the world. This is the successor publication to “The Bridge” – which was first published in time for the 2019 “Vision 2020” […]
Read moreCommissioner’s Corner #1
As I was preparing to write this first Commissioner’s Corner, a friend sent me this wonderful letter from Scouting’s founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell. What a fitting message from 111 years ago, as we move forward during these tumultuous times: “[Scouting’s] general intention is to endeavor, without interfering with the spiritual training or form of religious […]
Read moreThe Final Years of Latter-day Saint Scouting: 2013 – 2019
Few chapters in the Latter-day Saint Scouting history have more flair than the final six years of the partnership, from 2013 through 2019. As both the Church and the BSA experienced major changes, relationships grew increasingly vital and—in some cases—became stronger than ever before. ~2013~ During January 2013, the BSA announced plans for a possible […]
Read moreVision 2020: A Philmont Opportunity For Latter-day Saint Families
Have you ever wanted to take your family to Philmont Scout Ranch? This summer is your chance! Come to Vision 2020, a unique opportunity for Latter-day Saint families to attend the Philmont Training Center together and learn the skills necessary to continue Scouting! This exciting new Philmont course is a catalyst for increased knowledge and […]
Read moreSuccessful Vision 2020 training course at the Philmont Training Center
Vision 2020—a Philmont Training Course to assist in retention of Latter-day Saint families, leaders and youth desiring to continue their Scouting Adventure after December 31, 2019—was held in June at the Philmont Training Center near Cimarron, New Mexico. Over 40 participants and 130 family members attended the conference, which was sponsored during the religious week […]
Read moreStill Scouting: Bailing or Building?
Are we bailing water on a sinking ship? I get asked questions like this all the time as an Assistant District Commissioner and as an admin for two social media pages for Latter-day Saint Scouting leaders. My answer, of course, is a resounding, “No!” In May 2018, the Church stated that we would, […]
Read moreStill Scouting: Thoughts from a Michigan Family
In Matthew 13:33, Jesus teaches that “the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” When I was a teenager, I once made a batch of cookies. Lacking experience I didn’t realize that there was a problem with the baking […]
Read moreA Minute With Mark: Scouting Skills
I have recently had the opportunity to serve as a Scoutmaster in a local troop. Once again, I am so impressed and encouraged by the SKILLS that youth learn through Scouting. As I interact with the Scouts in my troop, I am constantly observing SKILLS that they are required to use in their Scouting activities. […]
Read moreA Minute with Mark: Scouting Friends
Friends we are, and friends we’ll ever be. The words of this familiar Scout song—often sung at the close of a campfire—echo the future of the LDS-BSA Relationship. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said during his remarks at the May 2018 National Annual Meeting, “This is not a divorce. We are friends now and we […]
Read moreThe Six C’s of Cubbing (According to a busy Mom)
I’m a new Bear Den leader…and I LOVE IT! Cub Scouting is so much fun! At first, I was hesitant. “Why should I volunteer?” I wondered. After all, I’m a busy mom with ten children, I teach preschool, my husband is busy with his job, and I was already a Scout leader 20 years ago. […]
Read more
[jetpack_subscription_form title="Want to keep up with the latest Vanguard Scouting news? Sign up for our blog!" subscribe_text=""]