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 moreBe Involved and Engaged! – A Message from Sister Service
Hi! My name is Roseanne Service. Yes, I’m literally “Sister Service!” I live in the Arizona Queen Creek Stake; the BSA Grand Canyon Council Agave District. A few years ago I was serving as the Primary president in my ward. At first I wasn’t exactly sure what my eleven-year-old son was supposed to be doing […]
Read moreA Minute with Mark: Scouting in Skagway
The value of Scouting is OUTING. There is no way around this simple truth. When a boy gets out into the world—on an adventure—he experiences GROWTH, real growth that doesn’t necessarily happen sitting in a classroom. The most successful units go on outings every month. This doesn’t mean that all leaders and all boys go […]
Read moreELEVEN EAGLES: Success in the Potomac Crossing Ward
On Saturday, June 2, 2018, eleven members of BSA Troop 533 were awarded Scouting’s highest rank—the Eagle Scout Award—at a special Court of Honor celebrating their years of hard work and effort. Scouting parent Betsy Henry said, “We are so proud of all of these young men for putting in the hard work required to […]
Read moreScott’s Brotherhood Blog #28: Follow the Prophet
A few months ago I opened an email from the Church carrying the subject line “New Initiative for Children and Youth Development.” I quickly discovered that the Church will discontinue sponsoring all Scouting units on December 31, 2019 in favor of a new global youth program. The email included a link to this Church web […]
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