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 more
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
Less than three-weeks ago the Church announced changes to the Young Women Camp Guide. Highlighted among those changes are “eliminating certification and emphasizing youth leaders.” There appears to be a trend in working with youth leaders in the Church. Train them younger and give them more responsibility to actually lead. Not just talk about it […]
Read more
Eric was a typical Latter-day Saint 13-year-old deacon and Star Scout when he joined the Order of the Arrow. He had developed a love of Scouting and its ideals during his time in his ward’s Cub Scout, new-Scout patrol, and Boy Scout troop programs. But within a few months Eric would turn 14 and would […]
Read more
What do nuclear power plants, construction sites, aircraft carriers, and many hospitals have in common with Scouting? All constantly look for ways to eliminate hazards that could be life altering or fatal. One tool used by many safety-conscious groups is the safety moment or briefing that starts each meeting or activity with a pause to […]
Read more In its May 11, 2017 letter announcing the discontinuation of the Varsity and Venture programs in the Church, effective January 1, 2018, the First Presidency stated, “young men over the age of 14 who desire to continue to work toward the rank of Eagle Scout . . . should be encouraged and supported in their […]
Read more
The Boston Globe recently reported that from 2004 to 2014 a total of 46,609 people required search and rescue aid– and that is just in the country’s national parks. The Globe further reported the death toll from those needing rescue was 1,578 with another 13,957 people injured and a rescue cost exceeding $51 million. […]
Read more
Last week I attended the annual Top Hands conference for professional BSA leaders from across the nation. We gathered in Dallas, Texas, for five days of learning and collaboration. One of the significant things that Mike Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive, discussed with us was Youth Protection. Mike was passionate and adamant in his remarks. The […]
Read more Years ago, I looked across the street from my home and saw my neighbor training his dog, a German shorthair pointer. He would give commands such as “heel,” “sit,” “roll-over,” or something like that. The dog obeyed perfectly. It was a beautiful sight. I thought, “Why can’t I train my children to be perfectly obedient […]
Read more
As an organizational development consultant specializing in strategic planning, I help company executives define their overarching strategic intentions, clearly understand what business they are in, and know why they exist. On May 11, 2017, the First Presidency announced that the Church will no longer sponsor Varsity and Venturing programs after this year. This has spurred […]
Read more Our goal as LDS Scouters is unique. It is to: “Help young men become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and fulfill their divine roles” (Young Men Auxiliary Training). The Young Men General Presidency has suggested three ways to accomplish this goal: Be with them. Connect them with heaven. Let them lead. This blog focuses […]
Read more
For more than 50 years the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has used some form of planning and review tool, which was submitted to the local council or BSA National offices for review. As of April 1, 2017, the Tour and Activity Plan (T&AP) is no longer available. This is the result of an evaluation […]
Read more
