Boy Scouts of America

One Hundred Years of Scouting in the Church

On Tuesday evening we had the special privilege of attending the program celebrating the hundred years since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints began its nationwide sponsorship of the Boy Scouts of America. The program was held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City and was viewed by Satellite, The Internet and TV by more than a million people across the country. It was an honor to be there with Stephen and Candice and their two oldest, Mason and Halle, as well as Jason and Rene and their sweet girls, Megan and Maddie. We know that others of the family were tuned in and their with us in spirit. It seems like we have been involved in scouting for most of that hundred years, well, not quite, but I was just eleven when I went on my first camping trip with the boys from the old Lanark Ward. Scouting activities were an important part of my youth. Some of my most memorable moments from that time have do with things we did and the people who went with us and supported us making these memories possible. The memories of scouting activities in my mind are great, but even greater are the lessons, whose seeds were sown so long ago, but which have taken decades for me to ponder and to truly cherish for what they really taught, values like those contained in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. These values, when learned and truly internalized will lead anyone to a happier, more productive, and fulfilled life, whether they are scouts are not. I am grateful that the Church chose to partner with the BSA a hundred years ago and for the role that partnership has played in my life and the life of our family. We are proud of our six Eagle Scout sons and our Grand children who have already earned their Eagle awards or are currently working toward them. We have gained much as a family from the scouting program in so many ways, and we will continue to encourage and support the time tested values of scouting that are so much needed by the youth of today. The world would be a better place, as would everybody in it, if we would just follow simple scouting principles like "Do A Good Turn Daily." View the video by clicking on the link below to get a glimpse of the Century of Honor Celebration we attended with some of our family.

http://youtu.be/QyRSq8V7eGs

Below are some quotes regarding scouting. This is why we are so pleased to have sons and grandsons involved in the scouting program. It has helped to shape my life and in turn it has helped to shape the lives of our children and their families and many, many others who have embraced the core values of the scouting program.

Thomas S. Monson - President LDS Church

"The Aaronic Priesthood prepares boys for manhood and the weightier duties of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Scouting helps our boys to walk uprightly the priesthood path to exaltation. . . ."

Lord Robert Baden Powell - Founder of Scouting

"There is no religious side to the [Scout] Movement. The whole of it is based on religion, that is on becoming aware of God and His Service"

Ezra Taft Benson - Former President LDS Church

"Scouting is an integral part of the Church

program for young men and complements Aaronic Priesthood quorum work. Where programs for Scout troops are available, please understand it is not an optional program"

Gordon B. Hinkley - Former President LDS Church

"I love the Scouting movement. The promise of the Scout Oath and the twelve points of the Scout Law point young men along the path of being prepared for the 21st century. They provide a solid and powerful magnetic force toward development of a well-rounded and noteworthy character that counts..."

F. Melvin Hammond - Former General YM Presidency

"If someone questions the position of the Church in Scouting, I always remind them of these words, 'On my honor I will do my duty to God and my country. . . ." Once again duty becomes paramount. A commitment is made by each Scout; he has given his word of honor, that he will do all in his power to uphold Heavenly Father and keep His commandments. A love of country, with a desire to maintain freedom and liberty, is established in a boy's mind, and it never leaves him during the course of his life. I thank God for Scouting"

Last, but not least is a quote from our sweet granddaughter, Halle, who in spite of her meager twelve years, has seen and experienced some of the wonders and benefits of the scouting program in the Church and in life.

"I love the Boy Scouts.", she exclaimed to me as we were exiting the Conference Center together. I'm sure she was speaking for her little sisters too.

If all of our sweet granddaughters marry men who make and honor the Scout Oath and live by the values of the Scout Law, I will be happy and so will they.

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