LDS SCOUTING

AND THE

PRIMARY ORGANIZATION

Under the direction of the bishopric, the ward Primary President is responsible for Scouting programs for Primary-age boys.

--Handbook of Instructions, Section 5, Primary, pg 237

Contents, by Slides3. Brief history of Scouting in the Church4. Scouting Aims, Ideals and Methods5. What is Primary Scouting?6-7. Purpose of Scouting in Primary and the purpose of this presentation8-9. Some differences between LDS Scouting and “traditional” Scouting10-11. About Cub Scouts12-13. How to have a well run Cub Scout Pack14. How to define Success in the Pack15. Scouting for the 11-yr Old Boy, 116-17. Some differences between the LDS 11-yr Old Scouting Program and

“traditional” Scouting 18-19. Scouting for the 11-yr Old Boy, 220. Training21-22. The Patrol Method23. Three guiding quotes24. How to define success in the 11-yr Olds Scouting Program25. Resources and links 2

History of Scouting and the LDS Church• The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA) was organized in

June of 1875 by Junius F. Wells, under the direction of Brigham Young, to provide spiritual and cultural activities during leisure time for the young men of the Church.

• Scouting, with its spiritual background and cultural ideals, appealed to Church leaders as an excellent program for boys. The YMMIA thoroughly investigated Scouting in 1911, and, on motion of President Anthony W. Ivins of the YMMIA general superintendency, the MIA Scouts were officially organized.

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints formally affiliated with the Scouting movement in the United States in May of 1913 as its first institutional sponsor, and today sponsors more Scouts and Scouting units in the United States than any other organization. Hundreds of thousands of young men are enrolled as Scouts in groups or units sponsored by the Church.

• The Church adopted Scouting as part of the activity program for Aaronic Priesthood quorums and later for Primary boys ages 8 and older. By providing opportunities for boys and young men to put into practice the gospel lessons they learn in the home and at Church, Scouting programs have supported the priesthood.

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ScoutingThe Aims of Scouting

Growth in moral strength and character. Participating citizenship. Development in physical, mental, and emotional fitness.

The Ideals of ScoutingThe Ideals of Scouting are found in the Oath, the Law, the Motto and the Slogan. A Scout measures himself against these Ideals.

The Methods of Scouting The Methods of Cub ScoutingLiving the Ideals Using the Patrol MethodBelonging to a Den Living the Ideals of ScoutingUsing Advancement Outdoor ProgramsInvolving Family and Home Using AdvancementParticipating in Activities Association with AdultsServing Neighborhood and Community Personal GrowthWearing the Uniform Leadership DevelopmentMaking Character Connections Wearing the Uniform 4

The Scout Oath, Law, Motto & SloganScout Oath

On my honor I will do my best to do duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

Scout LawA Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Scout MottoBe prepared.

Scout SloganDo a good turn daily.

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What is PRIMARY SCOUTING?• Cub Scouts (for boys 8 to 10) program Leadership Positions in

the Pack– Cubmaster– Wolf Den Leader (for 8-yr olds)– Bear Den Leader (for 9-yr olds)– Webelos Den Leader (for 10-yr olds)– Assistant Leaders– Pack Committee Chair– Pack Committee Members (must have at least 3 members to charter a

Pack), the Primary presidency member over 8-10 year old boys is a member of the Pack Committee

• 11-yr Olds Scouting program Adult Leader Positions– 11-yr Olds Scout Leader– Assistant 11-yr Olds Scout Leader– The Primary president is a member of the Troop Committee 6

Purposes• The purpose of Scouting in Primary is to “…

support the purpose of Primary by helping boys put into practice the gospel principles they learn on Sunday and by preparing them to receive the priesthood.”

• The Scouting positions job descriptions and organization chart can be found in the other sections of this binder.

• The purpose of this presentation is to address the Ward Primary Presidency responsibilities over Scouting for Primary-age boys…Cub Scouts first.

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Some Differences between LDS Scouting for Cub Scouts and “Traditional” Cub Packs

• LDS Pack leaders are called by the bishopric. They may not be members of the Church, but must agree to adhere to the Church standards.

• All boys in primary who are Scouting-age are registered in the Scouting program that fits their age group. Most “traditional” Packs are completely voluntary.

• Because of the nature of LDS Packs, we usually do not recruit new boys, but non-member boys are completely welcome to join and LDS Pack. They will not pay dues or registration fees. They are welcome to complete the religious award of their choice or may earn the LDS Faith in God for Boys religious award.

• Boys in LDS Packs advance by age while many other Packs advance boys by school grade and their dens advance together at the end of the school year.

• Cub Packs in the Church do not participate in fundraising and they do not pay dues or other fees to participate. The program is financed by the ward’s Primary Organization’s budget.

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More Cub Scout Differences• LDS Cub Scouts do not sponsor or participate in campouts or

other overnighters.• The Church does not participate in Scouting for boys under age 8.

Many, but not all, “traditional” Packs offer Tiger Cubs for boys in first grade.

• Because the Primary President is responsible for the Scouting programs for the Primary-age boys the Pack Committee reports to the Primary President. The counselor over Cub Scout age boys is a member of the Pack Committee. In “traditional” packs the committee reports to the head of the Chartered Organization.

• While the Pack Committee Chair and other members are called by the Bishopric, parents and others can volunteer to serve on the committee. In “traditional” Packs leaders may be recruited, but are all volunteers.

• The bishopric member assigned to Primary helps provide direction and ensures that leaders are called and trained. 9

Cub Scouts•As noted on the title page,…the ward Primary President is responsible for the

Scouting programs for Primary-age boys.(This direction is found in the Handbook of Instructions,

Section 5, Primary, pg 237).•But what does that mean?•How can you ensure that:–The weekly den meetings are not only held, but are substantive

and fun for the boys?–The boys are advancing?–The monthly pack meeting celebrates the boys and their

accomplishments while being fun for them and their families?–The program meets the BSA’s and the Church’s guidelines ?

•Is anyone there to help? 10

More Cub Scouts• First of all, who is out there to help?

– Your priesthood leaders…the bishopric…are there to make sure the organization is in place, that people are called to fill the scouting positions. You make recommendations to them. They encourage leaders to get trained and ensure training on the ward level happens.

– Your Pack Committee is there to help plan and execute the big events like Pack Meetings, Pinewood Derbies, Rain Gutter Regattas, and Cub-mobile races. They also take care of the rechartering process.

– Your Pack Leaders…the Cubmaster is there to head up and lead the Pack and the Den Leaders are there to implement the program, lead and guide the boys, and make sure they advance.

– Your Unit Commissioner is there to offer advice, help organize and just be a friend to the Pack and Troop.

– The local BSA District and Council has volunteers and professionals to help with training, to offer programs and program helps, and to stand ready to help in any area that is needed.

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A Well Run Cub Scouts Program• The best, surest way to make sure your Pack runs well is, first,

study the Primary Handbook and the Scouting Handbook and second, to get your leaders registered with BSA and trained to their positions.

• The other sections of this binder contain information on the courses that are needed for each position as well as an organization chart. This information is also available on your Council’s website and from your District leaders.

• Local Councils offer many useful courses, but the most important are 1, Youth Protection (now also offered online, must be taken every 2 years and must be taken before a person can register as a leader); 2, This Is Scouting (offered online); 3, Fast Start (also offered online); and 5, position-specific training which will be offered periodically by the council. Many times if the need is there, and enough people commit to attend, council trainers will come to your meeting house to train. You just have to ask. 12

A Well Run Cub Scouts Program• Next make sure your leaders are using the Den and

Pack Meeting Resource Guide and other ideas that are published regularly by BSA. This information is delivered to Pack Leaders at Round Table meetings and in Boys Life Magazine.– Round Table meetings are held monthly by your local

Council.• It is extremely important that the Primary Presidency

is closely involved with the Pack, attending Pack meetings, Round Tables and committee meetings.

• It is equally important that the bishopric member over Primary is closely involved with the Pack and the Pack leaders. 13

Success?• So how do you judge your success? The signs of a

successful program are pretty overt.– Are the boys attending their meetings?– Are they advancing in the program and earning awards?– Are your Webelos earning The Arrow of Light Award? Is there a

special ceremony around the presentation of the award?• The Arrow of Light is earned during the Webelos year and it is the

highest award in Cub Scouts• The Arrow of Light Award is the only Cub Scout award that the boy

also wears on his Boy Scout uniform and its accompanying square knot is worn on the adult leader uniform

– Are the monthly Pack meetings a big deal? A production? Are they FUN??

– Do you have a crossing over ceremony to celebrate when the Cub Scout turns 11 and transfers to the 11-yr Olds Patrol?

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Scouting for the 11-yr Old Boy

When a boy in Primary turns 11 he graduates from Cub Scouts and becomes a Boy Scout. He becomes a member of the 11-yr Olds Patrol in the Troop. For the boy this is a very important event! Worthy of an elaborate ceremony.

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Some Differences between LDS Scouting for the 11-yr Old Boy and

“traditional” Scouting• LDS Scout leaders are called by the bishopric. They may not be members

of the Church, but must agree to adhere to the Church standards.• All boys in Primary who are Scouting-age are registered in the Scouting

program that fits their age group. Most “traditional” Packs and Troops are completely voluntary.

• “Traditional” Scouting allows boys to join Scouting at 10 if they have their Arrow of Light or are in the 5th grade. LDS boys join when they turn eleven.

• The ward Troop Committee serves the 11-yr old Scouts, and the Primary President is a Troop Committee member, representing the needs of the 11-yr Olds Patrol.

• The LDS 11-year Olds Patrol does not participate in fund raising nor do they collect dues. Their program is financed by the Ward Primary Budget.

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More Differences between LDS Scouting for 11-yr Old Scouts and…• LDS 11-yr old Scouts only attend 3 overnight

camps in a year. This is so they can earn the rank of 1st Class before they turn 12. The 11-yr old Scouts do not attend summer Scout camp. Many other Scouting groups allow their 11-yr olds to camp more often and attend summer scout camp.

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Scouting is very different from Cub Scouts.

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Some Information about Scouting for the 11-yr Old Boy

• The 11-yr Olds Patrol is part of the Troop, but – It still falls under the direction of the Primary– It is financed out of the Primary budget– They don’t camp with the Troop– They do not attend summer Scout Camp– They only occasionally meet with the Troop

• The Patrol does– Let the boys lead and make decisions just like the troop– Have a Patrol Leader who is called by the bishopric and then with the help

of the 11-yr Olds Leader chooses the other youth Patrol leaders– Concentrate on advancing each boy to 1st Class Rank, not much attention

to merit badges (3 campouts is enough to get them there)– Join in with the Troop in Courts of Honor– Participate in day camps, either on the stake or ward level, or with a

Council day camp– Practice the Patrol Method. This is so huge it needs its own slide! 19

Training Is Critical !• Adults– Each adult leader should be registered with BSA

and then trained to position1. Youth Protection2. This Is Scouting3. Fast Start course for your position4. Training for your position5. Outdoor Leadership Skills (OLS) and Wood Badge are

worthy training goals to set your sights on

• Youth– Troop Leadership Training (TLT)

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The Patrol Method for the 11-yr Olds Scouts Program

The Patrol Method is the way Scout Troops are organized. It means the program is boy-led and it fits nicely with the Aaronic Priesthood program, as that program is boy-led as well. Read over the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) Handbook and the Troop Leadership Training (TLT) material for details and training, but here are some bullet points that Primary leaders and bishoprics should know:• The Troop and Patrols are boy-led. The adults are facilitators,

coaches, advisors.• The Troop is divided into Patrols in a way that fits the youth

group in the ward, but the 11-yr Olds Patrol is always separate.• The 11-yr Olds Patrol is led by the Patrol Leader who is chosen,

called and set apart (with input from the Primary president and the 11-yr Olds Scout Leader) by the bishopric. 21

More Patrol Method Bullet Points about the 11-yr Olds Scouting Program

• The Patrol Leader, with help and advice from the 11-yr Olds Scout Leader, chooses the other patrol leaders (Asst. Patrol Leader—APL, Scribe, Quartermaster, Grubmaster, Cheermaster…get the picture…each boy has a job).

• These boys meet regularly in the Patrol Leader meeting to plan activities, including the weekly activity nights, the 3 campouts for the year, how to reactivate less active boys and what the individual Patrol members need for advancement.

• The adult leaders teach the boys how to lead, conduct meetings, use an agenda, delegate, etc.; which is a critical part of preparing them for the Aaronic Priesthood.

• The leaders let the boys lead. With the help of adult leaders, they make the phone calls to make arrangements for activities, to follow up on assignments, etc. Sometimes an activity does not work out, which is an important learning tool for them too. While helping the boys be successful and not get embarrassed, the adults let the boys be responsible for their plans.

• Patrol plans are approved by the Primary President and bishopric. They are also presented to the Troop Committee, who helps to make their plans come to fruition. 22

3 Guiding Quotes To Always Keep before You as You Administer This Program“Training boy leaders to run their troop is the Scoutmaster’s most important job.”

But read it this way…“Training boy leaders to run their patrol is the 11-yr Olds Scout Leader’s and Primary President’s most important job.”**paraphrased

“Train Scouts to do a job, then let them do it.”

“Never do anything a boy can do.” ̂� � emphasis added

—Robert S.S. Baden-Powell23

Success?• So how do you judge the success of the 11-yr

Olds Scouting Program? – Are the boys attending their meetings?– Are they leading?– Are they advancing and earning awards?– Are they wearing the uniform?– Are they excited about Scouting?– Are they achieving 1st Class Rank before they turn

twelve?

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Resources, LinksMost of the information in this presentation was found in the resources listed below

• LDS Aaronic Priesthood Handbook• LDS Primary Handbook• LDS Scouting Handbook• BSA Scouting Guidebooks• http://www.scouting.org• http://www.ldsscoutertools.org• http://www.ldsbsa.org• http://scoutmaster.org• http://lds.org• http://www.scoutstuff.org• http://meritbadge.org• https://myscouting.scouting.org• http://www.mcctraining.org• http://mccscouting.org (Mecklenburg County Council, find local contacts and other useful

links)• http://www.centralnccouncilbsa.com (Central NC Council, find local contacts and other

useful links)• http://palmettocouncil.org (Palmetto Council, find local contacts and other useful links)Developed by Mike Deal, Stake Scouting Coordinator, 10-2010

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