Scouts, leaders glean spiritual strength
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More than 500 Scouts and their leaders from the Escondido California and San Diego California regions of the Church gathered at 360-acre Mataguay Scout Camp July 16-23 for a fun-filled week of physical and spiritual training.
In addition to earning merit badges in swimming, life saving, wood carving, environmental science, insect study and a host of other areas, Scouts were spiritually nourished at priesthood and sacrament services on Sunday, July 17.Following individual priesthood meetings conducted by the stakes, the Scouts and their leaders gathered for sacrament meeting under the direction of Elder Clinton D. Davis, regional representative, who also spoke.
Elder Davis shared two experiences illustrating the importance of preparation. One showed the fruits of being prepared; the other, the disappointment that follows lack of preparation.
In the first, Elder Davis said he had traveled to Ireland to meet his son at the conclusion of his mission. On the final night in the mission home, nine elders who had completed honorable missions shared their testimonies and then recited Section 4 of the Doctrine and Covenants in unison.
"There were many tears of joy," said Elder Davis.
Then he told of a recent Eagle Scout board of review. The Eagle candidate did not pass the review because he had not learned the Scout oath and promise.
"I would like every young man here to someday serve a mission and feel the Spirit of the Lord," encouraged Elder Davis. "You should put the Scout oath and promise into your heart and mind to help you make correct decisions. Temptations are all around you, but if you will live the Scout law, it will bring you joy and happiness.
The importance of Scouting also was emphasized during the sacrament meeting by Stanley M. Smoot, a member of the Young Men General Board.
He said that the Church was the first organization to officially sponsor Scouting in America, and that it is still the largest sponsor in the United States.
Smoot introduced his son, Shandell, a Utah state wrestling champion who had passed up a college scholarship to accept a call to serve in the Spain Madrid Mission.
"He has chosen the better way," said Smoot.
