Recent nationwide campaigns to feed the needy and battle drug abuse show Scouting is working to keep pace with the needs of boys today, said President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency.

"Even though times change," President Monson declared, "Scouting will continue to be relevant and will never be left behind."

As the Boy Scouts of America enters its 80th year, it is adapting to the needs of boys living in the 1980s while keeping the age-old programs that have made it a valuable partner in the Aaronic Priesthood's goal of preparing young men for the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Church leader said.

"I think Aaronic Priesthood work and Scouting go hand in hand, and they rise together with the inspired leadership each deserves."

One example of this, President Monson said, occurred a little more than a month ago when Scouts from throughout America went door to door to collect canned and packaged food to donate to the homeless and the hungry.

"We were overwhelmed by the success of this effort," he continued. "Every boy learned something about sharing, helping, comforting and relieving need. Everyone benefitted - the giver, the recipient and the Boy Scouts who conveyed the gift to the needy."

Another example is the organization's well-publicized battle against drug abuse.

"It's significant that Scouting has led the way in adopting a program that prompts action - namely, `Say No to Drugs,' " President Monson said.

Along with these campaigns, Scouting continues to provide its traditional programs - merit badge advancement, camping and leadership training.

"I know no other exposure to the crafts and skills and the professions available to young men that is as effective as is Scouting," he said. "Every boy likes to feel important and to test his own talents against a standard. That's why the activities are so keenly appreciated by those boys who hold the Aaronic Priesthood.

"I've felt that Scouting must be an activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood. I think the holder of the Aaronic Priesthood will gain a feeling of self-worth as he accomplishes the requirements of Scouting."

President Monson said he still recalls how it felt to be a Scout.

"I remember one Christmas getting a Scout uniform," he recalled. "I was so proud. I wore it on Christmas Day."

When he was 14, his Scoutmaster drove his troop to Big Cottonwood Canyon and left young Tom in charge of the boys.

"He asked if I had brought my fishing pole, and said, `I expect you to catch trout for breakfast for each of the boys for the two days you are here. I'll see you Saturday to take you all home.'

"This isn't the way Scoutmasters operate today," President Monson counseled. "But I still remember the experienceT, and I felt responsible for the well-being of the Scouts in that troop. Incidentally, I caught the fish each day for breakfast."

Now the challenge isn't catching the fish but keeping the cost of Scouting reasonable, he said.

"We've got to do everything we can to keep costs contained, so they do not become a burden," he explained.

Another challenge is finding worthy, inspired Scoutmasters to lead the boys. Heavenly Father is pleased when good training is provided for these "choice human spirits."

And more volunteers are needed at the troop committee level, the local council level and at the national level.

"Voluntarism has to be at the forefront," he said. "From the time the Church adopted Scouting. . ., we have felt we needed to stay close to the program so that our beliefs and our objectives might be incorporated, as far as would be appropriate, in the overall Scouting emphasis."

For 19 years, President Monson has served on the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. He was the third Church leader, following President George Albert Smith and President Ezra Taft Benson, to serve in that capacity. He also serves on the international committee of the National Executive Board, representing the Boy Scouts of America at world conference meetings on Scouting.