As society changes, Scouting's programs - but not its foundation principles including honesty, preparedness and service - are occasionally modified to keep pace.

Boy Scouts of America a year ago altered its merit badge requirements for some rank advancements, and recently published, for the first time in nine years, a new handbook, which deals with pressing social issues like child and drug abuse.And, with the adoption of new budgetary procedures for Church wards and stakes in the United States and Canada, adjustments are taking place in Church-sponsored Scouting units, as well, especially on the Varsity and Explorer level.

Both President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone, Young Men general president and member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, emphasized in Church News interviews that Aaronic Priesthood young men can and should continue to reap the benefits of Scouting that complement their development in the priesthood while living within prescribed budgets.

President Monson also encouraged leaders to give careful consideration to safety concerns relating to all activities.

Elder Featherstone said adhering to the new budgeting program will bless the lives of Church members and help the young people learn some great lessons.

"For the Aaronic Priesthood to go through this discipline of living within the budget that's allocated is more than just a financial process, but also will teach young men in their personal lives that there are some things they can have, and there are some things they want but don't really need. We need to separate needs from wants. I think it's a tremendous thing that the Lord has instigated for our day."

Elder Featherstone emphasized that extra effort and creativity will have to be put into planning youth activities.

"Varsity and Explorer groups may not be able to go snowmobiling, but they can go snowshoeing," he explained. "They may not be able to float rivers or use a professional guide, but they can hike nearby mountains and fish the streams and lakes. We can live within the budget and make it work.

"If they are allocated $300 from the budget for the year, for example, they may spend that for food and gasoline to get where they're going, then all the rest of the activity is carried on their backs, as they hike and backpack. They can learn great principles and have wonderful experiences. They can find ingenious ways to have high adventure with youths and adults without spending a lot of money. I think it's a great discipline."

Elder Featherstone added that the First Presidency has counseled him, as Young Men general president, that the Church is not in any way backing away from any aspect of Scouting. "The brethren have reaffirmed their full support of all four Scouting programs: Cubs, Boy Scouts, Varsity and Exploring," he noted.

The Young Men president said service activities can and should be given high priority by Aaronic Priesthood leaders. "Instead of doing something for ourselves that will bring fun and excitement, we can often do something for someone else."

Elder Featherstone encouraged Scout leaders to involve their boys in the planning process, and to tap their wealth of creative ideas.

"I think if I were a Scoutmaster, I would have the Green Bar Patrol sit down and ask them, `What are you going to do; and how are you going to conserve costs?' Lead them and teach them, but let them make many of the decisions." - Mike Cannon