Role of preparing
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PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH, N.M. — Priesthood and Scouting leaders are in the preparation business — preparing young men for missions, preparing for future families and preparing for faithful Church service.
As part of the LDS Scouting Leadership Conference at Philmont July 8-14, Young Men leaders Dean R. Burgess and Bradley D. Harris conducted a training session on how Scouting can be the laboratory for priesthood principles that prepare LDS youth for lifelong Church activity.
Priesthood leaders can start the preparation process by investing in each one of the boys in the Aaronic Priesthood quorum and Scout unit, said Brother Burgess, first counselor in the Young Men General Presidency.
"That means more than just those boys that show up on Sunday," he added. "We need to invest in every young man. Go out and lead."
Brother Burgess spoke of the challenge issued by President Gordon B. Hinckley and other Church leaders to retain the youth of the Church. Shepherding a Church member is easier done when that member is a young man. Don't wait until he turns 30 to begin the activation and retention process. Priesthood leaders should work to ensure that every newly ordained deacon remains active throughout his Aaronic Priesthood years so he can receive the Melchizedek Priesthood as soon as he becomes an adult.
Parents, family members and priesthood leaders all play a role in strengthening a young man. Brother Burgess suggested that faithful men from the ward should wear the dual hat of Aaronic Priesthood and Scout leader. One man shouldn't be a Sunday adviser and another man a weekday Scout leader.
Together, Scouting and the Church's Duty to God program "build faith in Jesus Christ," Brother Burgess said.
Brother Harris, a member of the Young Men General Board, said family, priesthood and Scouting can work together to help a young man prepare for lifelong activity and future Church service. He noted the similarity between Church publications such as "For the Strength of Youth" and the lessons taught in the Boy Scout Manual. "Everything you read in the Scout Manual is going to match what you read in the Church (materials)."
Scouting activities should first be opportunities to teach and demonstrate priesthood principles.
"A camp-out should be a spiritual activity," said Brother Harris, adding that rank advancements and merit badges are the icing on the LDS Scouting experience. A Scoutmaster's "spiritual antennae" should be in tune during any Scouting activity.
Brother Burgess reminded Philmont participants that priesthood and Scout leaders have only six years to prepare a young man for missionary service and the challenges of adulthood. The bar has been raised; Scouting, he said, helps young men clear that bar.
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
