New director of BSA-LDS Relations
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
The Boy Scouts of America has appointed a new director of LDS Relations.
David Pack, a returned missionary and career Scouter, will oversee the Salt Lake City-based Scout office that operates as a liaison between the BSA and the Church. Brother Pack replaces Brad Allen, who recently accepted a Scout executive position in Seattle, Wash.
Brother Pack said he looks forward to working with the Church's Young Men General Presidency while helping LDS Scouts reach their Aaronic Priesthood goals. In his duties he will help facilitate member units and their respective Scouts and leaders in 305 councils nationwide.
"Scouting is more relevant today than ever before," said Brother Pack when asked about the Church's long-term relationship with the national program. "It is an inspired organization for boys who need to learn how to be leaders of their peer groups."
Michael A. Neider, second counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, said Brother Pack comes well equipped to meet the needs of young men eager to succeed in Scouting, the Church's activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood.
"He brings a lot of experience in applying the program," Brother Neider said. "The BSA holds Brother Pack in high esteem as a Scout executive."
Brother Pack inherits a challenging charge.
Some 17 percent of all Scouts belong to the Church, which remains the largest single sponsor of Scouting with units found in wards and branches throughout the country. Meanwhile, President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, is the longest-tenured member of Scouting's national executive board.
Brother Pack said Church-sponsored unit leaders can realize maximum efficiency and success by using the many training resources available — including Scouting's basic training and advanced Wood Badge courses. He is eager for older boys to take advantage of Scouting's vast leadership training opportunities long after they claim their Eagle badges. Such training can help young priesthood holders prepare for missions, careers and families.
"The (central) goal can't be to become an Eagle Scout, but to fulfill the purposes of the priesthood," Brother Pack said.
A native of Logan, Utah, Brother Pack and his wife, Sandra, are the parents of two children, Heather Palmer and Nathan Pack.
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
