Scouting anchored by timeless values
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Want to be the best youth or Scout leader possible? Start by following the example of President Thomas S. Monson.
David L. Beck, Young Men general president said President Monson embodies three characteristics that are vital to working successfully with young men: first, a positive attitude; second, a commitment to duty; and third, a desire to build relationships with others.
Priesthood, Primary and Scout leaders who develop such traits can bless and benefit the lives of all those they serve.
Brother Beck's counsel came near the conclusion of the Oct. 27 Church and LDS Scouting Relationships Conference. Thousands filled the Salt Lake Tabernacle to listen to direction from Mormon Church leaders and executives from Scouting's Great Salt Lake Council. Despite an early-season snowstorm, not a seat in the historic venue went unclaimed—and many had to be turned away.
The 90-minute conference was anchored in the theme "We Instill Values." Talks reaffirmed the Church's commitment to Scouting—the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood.
Brother Beck spoke of recently watching President Monson as he presided at a regional conference. He was struck by the Church president's positive attitude. He marveled at President Monson's enthusiasm and energy. That same attitude can strengthen bishops, youth advisers, Scoutmasters and den leaders as they fulfill their own callings.
"Be grateful for your calling to work with the young people of this Church," said Brother Beck.
President Monson's lifelong service in Scouting is just one example of his strong commitment to his calling and the youth of the Church, he added. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' leader has challenged Aaronic Priesthood and Scout leaders to commit themselves to each and every boy in their quorum or troop. Leaders were encouraged to expect great things from their charges.
"Shun mediocrity in our callings," counseled Brother Beck. "Have high expectations of yourself and others."
President Monson is also a bridge builder—a person who crafts and nurtures relationships with folks of all backgrounds, he noted. Youth and Scout leaders can follow suit, said Brother Beck.
"Can we capture the vision of Scouting and build bridges?"
Sister Margaret S. Lifferth, first counselor in the Primary General Presidency, also emphasized the importance of relationships. Local priesthood leaders must develop relationships with those men and women they have called to work with young men and Primary boys. It's important that those who work on the front lines with Scouts of all ages have the proper training and tenure they need to best fulfill their callings, she said.
It's also vital that leaders build relationships with the families of the boys, she added. She encouraged leaders to support parents by helping them understand Scouting, Cub Scouting and Church-sponsored activities such as Primary's "Faith in God."
Finally, she counseled leaders to work hard to build strong relationships with the young men themselves, and not forget the Primary boys who are preparing to receive the priesthood. It's never too early to build relationships, she observed. "The relationship between a Scout leader and the boy can be profound," said Sister Lifferth.
Elder Patrick Price, an Area Seventy and chairman of the council's LDS Relationship Committee, spoke of his gratitude for Scouting and its commitment to teach absolute values at a time when truth can seem fluid and situational. Elder Price told those gathered in the Tabernacle that their callings to serve the youth of the Church were inspired. No one is serving by accident, he commented. Today's priesthood, Scout and Primary leaders can do much in "instilling values" in today's youth.
"The best legacy you can leave is a generation prepared," he said.
Scout executive Rick Barnes spoke of the Church's 97-year-old partnership with Scouting. While many of Scouting's merit badges and activities have changed over time, Scouting's value-driven Oath and Law remains the same, he pointed out. "That's what we're about," he said, "instilling values."
Great Salt Lake Council President John Kirkham said many LDS youth who could benefit from the lessons of Scouting are not registered in the program. It's vital that each and every young man be involved.
"Please reach out to them ... register them in your units and make them a part of your unit," said Brother Kirkham.
