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The First Presidency
"In January 2000, we introduced an Aaronic Priesthood Achievement
program in areas outside the United States and Canada where Scouting was
not available. The purpose of the program is to help young men prepare for
the Melchizedek Priesthood, the temple endowment, a full‑time mission, marriage,
and fatherhood. This program has now been adapted for use in the United States
and Canada to include the important role of Scouting in the development of
young men. The name has been changed to Aaronic Priesthood: Fulfilling Our Duty to God. . . .
"We desire all young men to strive to earn the Eagle Scout and Duty to
God Awards. We desire all young women to strive to earn the Young Womanhood
Recognition. As youth work on these goals, they will develop skills and attributes
that will lead them to the temple and prepare them for a lifetime of service
to their families and the Lord" (First Presidency letter, Sept. 28, 2001).
President Gordon B. Hinckley
"I love the Scouting movement. The promise of the Scout Oath and the
twelve points of the Scout Law point young men along the path of being prepared
for the 21st century. They provide a solid and powerful magnetic force toward
development of a well-rounded and noteworthy character that counts. If every
boy in America knew and observed the Scout Oath, we would do away with most
of the jails and prisons in this country. If each of us would live up to those
few words, 'On my honor, I will do my best,' whether it be in school, whether
it be in our social life, whether it be in our business or professional life,
if I will do my very best, success and happiness will be mine" (Boy
Scout Jamboral, Fillmore, Utah, Sept. 27, 1996).
"I am glad to be able to pay my respects to you who move the great
Scouting program along. We would not have the kind of gang problems we have
if there were more boys enrolled in Scouting, because the spirit of Scouting
and the spirit of gang life are contradictory one to another. This program
builds boys, builds their futures, leads them to the right path so they can
make something of their lives" (Scout‑O‑Rama breakfast, Salt Lake City,
Utah, May 4, 1996).
President Thomas S. Monson
"Youth need fewer critics and more models. One wise builder of faith
counseled, 'It does not pay to scold. I believe you can get people to do
anything, if you can get them to do it at all, by loving them into doing
it.' . . .
"We are builders of boys and menders of men. In doing so, we remember
that the greatest verb in the vocabulary is to love; the second is to help.
"It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping
to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make
ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential.
"I commend you leaders of boys, for you demonstrate by your lives that
the greatest gift a man can give a boy is his 'willingness to share a part of
his life with him' " (Church News, June 7, 2003, 4).
"My appreciation for the Scouting program is deep. Scouting molds character. . . . I think it's a marvelous organization" (Rededication of the Boy
Scout Service Center, South Ogden, Utah, June 3, 2003).
"In this world where some misguided men and women strive to tear
down and destroy great movements such as Scouting, I am pleased to stand
firm for an organization that teaches duty to God and country, that embraces
the Scout Law. Yes, an organization whose motto is 'Be prepared' and whose
slogan is 'Do a good turn daily.'
"The Aaronic Priesthood prepares boys for manhood and the weightier duties
of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Scouting helps our boys to walk uprightly the
priesthood path to exaltation. . . .
"To all the Aaronic Priesthood assembled tonight with your fathers and
your leaders, the priesthood program of the Church, with its accompanying activities,
including Scouting, will help and not hinder you as you journey through life" (Ensign, Nov.
1993, 48–50).
"Much has been said in the media of late regarding Scouting. Let
me affirm that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints has not diminished
in any way its support of the Scouting movement. . . .
"President Ezra Taft Benson described Scouting as a 'noble program,'
saying, 'It is a builder of character, not only in the boys, but also in the
men who provide the leadership' ( . . . So Shall Ye Reap [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.], 1960, p. 138).
"Brethren, if ever there were a time when the principles of Scouting
were vitally needed—that time is now. If ever there were a generation who would
benefit by keeping physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight—that
generation is the present generation" (Ensign, Nov. 1991, 47).
"Every boy blessed by Scouting learns in his youth far more than that
envisioned by Sir Tom of Warwick. He adopts the motto 'Be Prepared.' He subscribes
to the code 'Do a Good Turn Daily.' Scouting provides proficiency badges to
encourage skills and personal endeavor. Scouting teaches boys how to live, not
merely how to make a living. How pleased I am that The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter‑day Saints in 1913 became the first partner to sponsor Scouting in
the United States" (Ensign, Nov. 1982, 20).
President James E. Faust
"Scouting is an excellent program which develops character in young
men. It has been my observation that those who attain the rank of Eagle are
generally more successful in other pursuits throughout their lives. I am
grateful for the influence of Scouting in my life and in the lives of my
sons and grandsons."
Elder Robert D. Hales
"If you will fulfill the requirements for these priesthood duties
and personal attributes, you will prepare yourselves for the Melchizedek
Priesthood responsibilities and future challenges in your life. I promise
you that your achievement of the Duty to God Award will provide you with
a living testimony that will sustain you throughout your life.
"Where available, Scouting can also help you in this effort. We encourage
you to participate in Scouting. Many of the Scouting requirements can fill
goals and requirements of the Duty to God certificates.
"Scouting is part of the Aaronic Priesthood activity program. The Duty
to God Award is a priesthood award, having requirements that will help you
develop spiritually and fulfill your priesthood duties" (Ensign, Nov.
2001, 39).
Elder Cecil O. Samuelson
"Where Scouting is available, you will note that many of the Scouting
requirements can fill necessary expectations for the Duty to God Award. Both
Duty to God and Scouting activities teach us to 'be prepared' in 'every needful
thing' (D&C 88:119). Achieving the Duty to God and Eagle Scout Awards . . . are complementary,
not competitive" (Ensign, Nov. 2001, 42).
President Ezra Taft Benson, 13th President of the Church
"It is one of the choicest experiences in my life to serve in and participate
in Scouting, which I have done for almost seventy years" ("When l
Was Called as Scoutmaster," Boy Scout Satellite Broadcast, Salt Lake
City, Feb. 14, 1988).
"Young men, take full advantage of the Church programs. Set your goals
to attain excellence in the achievement programs of the Church. Earn the Duty
to God Award—one of our most significant priesthood awards. Become an
Eagle Scout. Do not settle for mediocrity in the great Scouting program of
the Church. . . .
"Give me a young man who has kept himself morally clean and has faithfully
attended his Church meetings. Give me a young man who has magnified his priesthood
and has earned the Duty to God Award and is an Eagle Scout. Give me a young
man who is a seminary graduate and has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon.
Give me such a young man, and I will give you a young man who can perform miracles
for the Lord in the mission field and throughout his life" (Ensign, May
1986, 44–45).
"Scouting is an integral part of the Church program for young men and
complements Aaronic Priesthood quorum work. Where programs for Scout troops
are available, please understand it is not an optional program. When we speak
of Scouting we are referring to the Boy Scout troop, ages 11–14. A
letter from the First Presidency and Presiding Bishopric to all Regional
Representatives, stake presidents and bishops in the United States, dated
June 20, 1975, indicated that the Venturing and Exploring programs were
optional.
"The Boy Scout program, to an unusual degree, is educationally, socially,
and spiritually sound. It builds character and spirituality and trains a boy
for leadership and citizenship responsibility. Scouting teaches a boy to take
care of himself and stand on his own two feet. Scouting is an inspired program
for a demanding time, and that time is now!" (Address to the Young Men
general presidency and board, Sept. 1979).
"For 60 years it has been my pleasure to maintain contact with Scouting
in one form or another. And I say to you this morning that Scouting is an inspired
program. I believe Lord Baden‑Powell was inspired, I believe the young man
who performed a good turn for W. D. Boyce, in London in a fog, was inspired.
Through that good turn, Scouting came to America in 1910. In 1913 after a serious
study the Mormon Church—as the first church in America to adopt Scouting—made
it a part of their program for boys and young men, and I stand before you this
morning grateful to the Lord for the great blessings of Scouting in the lives
of my own children, in the lives of thousands upon thousands of others" (Boy
Scout Jamboree, July 1977).
"Take time out to help build a bridge for that boy. . . . I have
faith in the manhood of America; we will not let our boys down" (God,
Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties [1974], 215).
"[Scouting's] purpose is:
- Character building—to help to fill the need for men of shining
honor.
- Citizenship training—to help young men to develop an uncompromising
love for America and its great concepts and institutions; to develop a strong
attitude and determination of self‑reliance.
- Leadership development—to help to answer the great need
of leaders of capacity with high ideals.
- Physical fitness—to help to beat down the tendency, if
there is one, of physical deterioration.
- Spiritual growth—American foundations and spiritual perpetuation
of America are assured with spiritually inclined citizenry" ("Scouting:
A Great American Partnership," Improvement Era, Feb. 1964,
101).
"I would to God that every boy of Boy Scout age in America could
have the benefits and the blessings of the great Boy Scout program. It is
truly a noble program. It is a builder of character not only in the boys
but also in the men who provide the leadership.
"Scouting stresses service to others, and again this has a spiritual
base. The Scout pledges to help other people at all times. Was it not the Master
who said, 'Whosoever will be chief among you; let him be your servant'?" ( . . . So Shall Ye Reap [1960], 138).
President Spencer W. Kimball, 12th President of the Church
"I have enjoyed a long and respectful relationship with Scouting.
I believe in its potential to motivate young men to live with effectiveness
and integrity and to help them prepare for their manhood. . . .
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints stands firm in its commitment
to youth, . . . to the families they themselves will one day form, and to every program
and effort that seek to build and strengthen and enrich and ennoble youth. . . . We've remained strong and firm in our support of this great movement
for boys and of the Oath and the Law which are at its center. . . . It is our
understanding and belief that Scouting is still strongly centered in these
duties and principles, and that there is a determination in its present leadership
to strengthen them further. This being true, The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter‑day Saints affirms the continued support of Scouting and will seek to
provide leadership which will help boys keep close to their families and close
to the Church as they develop the qualities of citizenship and character and
fitness which Scouting represents" (Ensign, May 1977, 36).
President Harold B. Lee, 11th President of the Church
"May I say to you: Scouting will be successful in this Church only
as it relates to and maintains a definite relationship with the Aaronic Priesthood.
May I put it in a negative way and say that when Scouting fails to be the activity
program for the priesthood, it will cease to be a functioning part of the Church
program. . . . The more our Church relationships representatives understand
that, from the head of this Aaronic Priesthood right down to the grassroots
in the wards and the stakes and the branches, the more perfectly we will begin
to define that relationship and the more successful and acceptable Scouting
will be" (June 1968).
President George Albert Smith, 8th President of the Church
"Every boy of twelve years is eligible for the Boy Scout organization
which has become a part of the M.I.A. program. Here he does, under specially
selected leadership, what Scouts do elsewhere. At the time when babies are
most easily formed, he learns to be God‑fearing, obedient to authority, considerate
of others, honorable in his conduct, in short, to lay a foundation upon which
worthy manhood maybe built. Scout work in this Church is not different from
that of other communities, except that it is correlated with the duties of
the deacons' quorum, to which every properly trained boy of twelve is expected
to belong" (April 1930).
President N. Eldon Tanner, Former Counselor in the First Presidency
"As I have said, Scouting is officially recognized as part of the Church
program. Let's make it work. Now, having been a bishop, a stake president,
a General Authority, and a Scout for 50 some-odd years and as a Scoutmaster,
Commissioner of Scouting, and member of the executive board of Scouting, being
in all those positions and being associated with Scouting in every one of them,
I want to bear testimony to the importance of Scouting in the Church. As a
boy 14 years of age, I first joined and worked with our troop. That was a long
time ago, and with that close association, I want to say to you as Scouters
and you as bishops—I wish I had all the bishops of the Church here and all
stake presidents of the Church, particularly those who are not converted—I
want to say that this Scout movement helps build the kingdom of God, it helps
us with the priesthood program. Scouters, through the Scout program, can go
out and reach boys that cannot be reached otherwise. The President of the Church
recognizes that. That is one of the reasons the program was officially recognized
and accepted as a part of the Church program. And when we realize that, brethren,
let us go out and save those boys" (June 1968).
Elder Mark E. Petersen, Former Member of the Quorum of the Twelve
"If Scouting would not make better Latter‑day Saints, we would not
have Scouting in the Church. But because Scouting does make boys better Latter‑day
Saints, we take it into the Church. . . . You cannot divorce Church work
from Scouting. When you are building Scouting in your boys, you are building
the work of God and helping to establish the kingdom on the earth."
Elder F. Melvin Hammond, Former Young Men General President
"Scouting has been adopted as the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood
in the United States of America. It is a marvelous program of adventure and
learning. In Scouting boys learn outdoor skills, they acquire leadership abilities,
they endure physical challenges, and they build within themselves strong and
noble character traits. We want every young man from the age of eight, when
he becomes a Cub Scout, to the age of sixteen to be enrolled in Scouting, and
we encourage those boys sixteen through seventeen to be involved in Venturing.
Their goal should be to earn the coveted Eagle Scout Award" (Area
Auxiliary Training, Oct. 8, 2003).
"Every seminary and institute student should come to understand that
doctrinal knowledge of the gospel, when accompanied by the Spirit of Truth
and total commitment, will change their lives and prompt them to . . . complete
their Duty to God and, where Scouting is available, achieve the top award.
Too many teachers fail to see the link between these inspired programs and
spiritual living" (CES Satellite Training Broadcast, Aug. 2003).
"The Scouting program of the Church with its wonderful activities
has strengthened our young men. As they advance from a Tenderfoot Scout through
the various ranks, until they achieve their Eagle Scout Award, they grow
in stature and in spirit. Their bodies are developed physically. They learn
outdoor skills that test their character and their intellect. Every boy,
whether he enjoys athletics or literature, can find a welcome niche in Scouting.
"If someone questions the position of the Church in Scouting, I always
remind them of these words, 'On my honor I will do my duty to God and my country. . . ." Once again duty becomes paramount. A commitment is made by each
Scout; he has given his word of honor, that he will do all in his power to
uphold Heavenly Father and keep His commandments. A love of country, with a
desire to maintain freedom and liberty, is established in a boy's mind, and
it never leaves him during the course of his life. I thank God for Scouting" ("Fulfilling
Our Duty to God" [unpublished], Jan. 2002).
"Duty to God embraces Scouting, which is wonderful for our young men.
I see no conflict at all between Duty to God and Scouting. Duty to God focuses
more on the spiritual—bringing young men to Christ. Scouting is primarily
an activity program with some spirituality as well. They are complementary
to one another.
"Most young men going through the Scouting program get their awards by
the time they are 14–15 years old. After that, it becomes more difficult to
excite young men about Scouting. Duty to God will help bridge that gap" (Ensign, Jan.
2002, 9).
"[The Duty to God program] started some years ago internationally
to help young men through the Aaronic Priesthood years, to fill in where Scouting
was not available, and to help develop their testimonies and understanding
of the gospel and to help young men come to Christ. . . .
"Our effort was to find something that would be compatible with priesthood principles
and also with Scouting. Duty to God embraces Scouting, which is wonderful for
our young men. . . . Duty to God focuses more on the spiritual—bringing young
men to Christ. Scouting is primarily an activity program with some spirituality
as well. They are complementary to one another" (New Era, Jan.
2002, 13, 15).
"It is vital that you [thousands of Latter-day Saint Scouts participating
in the 2001 National Jamboree] march the path from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout
and continue on to serve a full‑time mission. You have to stretch to prepare
to be a full‑time missionary. Scouting will help in the stretching . . . especially
attending a sacrament meeting in the pouring rain like at this National Jamboree" (2001
National Jamboree).
Elder Robert K. Dellenbach, Former Young Men General President
"In the Scout Oath, we pledge our 'Duty to God.' All Latter‑day
Saint Scouters, whether young or old, have a duty and a responsibility to
defend the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter‑day Saints, we are taught that our duty to God supersedes
everything else. Through Scouting we learn to be honest, morally clean, trustworthy,
and dependable. Some of my fondest memories as a youth are those wonderful
experiences I had in Scouting. My Scoutmaster taught me the gospel as well
as the adventures of Scouting. How grateful I am that this wonderful organization
of Scouting has a strong commitment to the values and principles taught to
us by the Savior, Jesus Christ.
"May we always be ready to do our duty to God and keep the commandments
in our Scouting and in our everyday life. . . .
"One of the major reasons why the Church accepts the Scouting program
as part of the activity program for the Aaronic Priesthood quorums is that
it provides so many marvelous opportunities to learn and do things. The whole
design of getting merit badges and your Eagle Award is to help you grow both
in knowledge and in the proper character development" (National Jamboree,
Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia, July 29, 2001).
Elder Jack H. Goaslind, Former Young Men General President
"We encourage our leaders to put their energies into using Scouting
to help accomplish the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood, and in being positive
in their support of all young men. The Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan
complement the achievement of the Aaronic Priesthood purposes we feel are
so important in the lives of the young men."
Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone, Former Young Men General President
"There are four things that are absolutely essential in a great
Scout leader. I call them the four T's:
- Testimony—that they have a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ,
His Atonement, and that this Church is God's Church.
- Trained—they need to be trained, not only by the Church, but
as well by Boy Scouts of America within the districts and council.
- Time—they need to have time to be a leader of boys.
- Tenure—short tenure if they don't enjoy the work and are not
willing to put in the time necessary, and long tenure if they love the
young men and want to serve them with all their hearts and souls."
Elder Robert L. Backman, Former Young Men General President
"The bishop's most positive impact on youth comes in informal settings,
activities, Scouting, service projects, athletics—real‑life settings
where they get to know him as a man. . . .
". . . Scouting provides a tested, proven program for us to use in holding
our young men close to the Church. It appeals to boys. Its trail to the Eagle
rank helps a young man set worthwhile goals, then realize them. For some reason
there is a direct correlation between young men who achieve the Eagle rank
and those who serve missions. . . .
"Its camping, hiking, and high adventure provide marvelous opportunities
for our young men to enjoy a man's experience with men, building wholesome
relationships between youth and adult leaders, something that happens too seldom
in our day. Becoming a man is more than chronological. It involves proving
the young man's manhood, testing his mettle, challenging the world, demonstrating
he can accomplish more than he thought he was capable of. That's what builds
character and manliness" (Ensign, Nov. 1982, 39–40).
"On May 21, 1913, the Church entered wholeheartedly into that partnership
with the Boy Scouts of America. Oh, we've had a few pauses along the way a
few years back, which we're just recovering from, but I want you to understand
that partnership is firm today. Did you know that The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter‑day Saints is the largest user of all other religious organizations
using the Scouting program? Doesn't that make you proud to be a part of this
great organization? Talk about the wallop we have, you see what I mean. And
in return, Scouting has carefully guarded its relationship with its partners.
That's what's unique about the Boy Scouts of America. It provides the program.
We provide the leadership in the manner in which we use it and they don't interfere
in that, despite some of the things they might like to see happening" (University
of Utah, Oct. 1978).
Bishop Victor L. Brown, Former Presiding Bishop
"We are grateful for our long and fruitful association with Scouting
and for the beneficial effects on the lives of the young men when priesthood
leaders effectively use Scouting to assist the work of the Aaronic Priesthood.
We want to reaffirm our wholehearted support of Scouting. Of all the organizations
in the U.S.A. having to do with boys, we feel this is the finest throughout
the nation, and we have no question but what BSA adds a great dimension to
the activity of our young boys" (1972).
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Serving in the Church
