Pay day for serving in the Scouting program, noted one adult leader, often comes years later.
It usually comes during a sacrament meeting when a young man — now confident and capable, but who was once gangly, timid and undisciplined — stands at the podium to bear witness to the truthfulness of the gospel prior to leaving on a mission.
The transformation is nothing short of a miracle, and the journey to maturity is nothing short of astounding.
"Scouting continues to play an important role in the development of the young men in the Aaronic Priesthood," said Elder Robert K. Dellenbach of the Seventy and Young Men general president.
"I cherish those times around the campfire," he said. "I've sat around many campfires. These are times of friendship and camaraderie. It's a time when young men are receptive to your influence and you can talk about the gospel, about values and serving missions."
On the eve of its 90th anniversary, the Scouting program espouses the same high ideals of conduct and patriotism that were part of its creation when it was incorporated on Feb. 8, 1910, in Washington, D.C.
"The Church adopted the Scouting program in 1913, three years after its incorporation," said K. Hart Bullock, director of LDS Scouting Relations and director of Area 2, explaining that the Church was the first major organization to sponsor the program. The Church is now the oldest sponsoring institution of the Boy Scouts.
Lord Robert S.S. Baden-Powell, one of the more noted British leaders of the time, started the Scouting program in 1908 as a means of preparing young men for the military. As an officer, he noticed how ill prepared the young men were to cope with the rigors of tent life.
He wrote a handbook, "Aids to Scouting," instructing young men how to develop the necessary skills to care for themselves in the outdoors. The book also promoted traditional values and underscored patriotism as traits that develop strong character. The handbook became popular and by 1908 Scouting units were being organized in England.
In 1910, an American newspaper publisher, William Boyce, was in London on a foggy night looking for an address. After becoming lost, he asked a young man for directions. The young man escorted the publisher to the door of the residence he was seeking. When the publisher offered to pay, the young man refused the money, saying he could not accept payment for doing a good turn. The publisher was so impressed with the willing attitude of the young man and the Scouting program that fostered such ideals that he campaigned for its incorporation in the United States.
In 1911, one year after the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated, the Church assigned a group of men to study the Scouting program. Bryant S. Hinckley, father of President Gordon B. Hinckley, was among the group. After thorough investigation, he was keenly interested in the program and encouraged the First Presidency to adopt the program.
Since adopting the program, the Church has wielded a meaningful influence on the organization. President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, has served on the governing National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America since 1969, making him the longest-tenured member of the board. His leadership, explained Brother Bullock, has been a rudder for the national organization in helping it maintain high standards. Elder Dellenbach also serves on the National Executive Board.
Other leaders of the Church, including Elder F. Melvin Hammond and Elder John M. Madsen of the Seventy, and Sister Coleen K. Menlove and Sister Sydney Reynolds of the general Primary presidency, serve on advisory boards.
Today, the Church is the second largest chartering organization with a registration of 415,000 boys and young men in the United States. Of those are: 135,900 Cub Scouts, 141,700 Boy Scouts; 70,000 Varsity and 67,350 Ventures.
These Scouts are organized among more than 30,000 units, the greatest number of any chartering organization. They are led and supported by the greatest number of adult leaders of any chartering organization with more than 185,000 who serve in a variety of capacities.
The United Methodist Church is the only organization with a larger charter totaling 424,000 Scouts.
Nearly 13,000 in the Church earned the rank of Eagle Scout last year, which is three times greater than the national average of boys attaining Eagle Scout.
"The real value of the Scouting program comes in the development of desirable character traits, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness. Scouting, as part of the activity program of Aaronic Priesthood quorums, provides a means of applying gospel principles, where young men gain confidence in their ability and learn to lead others.
"They prepare for emergencies and become actively involved in community, school and Church service.
"Scouting provides the Church with a tried, tested and proven activity program which places boys and young men in association with others of high standards to help hold them close to their families and the Church, and accomplish the objectives of the Aaronic Priesthood."
Four T's of successful adult Scout leadership taught by Elder Robert K. Dellenbach.
Testimony
Strengthening young men by word and the power of example.
Time
Scouting takes time. Leaders must be willing to devote sufficient time.
Training
Learn the fine points of the program.
Tenure
Requires period of lengthy service.
