CIMARRON, NEW MEXICO
The Priesthood Leadership Conference on Scouting at Philmont Scout Ranch is undeniably a Scouting event.
Stake leaders of all backgrounds wore the ubiquitous tan uniform to their courses. Instructors brought classes to order by raising the three-fingered Scout sign. And crowds again hovered around beloved LDS Scout leader Bill Burch and his fellow whittler Gary Dollar as they sat on the Philmont lawns carving comical bolo ties that are familiar to Scouts worldwide.
But beyond the Scout uniforms, silly skits and tent cities, the annual conference is first about the priesthood. It's a week of intensive training focused on leaving one's flock to find the lost one. Philmont is about teaching men to build relationships with boys that will help prepare them for missions, temple worship, Church service, future families and, yes, Scouting achievement.
The hundreds of uniformed participants at this year's recent conferences (held June 27-July 3 and July 4-July 10) are themselves, first and foremost, priesthood leaders — stake presidents and members of stake presidencies, along with a few stake Young Men presidents.
The men traveled from all corners of the United States — from Miami, Fla., to Wenatchee, Wash. They gathered at Philmont's sprawling training center to learn more about utilizing the tools of Scouting to help young men become the best Aaronic Priesthood holders they can be.
General auxiliary leaders of the Church again provided classroom and spiritual instruction. Young Men General President David L. Beck presided at both weeklong sessions of the conference. He was assisted by his counselors, Brother Larry M. Gibson and Brother Adrian Ochoa. Primary General President Cheryl C. Lant and her counselors, Sister Margaret S. Lifferth and Sister Vicki F. Matsumori, also participated. LDS-BSA Relationships Director David C. Pack and several other veteran youth leaders were enlisted to teach courses and provide answers to questions regarding the development of young men.
After spending a Sabbath at Philmont dedicated to worship and family time (see July 11 Church News), conference participants spent their week attending training presentations. Subjects again ranged from strengthening the Church's young men through Scouting to helping Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidencies preside more effectively. The courses were informal and participants often shared their thoughts, wisdom and experiences.
At most sessions, Philmont "students" scribbled copious notes and enjoyed plenty of laughs. During one class taught by Sister Lant, participants earned parts for a pinewood car whenever they correctly answered questions about Cub Scouting. The course concluded with a pinewood derby that brought the competitive 8-year-old out of plenty of middle-age stake presidents and their counselors.
Meanwhile, course instructor/thespian Mark A. Dietlein divined the history of the Scouting program with his dramatic depiction of Scouting founder Robert Lord Baden-Powell — complete with a Smokey Bear hat and walking stick.
Philmont's many spiritual messages reminded participants of the true purpose of the leadership conference. At the beginning of the conference, Brother Beck challenged the men to make commitments during their week at Philmont that will bless the lives of the young men they serve.
"This is not just an exercise," said Brother Beck about commitment making, "we need to act."
Sister Lant reminded the Scouters that the priesthood is at the core of their duties.
"The vision of Scouting is all about what a boy can become," she said.
Several firesides and a priesthood leadership meeting high in the Philmont back country were spiritual highlights. Many such gatherings focused on marriage and strengthening families.
Philmont would not be Philmont without families. The majority of the hundreds of priesthood leaders at camp traveled to eastern New Mexico with their wives and children. Their homes for the week were canvas tents equipped with all the conveniences of home — almost. (Two cots, space for hanging clothing, a light bulb and an electrical outlet.)
While the men were in class, their wives — dubbed the "Silverados" — joined in firesides, craft classes, hikes and tours of the scenic surroundings.
The boys and girls divided into groups and spent the week experiencing Philmont through a variety of age-appropriate activities such as hiking, archery, plenty of crafts, spirited games of dodge ball and horseback riding.
Many of the young men and women who were 14 or older bade farewell to their families minutes after arriving at camp and embarked on a Philmont mountain trek. They returned a week later, grinning and grimy, to a hero's welcome from their families.
Evenings at Philmont were again devoted to families and fun. Highlights included a camp-wide family home evening, a talent show, a patriotic children's parade and a Philmont-style barbecue complete with cobbler and buffalo burgers.
The Church's Priesthood Leadership Conference marked another memorable year at Philmont. The energy felt even as members of Philmont's Class of 2009 were clearing out of their tents suggested their Philmont adventure would not be their last. Still, they left the mountaintop and returned to their respective "valleys" — their own lives, professions and Church duties.
In the final training session of camp, Brother Beck reminded the men of their remarkable privilege of working with the Aaronic Priesthood.
"This is a gift in the life of a [priesthood leader]; to work with young men."
