HINCKLEY SCOUT RANCH, UTAH
President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, was in chilly northern Utah on Oct. 5 to dedicate the Thomas S. Monson Lodge at the Hinckley Scout Ranch. The multi-story, 18,000-square-foot building becomes the crown jewel of the popular camp and will be utilized to train, host and entertain legions of youth and their leaders.
“Thousands of young people will have experiences that will lift their lives to a higher place,” said President Eyring prior to offering the dedicatory prayer. “People from different backgrounds will come together in a unity of purpose.”
Many business and Scout leaders, and several Church officers and emeritus General Authorities joined him at the event.
President Monson, of course, is a lifelong champion of Scouting. He has served on Scouting’s National Executive Board for almost a half century and is the recipient of numerous national and international Scouting awards. President Monson shared a pre-recorded message.
“The need for strong, capable leadership is critical today, both in Scouting and in the world generally,” he said. “To be associated in some small way with developing such leadership is humbling indeed.”
It is essential, he added, that youth are provided opportunities to “build their lives and serve God, country and their fellow men.”
Named for the man who was instrumental in bringing together the Church and Scouting in 1913, the Bryant S. Hinckley Scout Ranch is an annual destination for youth of all backgrounds, including thousands of LDS Scouts.
The newly dedicated Thomas S. Monson Lodge was built for $5.5 million and financed by a group of donors. The Sorenson Legacy Foundation was the primary donor.
“The Sorensons were enthusiastic to have the lodge named after President Monson because of his long years as a member of the BSA National Executive Board, his efforts as a champion of youth and his position as the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said President Eyring.
The high-tech lodge features a grand entrance, a large kitchen, a Scoutmaster training room, a trading post and the “King Husein Room” grand ballroom which will be used for banquets and training events. Outside the lodge are the new Court of Honor Plaza and an amphitheater with seating for 800 people.
A large portrait of President Monson welcomes Scouts and other visitors as they enter the grand ballroom.
President Eyring spoke of his own Boy Scout experiences as a youngster growing up in Princeton, New Jersey. The leaders of his small troop helped him build self-confidence. The Eagle Scouts who volunteered at his troop meetings were his heroes.
“The leaders and volunteers who will serve in this place will stand on the foundation of Scouting pioneers,” he added. “[Latter-day Saint leaders] Bryant S. Hinckley, Oscar A. Kirkham, Ezra Taft Benson and Thomas S. Monson all will be remembered and emulated by those who serve and lead young people in this place.”
F. Timothy and Joan Fenton from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation were instrumental in building the lodge. Brother Fenton called the new lodge a “safe haven” for young people and their leaders. It is named, he added, after “one of the greatest Scouters of the day.”
Sister Fenton spoke of her late parents, James and Beverley Sorenson, and their shared love and admiration for both President Monson and the Scouting program.
President Monson’s son-in-law Roger A. Dibb represented the Monson family at the dedication. Brother Dibb said he recently asked the Church president if he had any advice for today’s Boy Scouts.
His response: “Learn from Scouting everything you can so you can build good character and values.”
President Monson, added Brother Dibb, “advocates Scouting because he believes in young men and knows they can make a difference in the world.”
Brother Charles W. Dahlquist, the former Young Men general president and Scouting’s national commissioner, said the Thomas S. Monson Lodge “will be a place for leaders to be trained and for youth to have unforgettable experiences that build character.”
The Primary general presidency — Sister Joy D. Jones, Sister Jean B. Bingham and Sister Bonnie H. Cordon — and the Young Men general presidency — Brother Stephen W. Owen, Brother Douglas D. Holmes and Brother M. Joseph Brough — also attended the dedication.
jswensen@deseretnews.com @JNSwensen
