Scouting DOES changes lives...

I had the opportunity to speak to all of the Bishops in my Stake today- it just so happens that my job with the Boy Scouts takes in McMinnville Stake. The purpose of our meeting was to get the executive officers trained. What would you train the bishops on if you had their ear for 30 minutes?

I started out with asking them point blank if they ever felt there was a disconnect between a campout and a good missionary? If they thought that managing the Scouting program in their wards was time consuming or cumbersome? Only two were honest, the rest were grateful the others were honest.

Jim (my boss man) and I shared a few quotes and some ideas on how to make their lives easier. Scouting isn't really there to take all their time and leave them with nothing. It's to provide them with avenues in which to share testimony of the gospel and practical life skills.

Two quotes I shared with them tonight:

The first by the General Primary President, Cheryl C. Lant. She said:

Scouting is fun and has an important purpose! Soven through all the fun is an inspired program that really works. Scouting is about learning and living the gospel. Socuitng can reinforce positive character values and leadership skills that are taught in the home. Scouting prepares boys to become righteous men who hold and honor the priesthood of God. Scout leaders have the repsponsibility to help each boy connect what he is learning in Scouting to his preisthood preparation and his future as a covenent-keeping missionary, husband, and father.

Powerful. But then get this one that we closed with.

This is not an optional program....Scouting is no longer on trial. It is an economincally, socially, and spiritually sound program. It builds men of character and spirituality and trains them for citizen and leadership responsibility. Scouting teaches a boy to take care of himself and stand on his own two feet. It is an inspired program for a demanding time. This is that time! I would to God that every boy of Scouting age could have the benefits and blessings of this great 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. - President Ezra Taft Benson, March 31, 1978.

May we soon learn to listen to the prophet's voice!

I really, truly do love Scouting. Not because it's my job either. I just love and appreciate the program. It really does help young boys become great men. I see it in my own little pack made up of 5 non-member boys. I see their little faces brim with pride when the reach a milestone. I listen to them speak to people at their door steps as they collect food and clothing for those in need. I hear them refer to their leaders as their friends, trusted friend. Do not all children need these same blessings?

Food for thought.