Church Announcement On Discontinuing BSA Varsity & Venture Programs

May 11, 2018 

Stake presidents and bishops received a letter today from the First Presidency informing them that as of January 1, 2018, the Church will no longer charter BSA Varsity and Venture programs. Included in this announcement were new program guidelines for young men ages 14-18. We encourage you to counsel together on how to implement these guidelines to bless young men. Activities should provide opportunities to be with youth, connect them with heaven, and let them lead. Please go to ymactivities.lds.org for more details.

 

Thank you for your faithful service,

 

Young Men General Presidency

2017 June - Early August Summer Camp Employment Opportunities

Church to Go Forward with Scouting Program

We continue to evaluate options that meet its global needs

SALT LAKE CITY — 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement Wednesday from the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles regarding the Church’s relationship with the Boy Scouts of America:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appreciates the positive contributions Scouting has made over the years to thousands of its young men and boys and to thousands of other youth. As leaders of the Church, we want the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to succeed in its historic mission to instill leadership skills and high moral standards in youth of all faiths and circumstances, thereby equipping them for greater success in life and valuable service to their country.

In the resolution adopted on July 27, 2015, and in subsequent verbal assurances to us, BSA has reiterated that it expects those who sponsor Scouting units (such as the Church) to appoint Scout leaders according to their religious and moral values “in word and deed and who will best inculcate the organization’s values through the Scouting program.” At this time, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will go forward as a chartering organization of BSA, and as in the past, will appoint Scout leaders and volunteers who uphold and exemplify Church doctrine, values, and standards.

With equal concern for the substantial number of youth who live outside the United States and Canada, the Church will continue to evaluate and refine program options that better meet its global needs.

2015 Friends of Scouting Information

Click for 2015 FOS Documents

2015-1-3 Eagle Court of Honor

Keep The Sacred Fire Burning

Silver Beaver Award - Utah National Parks Council - Boy Scouts of America

blog.utahscouts.org - Silver Beaver: Aaron Weaver

Friends of Scouting 2014-15

Click here to make a donation.

Mike Rowe speaks at the 2013 National Jamboree

Published on Jul 21, 2013

Mike Rowe, Eagle Scout and host of "Dirty Jobs," addresses the crowd at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve on July 20. Rowe speaks about the importance of working hard AND smart.

To become a Scout, visit http://www.beascout.org.

To learn more about Mike Rowe, go to http://profoundlydisconnected.com.

The Dirt Patrol

Mike Rowe is funny, whether he’s advocating the removal of the word Clean from the Scout Law or addressing 70,000 Scouts and Scouters as the Ambassador of the Dirt Patrol. Click on picture above to hear Mike’s thoughts on Scouting. (BTW  the auction he is discussing is closed).

You may have seen Mike Rowe, from the TV show “Dirty Jobs,” speaking at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. If so, you know that he’s all about working hard and smart, rolling up his shirtsleeves, and getting dirty to get the job done.

Here we are a year and a half after he challenged every Scout to get dirty. Whether they are clearing a camp site, fixing toilets, or helping a community recover after a disaster, Scouts work hard every day to make our world a better place.

Inspired by Distinguished Eagle Scout Mike Rowe, the “Dirt Patrol” helps recognize the acts of selfless, dirty service that makes a Scout a Scout.

Scouting leaders can recognize those who go ‘Above and Beyond’ to serve others with a Dirt Patrol patch, hat or coin available through Scout shops. There is no application or approval process for the recognition, which is awarded at the discretion of the unit leader.

Leaders are also encouraged to submit Dirt Patrol video stories at Boyslife.org. The magazine will recognize some of the best Dirt Patrol stories in a section hosted by Mike Rowe.

Mike’s passion is addressing what he calls the “skills gap,” a situation where there are literally millions of jobs in the United States but no skilled practitioners to fill them. To raise awareness—and money—for the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, he’s auctioned off Dirt Patrol memorabilia.

SO WHAT DO YOU SAY? ARE YOU READY TO JOIN THE DIRT PATROL?
Author: Darryl Alder | Strategic Initiatives Director, Utah National Parks Council, BSA

Utah Eagle Forum...For God, Family, and Country!

The Disciples of Jesus Christ are Defenders of Marriage ...as should we. This is an amazing message to all people.  This is God's message about marriage and should be shared by all people of faith.  --Gayle Disciples of Jesus Christ are defenders of marriage, said Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during commencement exercises held in the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University on August 14. "Wherever we go, you and I as disciples of the Lord bear a solemn responsibility to proclaim the will of God to all people," he said. "And one of the more demanding opportunities of our time is to stand up for the truth regarding the sacred nature of marriage." Gone are the days of being a quiet and comfortable Christian, Elder Nelson told the graduates. "Your religion is not just about showing up for church on Sunday," he said. "It is about showing up as a true disciple from Sunday morning through Saturday night — 24/7. There is no such thing as a 'part-time' disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ." A strong character is necessary for discipleship, for disciples will be put to the test, he said. "At any hour of any day, we have the privilege of choosing between right and wrong," he said. "This is an age-old battle that started in a premortal realm. And that battle is becoming more intense every day. Your individual strength of character is needed now more than ever before." Because of that, true disciples — those who are able to stand for what is right — are needed, especially those who are defenders of marriage, he said. Speaking of the divine partnership of a husband and wife, Elder Nelson said that great partnerships are dependent upon each individual developing his or her own personal attributes of character. "There is great power in a strong partnership," he said. "True partners can achieve more than the sum of each acting alone. With true partners, one plus one is much more than two." A husband and wife can form the most significant partnership of all — an eternal family. "Male and female are created for what they can do and become, together," Elder Nelson said. "It takes a man and a woman to bring a child into the world. Mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Men and women are distinct and complementary. Children deserve a chance to grow up with both a mom and a dad." As graduates go forth from BYU, they will likely encounter increasing debate about the definition of marriage, said Elder Nelson. "Many of your neighbors, colleagues and friends will have never heard logical and inspired truths about the importance of marriage as God Himself defined it. You will have many opportunities to strengthen understanding of the Lord's side of that argument by the eloquence of your examples, both as individuals and as families." Referencing the Apostle Paul's foreseeing the current circumstance, Elder Nelson spoke of the "perilous times shall come" in the last days. "After his remarkable prophecy of our time, Paul added this warning: 'Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,' " he said. "Ponder that! It means that during these perilous times, life will not be comfortable for true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. But we will have His approval. He gave us this assurance: 'Blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' " Social and political pressures to change marriage laws are resulting in practices contrary to God's will regarding the eternal nature and purposes of marriage, he said. "We cannot yield," he said. "History is not our judge. A secular society is not our judge. God is our judge! For each of us, judgment day will be held in God's own way and time. ... Man simply cannot make moral what God has declared to be immoral. Sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin in the eyes of God." The future of marriage and of countless human lives will be determined by the willingness of believers to bear solemn witness of the Lord and live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ, Elder Nelson taught. That doctrine is canonized in the Bible, when God created the heaven and the earth and man in His own image, in the image of God. "God is the Father of all men and women," Elder Nelson declared. "They are His children. It was He who ordained marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Marriage was not created by human judges or legislators. It was not created by think tanks or by popular votes or by oft-quoted bloggers or pundits. It was not created by lobbyists. Marriage was created by God." The Ten Commandments — along with revelation in the New Testament, Book of Mormon and modern revelation — forbade adultery and covetousness and commanded husbands to "love thy wife with all thy heart" and "cleave unto her and none else." Elder Nelson also spoke of true intimacy, as planned by the Creator, which is experienced only within the sacred union of a husband and wife. "It is enriched by truth and ennobled by the honoring of covenants a husband and wife make with each other and with God. It is crucial to note that full fidelity to those covenants forbids pornography, lust or abuse in any form." Elder Nelson said it is important to love others "with malice toward none, with charity for all," for "they as children of God are our brothers and sisters. We value their rights and feelings. But we cannot condone efforts to change divine doctrine. It is not for man to change." God loves His children, and if they love Him, they will show that love by keeping His commandments, including chastity before marriage and total fidelity within marriage, Elder Nelson taught. Although the "burden of discipleship is heavy," he said that disciples of the Lord will have help and protection as they stand as defenders of marriage. "The noblest yearning of the human heart is for a marriage that will endure beyond death," he said. "Complete fidelity to covenants made in holy temples will allow husband and wife to be sealed together throughout all eternity."

Utah Eagle Forum, 583 East Benbow Ave, Murray, UT 84107

Health Forms - Scout & Leader Physicals

PARENTS OF SCOUTS: In the event that you need a scout/leaders physical last minute, here is a location where you can walk in, no appt necessary for ONLY $25:

Riverwood Urgent Care
280 West Riverpark Dr Ste 120, Provo
Hours: 10a.m-10p.m. 7 days a week

Click her: Council Health & Medical Page to download current health form.

2014-JUN-14_Priest_Quorum_Super_Activity

Click Here: Manila 8th Ward Youth Shutterfly Pics

Utah National Park Council BSA Silver Beaver Recogntion

I can not believe this to be happening.  There are so many others who deserves this.  I thank those who nominated me for this recognition.  I feel I can do a lot more to help with a young man to achieve what he was sent here to do.  I thank you for this honor.

Aaron Weaver
July 12, 2014

Don't Miss The Opportunity To Come To Camp Jeremiah Johnson This Year!

Dear Cub Scout Leaders,

Don't miss the opportunity to come to Camp Jeremiah Johnson this year!  Our theme is "Adventure on the High Seas".

Here are some things to look forward to at Camp Jeremiah Johnson this summer:

• We now have afternoon sessions for Cub Scouts
• Due to the popularity of our Webelos Overnighter, a second session has been scheduled.  (LDS units can attend this.  Please email Ann Shumway ann.shumway@lflmail.org for more information
• Back by popular demand - we will have dog tags back this year. YEA!
• More days are available for Activity Day Girls and Girl Scouts
• Special Needs Day is June 9th.  We'd love to have any special needs youth attend (girls too!)
• Out of County Day on July 7th
• Sword making and an epic battle
• Astronomy Belt Loop
• Map and Compass Belt Loop
• Boats, BB Guns, Archery, Bouldering Wall and much more!

Click to download video

Here is a link to download a promotional video we hope will give you a feel for what camp will be like this summer.  We'd love to have you bring your unit.  It's going to be a great year!!

FYI - Webelos traditional day camp is being held at Webelos Wilderness Adventure at Buck Hollow.  You can get more information for this camp at this website: http://www.utahscouts.org/cub-scout-girls-camps/webelos-wilderness-adventure-at-buck-hollow/56180

On a completely different subject did you know BSA has a great STEM program for Cub Scouts?  You can find all kinds of information about it here:  http://www.scouting.org/stem.aspx.  We'll be holding our first STEM camp for 5th graders and older this summer at Camp Maple Dell.  Please help us spread the word.  It's going to be amazing!!

For any information or questions email Ann Shumway.

Ann Shumway

Jeremia Johnson Camp Director

801-437-6218

New my.Scouting Tool's New Makeover!

National Boys Scouts of America is creating a new my.Scouting site to help in showing your training completed, membership information, local calendar and other enhancements coming.  Your regular logon for training should work on this new site.  Click the link at the top of the page to review.

Cub Scout Leaders Call To Monthly Roundtable

Dear Cub Scout Leaders,

The Stake Presidency, Stake Primary Leadership and I have been working to better support, train and inspire all our Ward Primary Presidencies and Cub Scout Leaders to be adequately prepared and qualified to serve effectively in your Ward Cub Scout programs, as they assist parents in helping young boys on the path of becoming righteous priesthood holders.  Attached is a letter from The Stake Presidency expressing their feelings, commitment and support of the cub scout leaders and programs.  A key element in helping these leaders is to attend the monthly cub scout roundtable training that the Alpine District puts on each month.  Currently of the 100+ that are invited from our stake, less than 10 typically attend and 4 of them are Stake leaders. 

President Livingston has suggested that a face to face, priesthood-directed discussion, from the bishopric counselor over primary, about this letter and topic, be held with all the Primary Presidencies and Cub Scout Leaders, is the first place to start.  We urge that for at least the first few months, all of the adult leaders involved in cub scouting attend roundtable together and help develop a vision for how it can help and bless them in their callings.  After a period of time and a proper vision is established for your Ward, then a sustainable divide and conquer plan for attendance at roundtable may be sufficient.  I will follow-up with each Bishopric Counselor to get feedback on their discussions with the cub leaders and how as stake leadership we can give meaningful support.

Roundtable is held in 2014 on  the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm at the 6700 West 10400 North Highland, Canterbury Chapel   Leaders are encouraged to attend the Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow (more info will be coming in the next few months).

Our intent is truly to help your Ward Cub leaders, boys and programs. 

Sincerely

Ron Ward

Stake HC

Training of a New Young Men Leader

Dear Brethren,

We have been hard at work putting together, with inspiration from our Heavenly Father and our Stake President's blessing, a training document. The training is designed to not only jump start a new YM leader, but also give ongoing training to the new and seasoned leader. We hopefully are all students of our calling and desire to learn and grow in the gospel and in our callings.

When new YM presidencies are called we will meet with them and do additional training. I also want to extend an invitation to meet with any existing YM presidencies, who feel like additional training and counsel would help them become better leaders. In turn helping our youth to, "Come unto Christ", and better prepare them for temple ordinances. 

As always there is monthly training at roundtable. There are new and exciting changes happening at roundtable starting in January. We hope are will take advantage and attend roundtable.

Attached is the training material. We are distributing it to all ward YM presidencies and bishoprics in the stake. Please see that all advisers receive a copy also. 

To the CORs. When extending new calls in the YM organization, use this as a teaching tool as well as making them aware of their stewardship.

To all YM leaders. I ask that you use the training material in your personal study, in your YM presidency meetings, in the youth quorum presidency meetings. For as the scriptures say, let everyone learn his duty and act in all diligence. I can promise you that as you study and ponder, the Spirit will reveal to you what you should do. We will then align more with the will of our Heavenly Father, blessing not only our lives, but more importantly our families and those we have stewardship over. I have a testimony of this work. We are blessed with great men like you in this stake, and I know the Lord is aware of you and loves you.

Thank you for your dedication and service,

Shawn Lunt

Stake YM President

Click to Download PDF Document

Dear New Ward Young Men Leader:

Welcome, and congratulations on your new calling! Whether you are new to the program or are a seasoned veteran, we are excited to work alongside you as we strive to serve the great young men in the Pleasant Grove Manila Stake.

We know from experience that callings in the Young Men Organization can, at times, feel a little overwhelming! We want you to know we are here to help and support you. To assist in this process, we have implemented a new leader orientation that consists of the following:

1. A “Quick Start” Program to help guide you for the first few weeks in your calling.
   
2. An Orientation Training to be held sometime during the first month in your calling.
   
3. A follow up visit to take place within 60-90 days of the Orientation Training.
   

The “Quick Start” Program is outlined below. We invite you incorporate this program into your personal study over the next few weeks. We know that as you become a “student of your calling” and seek revelation on behalf of yourself, your family, and those you have been called to serve, that desired revelation will come. As you study the material, you m ay have questions. Wire them down and bring them with you when we meet for the Orientation Training.

Thank you so much for service. We understand that this may seem like a lot to do and study, but we know that the Lord will bless you as you study and prepare to bless the lives of the young men you are called to serve. Please feel free to call on us at any time.

Sincerely,

Pleasant Grove Manila Stake Young Men Presidency 
President Shawn Lunt
Brother Todd Stevenson
Brother Eric Teel



“QUICK START” PROGRAM

Week 1 – Overview

• Attend the temple. 
• If you haven’t already done so, obtain a training sign-in and complete the online BSA Youth Protection Training. 
• Visit with the outgoing presidency member about 
• (1) the successes and challenges they have faced and 
• (2) the young men in the quorum to which you are assigned. 
• Visit with the member of the bishopric who presides over your assigned quorum about their vision for you in your calling.
• Read the online summary of the Responsibilities of Ward young Men Presidency (and watch a few of the videos that look interesting.) 
• Read or watch “O Be Wise,” by M. Russell Ballard. 
• Seek guidance from the Spirit, identify one other action item to accomplish, write it down, then (speedily, Alma 8:18) follow through on the direction you receive. 

Week 2 – Conversion & Duty to God 

• Read the ”Aaronic Priesthood” section of Handbook 2.
  
• Read “We Must Raise Our Sights,” by Henry B. Eyring.
  
• Read or watch “Converted Unto the Lord,” by David A. Bednar.
  
• Review the Duty to God Program for the quorum to which you are assigned.
  
• Seek guidance from the Spirit, identify one other action item to accomplish, write it down, then (speedily,
  Alma 8:18) follow through on the direction you receive. 

Week 3 – Scouting 

• Read the LDS Scouting Handbook.
  
• Review the LDS Scout Leader Training Guidelines.
  
• Complete the online BSA Fast Start Training for your position.
  
• Read “Capturing the Vision of Scouting,” by David L. Beck.
  
• Seek guidance from the Spirit, identify one other action item to accomplish, write it down, then (speedily,
  Alma 8:18) follow through on the direction you receive. 

Week 4 – Teaching & Learning 

• Scan through the “Come, Follow Me” Curriculum Training Videos and view a few that appear interesting or particularly applicable.
  
• Read “My Teachers Quorum is an MTC,” October 2013 Ensign.
  
• Obtain a copy of or review online the “Teaching, No Greater Call” manual.
  
• Talk with your ward Sunday School President to find out when the next “Teaching the Gospel” course will
  be held and make plans to attend.
  
• Seek guidance from the Spirit, identify one other action item to accomplish, write it down, then (speedily,
  Alma 8:18) follow through on the direction you receive. 

Week 5 – Leadership 

• Attend the temple.
  
• Read the “Leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ” section of Handbook 2.
  
• Scan through the videos in the Aaronic Priesthood Leadership Training Library , including those listed
  under “Leadership Principles,” and view a few that appear interesting or particularly applicable.
  
• Ponder and write down any promptings you receive regarding how best to help the young men learn
  leadership and magnify their priesthood. Consider reading or watching the following: 
• “To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade of Decision,” by Robert D. Hales. 
• “Your Sacred Duty to Minister,” by David L. Beck.
• “The Power of the Priesthood in the Boy,” by Ted R. Callister.
• Seek guidance from the Spirit, identify one other action item to accomplish, write it down, then (speedily, Alma 8:18) follow through on the direction you receive. 

www.ReadyProject.com/utahscouts

2014 Boy Scout Calendar

2014 Varsity Scouts 12-Month Calendar

Varsity Scouts Calendar 2014

January

Jan 1 – No Scouts – Holiday

Jan 8 – Joint Activity (Teacher’s Quorum in Charge)

Jan 15 – Bowling

Jan 21 – Stake High Adventure Showcase (Tuesday, At A Frame Chapel)

Jan 29- No Scouts (Campout Friday)

Jan 31, 1 – Campout Gunther Cabin (Snowshoe / Service)

February

Feb 5 – Snow Cave Training (Brother Henderson)

Feb 9 – Stake Youth Fireside (7PM)

Feb 12 – Joint Activity

Feb 19 – Ski Night (Sundance)

Feb 26 – No Scouts (Campout Friday)

Feb 28, 1 – Campout Snow Cave (Mutual Dell)

March

Mar 5 – Aviation

Mar 12 – Joint Activity

Mar 19 – Cave Training (Brother Fairbanks)

Mar 26 – No Scouts (Campout Friday)

Mar 28, 29 – Campout (Goshute Cave)

April

Apr 2 – Geode Hunting Intro

Apr 9 – Joint Activity

Apr 16 – Backpacking Prep

Apr 23 – No Scouts (Campout Friday)

Apr 25, 26 – Geode Campout / Hike

May

May 7 – Water Certification

May 14 – Joint Activity

May 21 – No Scouts (Day Hike Saturday)

May 24 – Mount Mahogany Hike

May 28 – Evening Hike

June

Jun 2-7 Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Backpacking High Adventure!!!!

Jun 11 – Joint Activity

Jun 18 – Service – Mountain Clean Up

Jun 25 – BBQ Cooking Class

July

Jul 2 – Swimming Party with Mia Maids (Smith’s Pool)

Jul 9 – Joint Activity

Jul 16 – Dutch Oven Cooking Class

Jul 23 – Varsity Scout Cook-Off of Death

Jul 30 – No Scouts (Stake Camp Helaman Campout Friday)

August

Aug 1, 2 – Campout (Stake Camp Helaman)

Aug 6 – Downhill Draper Canyon Bike

Aug 13 – Joint Activity

Aug 20 – Water Gun Run 5K Prep

Aug 27 – Water Gun Run 5K Prep

Aug 30 – Water Gun Run 5K Race!

September

Sep 3 – Rock Climbing

Sep 9 – Joint Activity

Sep 17 – Rock Climbing

Sep 24 – Fly Fishing

Sep 30 – Stake High Adventure Showcase

October

Oct 1 – No Scouts (High Adventure Showcase)

Oct 8 – Joint Activity

Oct 15 - Gourmet Cooking Class (Brother Cook)

Oct 22 – Gourmet Cooking Class (Brother Cook)

Oct 29 – Make Gourmet Meal for Mia Maids

November

Nov 5 – Sword Making Demonstration

Nov 12 – Fencing Class

Nov 19 – Family History Temple Night

Nov 26 – Parent’s Night

December

Dec 3 – No Scouts (Campout Friday)

Dec 5, 6 – Bear Lake Cabin Campout (Annual Planning Meeting)

Dec 10 – Joint Activity

Dec 17 – Board Game Night and Gourmet Hot Cocoa

Dec 24 – No Scouts

Dec 31 – No Scouts

Click for Calendar Doc