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

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

Varsity Team 1206 Leadership Council (Updated November 8, 2013)

2013 Fall BSA Leader-Specific Training, EDGE Training, & Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (North Star)

Download

Teachers Quorum Super Activity July 24-27 2013

Hello Everyone!  This is going to be an awesome trip and I am going to try to break it down for you as best I can right now, but you will be receiving a full schedule in about a week as we get details ironed out.   We will keep the cost down as best we can…we will cap out at 120.00 per person but trying to be around 100.00 or less.  We shall see!

There are action items to this email so I need you to let me know by tomorrow if

1)   Your son(s) are going

2)   Dad is going

We have had GREAT success with Dad’s going on these trips, last year we only had a boy or two who’s Dad was unable to come, so PLEASE feel very much invited and wanted!

Also attached is the Physical form, sections A,B, and C need to be filled out for boys and Dad’s.  I know, a real pain in the keister…but must be done. Click Here> Physical Form A B C

Here is how our schedule is shaping up…

Wednesday, July 24^th –

     Greys River Wyoming

• Fly Fishing (instruction and gear provided)
• Campout, Fireside, etc.
• Food - Dutch Oven Cooking (BBQ Chicken, Cheesy Potatoes, Cobbler), Sausages (Boys are making their own smoked sausages with Brother White the week before)
• Picture of Greys River

Thursday, July 25^th –

      Hobart Junction

• River Rafting  (Morning – we will be renting wet suits, this is a fun river, we will be doing two runs before lunch in 8-10 man rafts)
• Climbing and Rappelling (Afternoon – there is a great climbing spot close to where we will be rafting)
• Food – Breakfast Burritos (Sausage courtesy of the boys and brother white, breakfast type), Brother Smith’s world famous 12 hour spaghetti.  (He is a legend in his own mind)
• Camping Jenny Lake Area
• Picture of Hoback Rafting

Friday, July 26^th –

               

      Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole

• Hiking up and around Jenny Lake (ridiculously beautiful)
• Outdoor Activities
• Jackson Hole to see “Footloose” where Tal’s cousin, (uncle or something) is performing in the revue theater there
• Food – Breakfast Sandwiches, World Famous Mile High Pizza Pie restaurant
• Camping Jenny Lake Area
• Picture of Jenny Lake

Saturday, July 27^th

      Coming Home!

Let’s Go!!!!!

               

Charlie Smith
Varsity Scout Coach 1206

Varsity Scouts Combined YW Ice Skating Activity

Here is the video made from the ice skating activity on January 23, 2013, held at the Seven Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, Utah.

2013-June-13 Varsity & Venture Extreme Challenge

 Varsity & Venture Extreme Challenge

Saturday, June 1st, 2013

Location: PG Swimming Pool Pavilion, 570 East 300 South Pleasant Grove, UT

Times: Varsity & Venture Scouts

• 7:15 - 7:45 AM   Sign-in & Late Registration
• 7:45 - 8:00 AM   Mandatory Opening Meeting
• 8:00 AM             Start Time

Cost:  $5.00 Per Boy

List of Events: (subject to change)
Starting line... Pl. Grove Swimming pool pavilion

1. 1.6 Mile Run (Street)
   
2. 100 Sit ups, 100 push ups, 50 Pull-ups
   
3. Bike race 1.9 miles on city streets to Grove Creek Trail Head.
   
4. Archery Shoot at Grove Creek Trail Head parking lot.
   
5. Bike race approx. 4 miles on and off road.
   
6. Short run to the lake
   
7. Canoe race
   
8. Bike race 1.9 miles (Street)
   
9. Cross country run, .3 mile (Off road)
   
10. Rock Climb
    
11. Tomahawk Throw
    
12. .8 mile run on the bike path.
13. Bike race 5.2 mile (Street & off road combination) to Grove Creek Trail Head.
14. Rife shoot at the Grove Creek Trail Head.
15. Bike 1.5 miles.
16. .5 mile run up to the “G.”
17. Signal to Anderson Park with mirror
18. Orienteering at Anderson Park.
19. .3 mile street run
20. First Aid / CPR
21. approx. .5 mile bike race to the PG pool.
22. Swimming 500 yards
23. Short dash to the finish line.

This is a detailed routed description of the Extreme Challenge... 2013

1. 1.6 mile run from the swimming pool parking lot, go east up the high school parking lot to 200 South (Battle Creek Dr). Go east on 200 South to Loader Dr, (940 E) go south on Loader to Orchard Dr. Go west on Orchard to Locust Ave. Go North back to the pavilion at the pool.
2. Sit up etc. at the pavilion.
3. 1.9 mile bike race starting in parking lot go north on to Locust Ave. to 200 South (Battle Creek Dr.). Go east on 200 South to 600 East then go North on 600 East to Center Street. Turn Right or East on Center till the road make a "T"(1850 E). Go Left and continue until the road makes another "T" at 1300 East (Dalton Ave.). Go North on Dalton to 500 North (Grove Creek Dr.). Go East on Grove Creek Drive to the Grove Creek trailhead parking lot.
4. Archery is in the parking lot.
5. Approx. 4 mile off road biking. Go North on the dirt road from the trailhead parking lot. Watch the arrows. This road continues through the foothills to Cedar Hills. This dirt road ends going West at the Highway by the Cedar Hills fire department. Cross the highway, continue West on Cedar Hills Dr. to the traffic light by Lone Peak HS. Continue through the Light going West to the flagpole above the lake at Discovery Park.
6. Short run to the lake going down the paved path either direction around the lake ending at the canoes on the North side of the Lake.
7. Canoe race and short run back to the flagpole continuing the circle around the lake
8. 1.9 mile bike race from the flag pole go North on the bike path to the highway, cross the highway, go north about 200 yrds and get back on the bike path go East up the river bottoms to the highway at the mouth of the canyon. Cross the highway go west to the parking lot of Highland City Irrigation.
9. Cross country run through the gate on the north west corner of the parking lot, follow the dirt path up the hill, following the signs to the rock climb.
10. 1The rock climb straight up the cliff, don't fall. Short run back down the dirt path, cross the highway to Tomahawk Throw..
11. Tomahawk Throw
12. .8 mile run follow the bike path parallel to the canyon road, South from the Tomahawk Throw, to an Extreme Challenge Sign at Bayhill Dr. turn left or East go the church parking lot.  Switch to a bike.
13. 4 mile bike race. Follow Bayhill to the dirt road. Then follow the markings to get back to the Grove Creek trailhead in Pl. Grove.
14. Rifle shoot. Go east up Grove Creek Canyon from the trailhead parking approx. 200 yards to the rifle shoot.
15. Bike, from the parking lot go west on Grove Creek (500 North) to 1300 East (Dalton Ave.) South on 1300 East (Dalton Ave.) to 200 South (Battle Creek Dr.) Go East up Battle Creek to the top ending at Kiwanis Park, parking lot.
16. Run to the "G" from Kiwanis Parking lot, cross the bridge go through the pavilion to the “G” trail. Follow the signs to the signal mirror station at the “G”
17. Signal to Anderson Park.
18. Orienteering at Anderson Park. (approx. 950 East 100 South)
19. .3 mile run leaving Anderson Park going South on 950 East to 200 South (Battle Creek) go West on Battle Creek to Battle Creek Park (watch for the signs). 
20. CPR / First Aid.
21. From Battle Creek Park go West on Battle Creek (200 South) back through the high school parking lot to the pool to Swimming 500 yards at the swimming pool.
22. Back to the parking lot in front of the pavilion to cross the FINISH LINE.

Rules:

1. Only one member of each team will compete at a time. No single scout is expected to compete in all events. Relay as often as you need.
   
2. We do not limit the number of members which can be on a team. We simply require that all members of the team be registered with the same unit. If you have a small team (3 or less) see # 13
   
3. A wrist-band will be handed between competitors in relay fashion. If the competitor isn’t wearing the wrist band, then he isn’t officially competing.
   
4. Only one team member will compete at any one time in each event - except for the Canoe Race. For example, one scout may do as many pull-ups as he can bear, and then hands the wrist band
   to the next competitor who may continue doing pull-ups.
   
5. Helmets must be worn for the biking and rock climbing events.
   
6. Life jackets must be worn for the canoe race.
   
7. All team members must be registered with BSA and belong to the same unit. (It isn’t fair to
   recruit ringers just for this competition.)
   
8. A tour permit is recommended
   
9. Bike riders do not have the right of way We will help to control traffic, but competitors must
   be aware of changing traffic conditions around them.
   
10. Some events require special equipment or have limited bandwidth. For example, the rock climb
    can only accommodate one competitor at a time. Similar constraints exist with the canoe race, the rifle shoot, and the tomahawks throw. Scouts will compete in these events in the order that they arrive (first come, first served). Typically, teams are spread out to the point that bandwidth is not much of a problem on these events. However, if a bottleneck arises, we expect the competitors to show good sportsmanship.
    
11. The competition is timed. Even after the final foot-race is over, we must wait for the last competitors to finish the course so that we can collect the penalty sheets and calculate team rankings.
    
12. Younger scouts may participate in the older bracket, but older scouts cannot compete in the younger bracket. For example, a 12 or 13 year old scout may participate on a Varsity Team, and a Varsity Scout may compete with the Venturers. However, a Venturer may not compete with the Varsity Teams. If this is not possible, the extreme challenge staff will try to put your team together with another small team. But leadership from both teams must be presen
13. ABSOLUTELY no vehicles are allowed on the off road portions of the biking events. If equipment failure is a concern, consider sending two competitors together, so if one has equipment trouble the other may finish to the next event

Penalties:
Penalties: Each Penalty Point equals 1 min.

• Tour Permit:  If you don’t have a tour permit, your team will be assessed 1 penalty point.
• Tomahawk Throw:  One penalty point is assessed for each throw that doesn’t stick.
• Rife Shoot:  One penalty point is assessed for each missed shot. If you hit 2 bulls eyes you can remove 1 penalty point from your teams final score.
• Archery:  One penalty point is assessed for each missed shot. If you hit 2 bulls eyes you can remove 1 penalty point from your teams final score.
• CPR:  Penalty points can be assessed for steps missed. Maximum of 4 points only.
• Orienteering:  Penalty points can be assessed according to exactness of the course. Maximum of 4 points only. If done perfectly, this will remove 1 penalty point from your teams score.

Penalties for additional events will be outlined at check in the day of the CHALLENGE.

Equipment:
You must bring the following equipment in order to compete:

1. Bikes
   
2. Helmets for all biking.
   
3. Tour Permit - This event is spread over multiple cities in Utah County. We recommend
   teams obtain a tour permit, for liability and insurance purposes.
   

You may bring the following: (even though it is already provided)

4. .22 Rifle (please bring in gun case)
   
5. Life jackets,Canoe and Paddles
   
6. Tomahawks
   
7. Signal Mirror
   
8. Climbing Harness (subject to inspection by the station managers)
   
9. Bow and arrows. Basic archery equip.
   
10. Compass 

New Leader-Specific Training @ ROUNDTABLE!

Varsity Leadership Positions 2013-14

Because many times things are lost in translation from Scout to Parent (OK, almost every time), I am going to do a quick recap of our Youth and Adult Leadership.  Remember that Varsity Scouts is different than regular scouts in that we have program ADVISORS who are parents typically working with their child on key positions.  If you really want to know how it all works, check out the attached file Varsity_Scouting.

Gavin Fairbanks – Team Captain, Personal Development Program Manager, Team Order of the Arrow Representative (TOAR)

Greg Fairbanks – Personal Development Program Advisor

Preston Higbee – Assistant Team Captain, Advancement Program Manager

Charlie Smith – Varsity Coach, Advancement Program Advisor

Holden Smith –High Adventure Program Manager

Matt Haney – Assistant Varsity Coach, High Adventure Program Advisor

Jeff Allred – Communications Program Manager

Mike Allred – Communications Program Advisor

Josh Herget – Service Program Manager

Tim Hodnett – Assistant Varsity Coach, Service Program Advisor

Tal Gunther – Sports Program Manager

Bruce Gunther – Sports Program Advisor

Keaton Schoonover – Special Events/Activities Program Manager

John Schoonover – Special Events/Activities Program Advisor

Thank you!

Charlie Smith

Varsity Vision Camp Out - April 26-27th

LET ME KNOW IF YOUR SON CAN'T MAKE IT

We have an awesome opportunity to get instructed from the best Varsity Scout Leadership in the world.  Our stake is putting on a Varsity Vision Campout at the Lazy River Ranch in Nephi, and is for all the boys and adult leaders (who are program advisors or Varsity Leaders).  I need you to let me know if those dates conflict with you at all…I need to register soon.  The main instructor is Mr. Varsity Scout, and is an educator at BYU.  We will actually have a couple members of the YM General Board and maybe even a member of the YM General Presidency there with us.  Cool!

April 26-27…more info to come, but I need you to look at your calendar and let me know if you have conflicts so I can NOT register your son.  If you are a Dad and wonder if you should be going, if I sent you an email earlier today listing you as a program advisor then the answer is YES, we really want you there for sure…you will get specific training.  If you are a Dad and want to come because it would be awesome, you are invited, just let me know!

Plan on wearing at least your orange shirts, but we want you to bring your Class A as well if you still fit into it!

Charlie

2013 June 6-8 "WAHOO" Varsity Scout Centennial Rendezvous

March 2013 Stake Varsity Team News

Manila Stake - Teacher's Quorum / Varsity Team News Roundtable Tomorrow Night Hosted by the Alpine District Roundtable will be held at the usual time this month... the new "usual" time being the second Thursday at 7pm, that is.  The location for 2013 is: 10380 N 6000 W, Highland, UT 84003 (Google Maps Link) Varsity Vision Camp Update Time to Register... Online registration for our April 26-27 is now open: [Online Registration] [Online Flyer] Tip: This job would be a great one to delegate to someone on your scout committee. ;-) The cost is $10 per participant (youth and adults) and includes all food. If you have already registered, let me know. Other Upcoming Events Just so you can't say you didn't know... (Highlighted items were added since my last email.) March 23: Merit Badge Round-up (Citizenship in the World) March 23: Leader Specific Training (Council Office) April 19: Stake Youth Dance April 26-27: Varsity Vision Camp (see above) June 6-8: Varsity WAHOO [download flyer] [fees] [registration] July 8-10: Stake Trek July 19: Stake Youth Dance July 20: On Target "Temple to Peak" Aug 10: Annual Stake Aaronic Priesthood Hike Oct 19: Stake Youth Dance Online Training Aaronic Priesthood Leadership and Teaching Come Follow Me (the new curriculum) Duty to God LDS Scouting Resources BSA Online Training Other Resources (New!) March Varsity Newsletter Feb Varsity Newsletter High Adventure Ideas(Ideas provided mostly from you!) 2013 Roundtable Info Date: 2nd Thursday Time: 7pm 10380 N 6000 W Highland, UT 84003 Curtis O'Reilly Stake YM 1st Counselor Cell: 801.885.3050 curtis@theoreillys.com

Manila Stake - Teacher's Quorum / Varsity Team News

Manila Stake - Teacher's Quorum / Varsity Team News Teacher's Quorum Advisors / Varsity Coaches, I have visited several quorums to observe how the new curriculum has been going, and it has been an inspiring experience.  I have been especially impressed when I see young men participate in the teaching and bearing testimony of the principles they teach.  I am looking forward to getting to visit with the rest of the quorums soon.  If you have not already, please be sure to review the online "Come Follow Me" training (link on the right).  It really helped me gain a vision of what the new curriculum is all about.  Our young men really are capable of amazing things! I am also excited that we have almost every ward planning on attending the Varsity Vision event now.  I am also thrilled that even Pres. McAllister has carved time out of his busy schedule to join us on staff.  My hope is that through this course, we can really understand how we can best use the Varsity program to bolster confidence in our young men's ability to lead and become who the Lord wants and needs them to become. Thanks for all you do, Curtis Varsity Vision Camp Update Now recruiting staff... We have a few opportunities for youth to join us on staff.  If you have a 14-18 year old young man in your ward  (preferably an eagle scout) that loves to lead and is good at it, please let me know asap. The objective of the course is to train your Varsity Team (youth and adults) on how to use the Varsity program to build leadership skills in your young men while having fun at the same time.  It's a great way to get everyone in your unit on the same page.  The course will be held on April 26-27.  The cost is $10 per participant (youth and adults) and includes all food.  [Online Flyer] [Online Registration] Alpine District Varsity Winter Games Like camping, but colder. Feb. 22-23: Alpine District Varsity Winter Games.  [download flyer] Other Upcoming Events Just so you can't say you didn't know... (Highlighted items were added since my last email.) March 23: Merit Badge Round-up (Citizenship in the World) March 23: Leader Specific Training (Council Office) April 19: Stake Youth Dance April 26-27: Varsity Vision Camp (see above) June 6-8: Varsity WAHOO [download flyer] [registration] July 8-10: Stake Trek July 19: Stake Youth Dance July 20: On Target "Temple to Peak" Aug 10: Annual Stake Aaronic Priesthood Hike Oct 19: Stake Youth Dance Online Training Aaronic Priesthood Leadership and Teaching (corrected link) Come Follow Me (the new curriculum) Duty to God LDS Scouting Resources BSA Online Training Other Resources (New!) Feb Varsity Newsletter High Adventure Ideas(Ideas provided mostly from you!) 2013 Roundtable Info Date: 2nd Thursday Time: 7pm 10380 N 6000 W Highland, UT 84003 Curtis O'Reilly Stake YM 1st Counselor Cell: 801.885.3050 curtis@theoreillys.com LinkedIn Google Plus