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The Aims

Of course, the aims of the Boy Scouts of America is to help boys, and in the context of Venturing, all youth, develop the personal attributes of character, citizenship, and fitness. The LDS Scouting Handbook supplements this by creating a context of establishing relationships with the family and the Church and a foundation of a firm belief in God. I think that these two additional aspects are significant in the motivation and implementation of all Scouting programs within the Church.

I must note that my understanding of these aims has also evolved. Originally, I thought of citizenship in the context of civic duty. As I have looked at the idea of citizenship in the context of the Venturing experience area of citizenship, my view was broadened. I now perceive citizenship as being able to participate, function, and contribute to every group to which we belong. This extends to the family, the quorum, the ward, the school, the crew, the nation, and the world. Similarly, the aim of fitness I originally viewed in terms of physical fitness. But there is also mental and spiritual fitness. I haven't had a similar paradigm shift in terms of character, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn that I should.

In this context, then, the programs of the BSA, and in particular Venturing (for the present purposes), directly address the needs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its young men. In particular, Scouting will work to strengthen the work of quorums as they pursue the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood:

Of particular emphasis, I believe that Scouting is ideally suited for helping prepare for both family and quorum duties. This relates very strongly to the aim of citizenship. It is critical to all of the Scouting programs that the boys have responsibility and gain experience in spirituality, leadership, self-reliance, service, and preparedness (listed in the "Purpose" section of the Scouting Handbook). All of these skills are essential in helping families and quorums function properly.


next up previous contents
Next: The Methods Up: The Big Picture Previous: The Big Picture   Contents
David Brian Walton 2002-02-18
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